the Z-monster got a bite on Tuesday. I assume that it was from a mosquito, but I didn't see it happen. Somewhere between our front door and the van, he got bitten. I wasn't too worried about it, he wasn't scratching it, and it just seemed like an ordinary bite.
Saturday afternoon while I was feeding Baby, he came and sat down by me on the couch, and snuggled up. A few minutes later he fell asleep. At that point I started to notice that he felt warm, so I called Sven over to bring the thermometer, and to take Baby. We took his temp, it was 102F. I thought it might be a good idea to give him some Tylenol, so we did. That, of course, elicited a massive tantrum which ended with the Z-monster throwing up. After that, he threw up six more times last night. He was also VERY lethargic all afternoon and evening, kept falling asleep, laying down wherever he was, etc.
While the Z-monster was throwing up (into a miraculously convenient mop bucket) I noticed that his mosquito bite was VERY odd looking. It looked like a giant blood blister. I'd never seen or heard of such a thing happening, so I called the Triage line at Children's hospital. The nurse paged the doctor who told me to bring him in right away.
We took him in, and he was seen right away. The doctors noticed some smaller petechiae on his face that I hadn't even noticed before, although when I got home and looked at the picture I took, you can see the largest one, so they were probably there. He also began complaining of a headache while there.
The first doctor that saw us left and fetched another doctor, who promptly order blood tests done for infections and for clotting problems.
The preliminary test for infection came back positive, so after debating whether to admit him for observation, the doctor gave him two shots of antibiotics, and told us to bring him back in 24 hours for another round.
Today the Z-monster seems very much his usual self. He still says that his head hurts, and is also complaining that his joints hurt. Specifically, his shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees. He requested a breakfast of oatmeal and eggs, but only ate a banana and a few crackers. So far today he hasn't eaten anything else, but he also hasn't thrown up again.
We go back to the hospital tonight for a follow-up, and more antibiotics while we wait for the results from the blood tests.
Last night I did some research, and I'm wondering if he might have
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura, which would explain the rash. I plan to bring it up with the doctors.
Thank you to WP for taking the time out of his day, and away from his guests to assist Sven in giving the Z-monster a blessing. Thank you to all of our family who are joining in a fast for his health. Thank you to everyone for your prayers.
