Motrin and 7up
Week before last we had a short, but thankfully quick, bout of a nasty stomach bug with Abby. She was completely down and missed school for two days. I was just sure that the rest of the family would be quick to follow. Somehow, we dodged that bullet.
Unfortunately while the girls were visiting with dad over the weekend, Harleigh developed a fever. It was pretty mild on Saturday, not even treatable really.. just nearing 101 degrees. On Sunday when she came home her fever spiked and stayed near 103 even with medication.
After a few hours of not being able to keep Harleigh's fever down consistently, I took her to the doctor. While awaiting diagnosis, I hear from Tyler that Abby is also now running a fever and complaining of a headache. Back at the doctor's office, we're asked if we took the flu shot or mist this year and we're told that the mist 'just isn't cutting it'. Two hours and nasal and throat swabs later, we find out that Harleigh was positive for Influenza A. The doctor suggested Tamiflu but before she prescribed it, she wanted to make very clear of the side effects most common in children...
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
dizziness, headache;
nosebleed;
eye redness or discomfort;
sleep problems (insomnia); or.
cough or other respiratory symptoms.
emotional instability
hallucinations
My alternative was to treat her symptoms with Motrin and Tylenol and allow the virus to run it's course. It was an easy decision for me, we'd continue our treatments at home and bypass taking the Tamiflu. I couldn't justify making her feel worse just to lessen her flu symptoms by one day- and that wasn't even a certainty.
Upon arriving at home, I medicate Harleigh and settle her in for the night. She mumbles with her fever about finding a hole to sleep in. Abby's symptoms are worsening. She twists and turns on the couch crying because of her headache. Motrin for Abby. Bathroom for Harleigh. Harleigh babbles about trying to find the dog. Abby twists and cries. Hold Abby's hair. Motrin for Harleigh. Cool washrag and 7up for Harleigh. Cool wash rag for Abby. Hold Abby's hair. More Motrin and 7up for Abby. A couple Z's for mom. We continued this pattern through the night. Up and down. Filling cups and wetting wash clothes. Medicating. Coddling. When 6AM came, I was already awake dreading the work day. Tyler would take the morning shift with the sicklies and I'd take the afternoon. I haven't felt this exhausted since I had a little baby in the house.
Prayers for the babies....and for Tyler and I.
Unfortunately while the girls were visiting with dad over the weekend, Harleigh developed a fever. It was pretty mild on Saturday, not even treatable really.. just nearing 101 degrees. On Sunday when she came home her fever spiked and stayed near 103 even with medication.
After a few hours of not being able to keep Harleigh's fever down consistently, I took her to the doctor. While awaiting diagnosis, I hear from Tyler that Abby is also now running a fever and complaining of a headache. Back at the doctor's office, we're asked if we took the flu shot or mist this year and we're told that the mist 'just isn't cutting it'. Two hours and nasal and throat swabs later, we find out that Harleigh was positive for Influenza A. The doctor suggested Tamiflu but before she prescribed it, she wanted to make very clear of the side effects most common in children...
Upon arriving at home, I medicate Harleigh and settle her in for the night. She mumbles with her fever about finding a hole to sleep in. Abby's symptoms are worsening. She twists and turns on the couch crying because of her headache. Motrin for Abby. Bathroom for Harleigh. Harleigh babbles about trying to find the dog. Abby twists and cries. Hold Abby's hair. Motrin for Harleigh. Cool washrag and 7up for Harleigh. Cool wash rag for Abby. Hold Abby's hair. More Motrin and 7up for Abby. A couple Z's for mom. We continued this pattern through the night. Up and down. Filling cups and wetting wash clothes. Medicating. Coddling. When 6AM came, I was already awake dreading the work day. Tyler would take the morning shift with the sicklies and I'd take the afternoon. I haven't felt this exhausted since I had a little baby in the house.
Prayers for the babies....and for Tyler and I.
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