Yet another hospital episode

Should I say, hospitals. The past two weeks was sick sick sick for many of us in the family. And I thought Aren’s febrile convulsion was the last I had to see of the ER.

The viruses were very active, that we were actually misdiagnosed the first time.

Sunday Nov28, Renzo developed sores on his hands and around his mouth. The UDMC ER diagnosed him with herpes simplex, a disease he has had when he was still a baby.

Tuesday Nov30, I developed red splotches on my back and thighs. I was given anti-itch meds and lotion.

That night, Aren and Ria developed on-off high fever. They probably caught the virus while we were waiting in UDMC. They were monitored and given paracetamol in their respective houses.

Wednesday Dec1, my rashes had spread to my neck and arms so I went to the Capitol Medical ER for some tests. I was given a medical certificate for measles and was asked to isolate myself from others, 2-3 days of bedrest.

That day, Renzo developed very bad diarrhea that he could not leave the house for further tests. Ria was taken to the pedia to be checked. She was diagnosed with the same disorder as her brother.

That night, Aren had developed rashes at his back.

Thursday Dec2, I was still on bedrest. My body was weak and I had no appetite. Renzo was taken to the National Children’s Hospital Infectious Diseases Center, where he was diagnosed to have HFMD, or hand-foot-mouth disease. This explained why he had no rashes in other parts of his body.

That same afternoon, Rands took Aren to the Valucare clinic in Capitol Medical, where, after blood test, a pedia diagnosed him with roseola infantum, and was given antibiotics.

My other nephew had been staying in our house that week, so we had to send him home that night for him to avoid the virus.

Friday Dec3, Ria had started to show the same symptoms of HFMD. She had contracted it from her brother probably for sharing a drink.

Saturday Dec4, I had my follow up at the Valucare clinic in Capitol, where a derma told me that I did not have measles all along! That I missed holding my son for three days for nothing! Although my condition was still a mystery, because my skin was very red, but the blood test did not reflect any significant disorder, except for a virus. She gave me antibiotics, steroids, and anti-itch, and scheduled me for a followup after one week.

The week that followed consisted of mainly round the clock medicines. Aren’s rashes are slowly fading. My skin is still peeling in most parts, even in my scalp!! I’ve been shedding all around the house and office, and it’s very itchy!! Ria’s and Renzo’s dried skin was tougher --- my sister said she had to use nail clipper to trim it off!! I cannot imagine!

I cannot stress this enough…… please please take care of your health. Viruses have become more mutant, and they can strike anywhere anytime, especially when your body is at is most vulnerable. Eat healthy and rest well, take supplements if necessary. Our loved ones would need us, so we have to stay healthy (and sane!) for them.