Well, our trip to the doctor this morning turned out to be very worthwhile. In spite of the long drive —an hour up and two and a half hours back courtesy of summer traffic to the DE and MD beaches— we got a diagnosis and some reassurance.
Basically, Nik has (had?) something called Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) which, though I’d never heard of it until today, is apparently moderately common; especially in kids Nik’s age. It’s some kind of vasculitis caused by either a viral or bacterial infection —or sometimes from reactions certain meds. Fortunately, for us, Nik does not appear to be allergic to either his current antibiotic —a good thing since we’re already pretty limited in what he can take— or to his seizure medication.
At this point, there’s nothing we can do, really, except manage the symptoms; he can only have Tylenol for the next few weeks because of his upcoming surgery (ear tubes put in and adenoids removed on the 30th). We just have to keep an eye on the rash and call the doc if it gets worse. Otherwise, things should resolve in a matter of a week or two —or six.
When we finally made it home, I had a raging headache and needed a nap. Niksdad took Nik out for a while to burn off some pent up energy from our long car ride. When they returned and I awoke —much refreshed —we took our little fish to my sister’s house for a swim. Forty-five minutes in the water was just what the doctor ordered for all of us!
Too pooped to care about nutrition, we had take out from Applebee’s. Nik is sound asleep and Niksdad is on his way home from Blockbuster with a movie.
I guess you could say we’re on the mend once more!
well, some relief. Yes? I’ve been thinking of you all day.
Enjoy your movie. And I hope all three of you sleep well tonight.
Ugh…three and a half hours in the car? A nap, Applebees and a dip in the pool sounds refreshing after that excursion. Glad you are all on the mend!
Brian had Henoch-Schonlein Pupura when he was around Nik’s age. With him, in addition to the rash his hand blew up like a balloon. Apparently it effect the joints. He complained that his legs hurt and he was limping. I remember being told to give him Motrin with the anti-inflammatory for the joints.
I don’t remember how long until the rash went away, but it wasn’t long.
I am glad that the doctors figured out what was up with Nik and now you can relax a bit. You deserve it!
I had HSP when I was a kid. Only I had the worst-case scenario experience with it. Even so I don’t suffer any ill effects from it today and it never recurred.
Hmm never heard of that one before. Glad to hear you’re ‘all’ on the mend. Hope the movie is a corker.
Cheers
Wow. I am so glad you have an answer so you don’t have to worry quite so much. I hope the rash goes away quickly.
Hugs. Enjoy your movie night!
Hope its a good movie! ***HUGS*** to everybody! Glad there is light at the end of the tunnel!
That all sounds really good, especially the part about Applebee’s and a movie.
Im not suprised you had a headache!
Wonderful that you have found some answers.
It is good that you got some rest. Time in the pool is also a great way to get refreshed.
Hope Nik gets feling better.
Nothing like the water to wear out and refresh!
my goodness! it must be such a relief to finally have an answer! and one that means this dreaded HSP ought to be a thing of the PAST in a few (or more) weeks.
phew! sounds like an exhausting but very important day for all!
Whew — big relief. We’ve got the seizure-meds thing going on here too, and it sure does complicate any rash that happens along! So glad you got a real diagnosis, as opposed to the dreaded “we’re not sure…”