I’m trying not to freak out, but it’s not working
Just the word will strike fear in any parent’s heart: meningitis.
No, we don’t have anyone here with meningitis, thank God. But we are supposed to be on the lookout for the symptoms and take Elsa to the ER immediately if she displays any of the symptoms.
Yes, this mommy is freaking right out.
So what happened?
The stupid Lyme disease.
From everything I’ve read, I thought two weeks was an awfully short time for a course of antibiotics for Lyme disease, but it also seemed like the standard first step.
Today Elsa woke up with a fever, she was really tried and cranky, she was crying like she was in pain. I tried to convince myself it was just a virus, but then I noticed the spot by her tick bite was really red.
I called the doctor and had her in for a visit less than two hours later.
The doctor is also hoping it is just a virus, especially because the redness around the tick bite was gone. However, she says we can’t be too safe and I totally agree. We are doing another round of antibiotics (anyone have tips for traveling by air with liquid medication that needs to be kept cold?) and taking her in for a blood test. Then we have an appointment with a specialist in infectious disease. It’s a good thing we live where we live because we know we will be getting the best possible care. The appointment is actually in Frederick, so just a half hour drive from us.
Before we left, the doctor pulled me aside and told me she had went back to her office to read some more about Lyme and saw that meningitis has a much higher incidence in children with Lyme, so she wants us to keep a close eye on her. I know it is unlikely she will get it, but after having a friend have a friend lose a 4 month old baby to meningitis just a couple of weeks ago, the consequences are fresh in my mind. It’s not something to play around with.
So there you have it. We could use some good thoughts thrown our way!
bethany actually said,
July 15, 2011 @ 5:57 pm
Oh my goodness. That would make me freak out too. The scariest part of Elliora’s hospitalization for RSV was when they tested her for meningitis, and that was before everything happened with Sammy. I will think good thoughts, say prayers, make wishes, all that good stuff!
Also, we had to keep medicine cold for one of our cats while driving cross-country once. We got an insulated lunch sack and an ice pack and just did the best we could.
yochannah said,
July 16, 2011 @ 12:13 am
In the hopes of making it a little less scary… whilst meningitis can be a terrifying thing, it’s also survivable. My sister M had terrible terrible headaches one night, when she was 2 or 3, and because mum’s a doctor she realised early on that something serious was wrong. M was sent to hospital and diagnosed with meningitis.
Today she is in her 20s and lives a %100 normal life, an officer in the army.
The fact you are aware of the possibility of it coming up probably helps immensely. I hope she stays ok though. My thoughts are with you.
Antropologa said,
July 16, 2011 @ 12:28 am
I’m so sorry to hear this!
Bring a very simple, clear note from the doctor about the medication and that it needs to be kept cold. Put it in a little insulated lunch sack with an ice pack. If TSA is afraid of your ice pack, just throw it out, and then go to a fast food place and get ice to put in a baggie to keep in there. On the plane you can get refills of ice. You will probably be okay on the medication since it’s for a kid and you’ll have a note, but you can always get the doc to call in an Rx also for where you are headed to, just in case.
Tracy said,
July 16, 2011 @ 12:59 pm
I’m so sorry you are going through this Carrie! Lots of love and prayers coming your way!
jeanette1ca said,
July 16, 2011 @ 8:22 pm
Love and hugs coming your way!