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Diagnosis: Adult Eczema

Posted on December 21, 2009 10:32 pm by TheAngelForever

There are days that I wonder exactly how old I am. Some days I feel young, while there are other days that I feel ancient. On a recent "emergency" trip to the dermatologist, it made me question just how old I really am.

Rewind to June when family was in town for my mother’s big birthday party. During the day, before the party, my parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece, JSL and I went to the cemetary. We went to see Papa S’s grave and check on things. We decided not to move the cars and walked over to where my Nana and Papa are, along with other members of her family. It was not a particularly long walk, but the terrain was rough and overgrown in areas. By the time we were done, I was itching my legs. With sensitive skin, I did not think too much of it.

A few weeks later, I noticed I had a little rash on my leg and it itched horribly. I used some cream on it and it got a little better. This happened over and over again during the summer months. When my electric shaver died, it really made my leg a mess in that area. Sensitive skin and real razor blades do not mix. Thank goodness I finally replaced my electric shaver the other day.

In July, I went to the dermatologist for a skin check. Being so fair skinned, it was time after over a decade without one. I showed him my leg and he said it was not ring worm (my fear from years of teaching), but was eczema. I was told to use some OTC items to help and call if it was not better.

School started, H1N1 ate up another 2 months and then it was December and my leg was a mess. I was up at night because it was so itchy and nothing helped. It was getting more inflamed and bothersome. With a little nudge from my sister-in-law, I made an appointment to see the dermatologist. I was shocked when I was told they had a cancellation with the PA for that afternoon. Thanks to NHL going to Chess Club, I was able to take the time.

The PA was really sweet. Of course, she wanted to know why I ignored the problem for so long. Then she looked at JSL running around the room and figured it out.

I told her time just flew by, things happened and finally I had enough. She told me I had horrible eczema in that area. Something at the cemetary may have bothered the area initially. Shaving allowed it to continue and lack of proper moisture made it itch. Scratching only made it worse. I was handed a prescription and told that if things were not significantly better to call back in two weeks.

As I went to the car, I laughed. Here I was just 33 years old and getting treated for eczema. Oy! Now I guess we know where the boys have gotten it from. Of course, theirs never got as out of control as mine did. Tis the story of a Mama’s life.

Tomorrow, I have to head out to get moisturizer for my arms and legs since the winter is zapping everything out of my already dry skin. So if anyone has any suggestions for good fragrance free body lotion, please let me know.

Categories:
allergies doctor looking back me moments photos vent

A snowy birthday to remember

Posted on December 10, 2009 3:54 pm by TheAngelForever

Each of us probably has a birthday that we will always remember. I have several of those from my childhood, when I first met TechyDad and as a mother. Yesterday, I added another memorable one into the group.

As if turning another year older is not enough, add being sick. My Neti Pot and I became very good friends by the end of the day. I was up most of the night not feeling well. Poor TechyDad was up with me and felt lousy in the morning. He had a headache and sore throat. He called in sick to rest up and try to feel better. Then there was the snow. The reminder of winter and the frigid months that are ahead came back fast and furious. The 1-2 inches turned into at least 5-6 inches of very heavy/wet snow.

NHL’s school was closed, along with pretty much every other school in the area and beyond. The two little guys were anxious to get outside. Too bad TechyDad and I were not feeling as excited about it thanks to illness. To delay going out TechyDad got the boys to give me my birthday presents. The boys gave me a Snuggie since I am always freezing in our house as we attempt to save the planet and cut costs. TechyDad had already bought me the "Forget Me-Knot" charm for my Pandora bracelet. In addition to this, he gave me a subscription to Picnik Premium. I had been toying with this for a while, but he splurged and now I get to play.

After breakfast, we found all of the snow gear so the boys went out. TechyDad focused his attention on the roof. He raked the snow to try to avoid the ice damn issues of the past few years.

Meanwhile, the boys had fun. NHL kept pegging JSL with snow and eventually the little guy caught on and did some sneak attacks on him. Once TechyDad was done with the raking and sidewalk in front, he helped the boys to make a snow creature and sled down the street for a few rides. Here is a photo show I created using Picnik.

"Picnik Show"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

When the boys came in, they were soggy and cold. So hot chocolate came out and then it was time for lunch. Eventually, TechyDad figured it was best to get our cars out from under the snow. NHL went outside to help Daddy. Meanwhile the little guy and I set out to bake a cake. We had planned on going out for a nice birthday dinner and then to have cake with my parents. Since I felt awful and so did hubby, we asked for a raincheck.

While the cake was baking, I heard a scream of "Oh no!" come from outside the window by my laptop. I looked outside and saw TechyDad grab NHL and scream to me to come to the door quickly. I ran and grabbed tissues expecting something to be bleeding. By this point, NHL was howling in pain. The boys were digging out the driveway together. NHL walked in front of hubby as he was looking down. TechyDad did not know he was back there and lifted up a big shovel of snow just as NHL bent down. The shovel got NHL right on the outside edge of his eyebrow.

When they arrived at the door, there was blood all over the place (faces are brutal like that). I grabbed more tissues (could not find gauze). We removed the pressure for an inspection. I could see there was a deep gash. Still in my PJ’s, I called my mother. She came to our rescue. While TechyDad finished getting his car uncovered, I got NHL ready to go to the ER. He was in a panic because of past stitches history (and removal). The boys picked up Nana on the way.

Long story short, they went to a new ER and it was a good experience. The people there were amazing and in the end NHL did not need stitches. They were able to use glue to put the skin back together. Now we just have to be careful to watch for an infection and to make sure it holds. We go back to the doctor on Monday for a check to see how things are going.

So after that eventful day, I used my Neti Pot (with an audience amazed to see the magical event) before bed and curled under my flannel sheets to bid adieu to my birthday for 2009.

P.S. TechyDad wrote about yesterday here. He has photos from the ER and of my cake right before we ate it.

Categories:
bad news birthday doctor jl jsl my boys nhl ouchie photos TechyDad vent winter

A whole new dental world

Posted on December 8, 2009 10:09 am by TheAngelForever

Imagine going to a dentist and not wanting to leave their office. No really, this does exist at least for my children. Growing up, I went to a pediatric dentist. He had a fun office with video games upstairs in the waiting room, and more fun downstairs. There was even music to listen to if you needed to have something worked on. I still remember listening to music and then realizing that if I opened my eyes and looked at the reflection in the light I was able to see what was being done – yikes!

The boys have been going to the dentist since they had teeth. Actually, for JSL he has been going longer. His first appointment was when he was only weeks old. Thanks to this experience at the office and watching TechyDad and I at the dentist, the boys are pretty good about dental visits.

Of course, the office that we go to certainly helps. Aside from having three amazing dentists that are fabulous with the boys, the office is just plain fun to go to. I wish I had time to explore more of the fun and games each time, but the kids won’t let me. Here is a little tour. Sorry for the quality of some of the photos. A few were taken with my cell phone before I bothered to take my camera out of the bag.

Before we are called back into the room, JSL plays in the kids gaming area. There are several stations set up with video games. I am particularly intrigued by the touch screen option that has a bunch of educational games, but JSL had no interest in that. He preferred to "play" Mario Kart.

Then it was time to play with some other options. He also enjoyed the other area that has a giant ball maze on the wall (not shown). This kept him quite busy until we were called back.

When we were called back, JSL was NOT happy. He cried and showed all of us just how nicely his lungs could project his protests. He also looked at me and told me that they were going to eat him. Not sure where this is coming from, but it is a new phrase we hear all the time (may explain the nightmares too). When we got into the room, the woman quickly put a movie on above the dental chair. Here check out the view:

Not the best of movies, but Dora kept him quite happy. See, here is happy JSL waiting to see the dentist.

The little guy is used to the routine here. What is not to like here? The rooms are colorful, cheery, big, and have movies to keep the kids occupied before, during and after the exam. Most of the dental equipment really blends in and the kids (and parents) hardly focus on it at all.

When the dentist came in, JSL was great. He opened his mouth nicely and let him do the exam. He mentioned that, according to the report from the other dentist (6 months ago), it looks like JSL’s binky bite is correcting itself. He asked if JSL was using his binky less. Yes! We had gotten rid of it, but illness allowed it to sneak back for our sanity. Dr. J was not worried in the least. He said to keep up what we’re doing with the less binky, great brushing and fluoride drops. Of course, when he asked JSL questions there was no answer. The little guy was a little too involved with Dora.

After his exam, they agreed that we would do another cleaning. Last time JSL shocked all of us and allowed a full teeth cleaning with no protest. So the hygienist came in and JSL was pretty good once again. The teeth were polished, spaces flossed (we need to do that more with him), and the fluoride brushed onto his pearly whites. Since the little guy was asking for water, we opted to stay and play a few more games to stretch the time. After the fluoride is put on, there is not eating/drinking for 30 minutes. Here is where the little guy went to:

Eventually, it was time to leave. There was much protesting, but I reminded JSL that we were off to pick our a new Hot Wheels car for being such a great big boy at the dentist. Special thanks to Dr’s N, J & J for having such a fabulous practice for the kiddos to learn about proper dental care. We will see you in a few months for NHL’s next visit.

Don’t you wish you could go to a fun dentist like this too? I know I’m pretty jealous of my two boys!

Categories:
doctor fun health awareness jsl kid talk looking back photos

Febrile seizure #4 and ER

Posted on October 29, 2009 5:10 pm by TheAngelForever

Frazzled – that would describe the way I feel right now (so remember that when reading this). I am just back from the ER with the little guy. Just thinking about the events has me scared, unsure and crying. Here is a quick bullet list of things:

Went to school this morning to pick up work for NHL (he’s been home all week with what we think is H1N1).
When I got home the boys were running around, screaming, yelling and playing nicely. I decided to pay bills because the companies are not sympathetic about flu. I was just about to pay the ER visit bill from September when JSL fell on concrete when he came to get me to change his diaper.
We went to the diaper changing station. I picked him up and he made a strange noise. He wold not let me put him down. Suddenly I noticed that his eyes were completely glazed over and he was looking right through me. My heart sank.
JSL’s body tensed up, his eyes fixed over and I knew he was seizing. I quickly felt his body and it was burning up.
I screamed to NHL to get a phone for me. Luckily I had my cell phone in the pocket. As I looked at my lifeless baby in front of me I called 911. This was the first time I was alone for a febrile seizure.
JSL stopped breathing and I started to turn blue/gray. I was about to do rescue breaths on him when he started to twitch a little. I told the 911 dispatcher that I had to go and call my father to come to watch my older son home with the flu.
Dad rushed over and was here right about when EMS arrived. I called TechyDad after I got off the phone with Dad. I guess he never heard that it was JSL and just knew we were likely heading to the hospital.
I carried JSL to the living room and waited for the EMS. They arrived and he was barely upright. We put him on the couch and he refused to open his eyes. He was not responding. Even my father said he has never seen JSL like this after a febrile seizure. It scared the heck out of me.
We went to the ER by ambulance and I listened as they tried to get an IV line into my baby. He screamed. They apparently got it in, but he pushed past three adults on top of him and it came out.
Once again we went back to the ER that I love to hate. We took his temperature there and it was 103.3 at that time. He got Tylenol and threw that up within 5 minutes. Motrin was given soon after and that stayed down.
The resident came after what seemed like forever. He did a thorough exam. The attending doctor came quite a while later, saw JSL gagging (after trying Tylenol again) and said to keep him longer for observation. He NEVER touched my child.
Our doctor’s office called and asked if they were doing blood tests. I told them no. I pretty much demanded it and was told nope, he’s fine. HELLO – my child has Motrin and Tylenol in him. He is not fine.
So we left with no answers. It may be the flu shot from Monday, could be a virus, or could be bacterial. No idea and just told to give him more fever reducers to keep his temperature down. I have flashbacks of April when we left the ER with no answers and he had another febrile seizure the following night (2 in 30 hours).

On that note I best be off to wake the little guy. It is time for more Motrin.

Categories:
doctor jsl looking back losing my mind sick kid

Finally a flu shot and illness galore

Posted on October 26, 2009 8:43 pm by TheAngelForever

Last Wednesday, I finally received a phone call from our doctor’s office telling me that they had the pediatric preservative free seasonal flu shots in for JSL. The rest of us had our at the end of August and September. We opted to wait to have the shot today since the nurse that is the best at doing vaccines was in today. So bright and early this morning JSL and I went to the doctor’s office. The office was pretty quiet, although the phones were ringing off the hook.

When my father heard that I was heading there, he asked me to inquire about him getting a flu shot. So, I was the good daughter and asked. The receptionist nearly laughed at me. She told me that they have not had any in quite some time and have a list of about 700 people waiting for them! Was she exaggerating? Who knows. All I can say is, I really hope my father can secure one at another location and thank goodness the four of us are now immunized.

After JSL had his flu shot, I asked the nurse about the H1N1 vaccines. Our office still has not received any (family practice, not pediatricians office). Then she asked if I was on the list. I told her that I assumed we were since I have asked several times about them. WRONG! The words that I often use came and bit me in the butt! "Never assume anything!" Oy! We are now at the bottom of page four on the H1N1 vaccine list. When I asked if there was going to be a system as to how they would vaccinate people on the list, I was told they were not sure yet.

I’m not trying to push my kids to the front here, but a 30-60 year old person should not be getting this vaccine over children and pregnant women (I am NOT in that category). I know in August the doctor told me that they would be giving only pregnant woman and children the shot and she told me I would not qualify until a major surplus was around, even with my asthma.

Fast forward to this afternoon.

I went into NHL’s school to drop off some juice for the school Halloween party on Friday. While in the office, I stopped to collect the Box Tops For Education. The secretary stopped the principal from talking to tell her something. There were 66 children home sick today. Something to note, my son’s elementary school is pretty small. There are 271 children in grades PreK-6. Our area is really getting slammed with cases of H1N1 in the last week, especially kids. I cringed and went outside to wait for NHL.

NHL came out of school and something caught my eye. He looked horrible. His eyes had big rings around them and they were glassy looking. He immediately told me that he had a headache. As we walked to the car, he was coughing some. This was not a good sign since it was pretty much the same symptoms I had in what they are 99% sure was H1N1. I immediately sent a message to TechyDad that I was heading to the pharmacy to pick up Tamiflu for NHL. A prescription had been called in for him 2 weeks ago when JSL got the bug.

We went to the pharmacy to pick up the Tamiflu, new thermometer and some other items to give to a sick kiddo. On the way there, NHL almost fell asleep in the car. He was barely responsive and his head was really warm. When we were done getting everything, I put the boys into the car and opened up the thermometer to check NHL’s temperature. Sure enough, it was high for him. When we got home, I cooled him down and tried it again – even higher. I gave him Motrin and it got his temperature down. Tonight, TechyDad and I have noticed that he is coughing a little more. We are waiting to start the Tamiflu at this point, but have it in case we need it in the middle of the night.

NHL will definitely be home from school Tuesday, adding to the number of kids absent at school. It will be interesting to see how the school reacts to all of the sick kids. Now, we must just sit back and watch to see how NHL’s symptoms go. My biggest fear is his asthma and the fact that he did have a febrile seizure when he was almost one.