Roseola is NOT so rosy…
15th July 2007
So it turns out this multiple-day fever of Lucy’s is, indeed, Roseola. Tonight at bath time we noticed the tell-tale pinky rash on her belly and back, which follows the fever.
The fever disappeared Friday over night as quickly as it arrived Tuesday. But with Lucy still tired and rather grumpy, we’ve spent the past few days analyzing every single action of hers wondering if it was the mystery illness (bladder infection? inner ear infection? flu? mad cow disease?) finally revealing itself. As much as it sucks Lucy now has the yicky-but-harmless-not-bothersome rash, I’m thrilled we at least know what the heck has been going on the past almost week.
Here’s what I’ve learned since last Tuesday night, including two visits to walk-in clinics:
- Mom Instinct is a very powerful tool
- Lucy suddenly HATES having her ears checked out, screaming, crying and thrashing whenever the light-up scope comes near
- she was so pissed visiting a second clinic in two days that when we walked into the exam room she dropped her cherished Snack Catcher and burst into tears
- always pack a baby thermometer while traveling
- take baby’s temperature before administering drugs, so that when countless nurses, doctors, family and friends ask how high the fever is (vital knowledge when diagnosing), you have an answer other than: “She was red. And, um, burning. Oh, and sweaty. Yes, definitely sweaty.”
- make a list of local walk-in clinics and hospitals while traveling. This is invaluable information at 3 a.m.
- think twice about sending a toddler who’s been out of her routine for the past week to her grandparent’s just one night after returning from holidays — especially when said toddler has been sick. I really underestimated how ornery this would make Lucy, even if we did get a TON of packing done
On a side note, why did every health professional I saw ask if Lucy was my first child? What does this have to do with the fact it’s been more than 36 hours with a searing (sweaty!) fever in a toddler? I’m not sitting in your waiting room for an hour because she stubbed her toe, for goodness sake.
Because the rash is present, Lucy is understandably not allowed at daycare so will be home with me Monday. In a way I’m kind of grateful because I’ve been so worried the past week, it will be nice to have a normal day just the two of us to enjoy each other.
(I’m again exceedingly grateful for a flexible work schedule and understanding boss, plus Eric will stay home Tuesday if the rash is still present).
Possibly related posts:
Poor Lucy, hope she feels better soon!
Maybe they asked about other kids at home to see if they had any symptoms or exposure to illnesses that might help with diagnosis? I don’t think it was to question your parenting skills!
And ya, I second mominstinct. My ped goes heavily by that too.
Carly,
That’s funny. Carl was sent home from Daycare on Tuesday with a fever and the rash showed up on Friday night. The family doctor said it was a viral infection. The walk in clinic said it was Roseola. Carl was seen by the walk in clinic after the rash showed up.
Funny thing is, Carl goes to a Daycare Center, which is very strict about allowing sick children into the center. The doctor said that he could not give this to anyone and the Daycare center had no problem accepting him this morning – And they know he has Roseola.
I wonder if Roseola is going around??
I can see both sides on the daycare front, really. Knowing Lucy isn’t contagious is one thing, but if I was another parent knowing a baby came to daycare with a weird rash, I think I’d be freaking out. It’s hard to say until you’re on both sides.
I did email Daycare Debbie a ton of stuff about Roseola that she could distribute to parents. But it’s still her home (and unfortunately she and her husband are still getting over a nasty bout of bronchitis that a child brought into the centre after a parent said her child was just fine — so that didn’t help our case).
I’m happy to say, though, that Lucy very giddily went out the door with Eric this morning to go to Debbie’s. The rash is gone and she was in a great mood. Which means I’m FREE today and maybe did a little dance when the door shut and it was just me and the dog.
MAYbe I did…
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