What Is Wrong With An Overactive Imagination?

The past couple of weeks I have been dealing with something I thought I would never, ever have to deal with; my 16 year old being in trouble at school. She has never been in trouble at school.  Not even detention!

 

I cannot get into the details, but suffice it to say, she is in "deep shit".  Yes, I said a bad word...as this is the only word that seems to express what is currently happening.

While my children are not perfect by any means, I do think the school system overreacted and now we are dealing with the consequences.

This child has had problems since she was little.  Not very expressive, likes to keep to herself, not very talkative (which I think is fine).  These by themselves aren't real "issues", but you put them with slow language learning, speech problems and attention issues; she gets very close to someone with a mild form of Autism.

I am not saying she has Autism, but some of her mannerisms and things she does reminds me of children and adults with mild Autism. 

 

One thing she has 'always' done:  When you punish her, she just looked/looks at you with an evil stare.  When I used (I don't use it anymore) corporal punishment, it didn't work, she wouldn't even cry. She does show emotion, but rarely and she is very attached to me; sometimes obsessively so.

Now, she has been in Special Education since 4th grade and even the Special Ed teachers noticed her "overactive imagination".  It is noted in her file.

 

So why is she in trouble for this supposed issue they already knew existed?  Well, because once the administration gets involved, it doesn't seem to matter what teachers and other experts say; they want to burn the poor child at the stake.

 

Why is an "overactive imagination" a problem now-a-days?  When did children stop being children; especially when one that is already a little different? 

 

She is a sweet girl, very loving; but she is more like a pre-teen in a 16 year old's body.  While she is very intelligent when it comes to computers; she does lack the social and emotional skills most of us have.  As her mom, I pray this doesn't scar her more than the bullies and administration at her school have already done! 

My daughter's imagination is a GIFT and I wish all the nasayers would all go to H-E-L-L!

 

Check out this article that I absolutely love about having an "overactive imagination", written my James at Men with Pens.

 

 

Technorati Tags: overactive imagination,autism,social issues,children

Nothing Too Serious, But Still...

I swear if my children didn't come down with some of the strangest illnesses my life would be so very boring.  At least they (my children) seem to offer a certain amount of "excitement" to my life. 

 

LO

My 11 year old daughter Lo started with some chest pains Saturday afternoon just before soccer.  No, she wasn't nervous or anxious.  Thankfully she doesn't get that way, but apparently it was really bothering her during her game.  I wasn't there, this information was relayed to me later, when she and my husband came home.  Anyway, she had to be pulled out of the game, so I know the pain was pretty intense.  Lo does NOT stop playing unless she absolutely has too or if she is on her death bed.

I was a little concerned because she did look overheated when they got home.  I made her rest for a while, drink more fluids and even put ice on her neck since her heart seemed to be racing a bit.  None of these things helped.  I had her take some ibuprofen, no help either.

At this point, kind of at a loss, but still not too worried. 

Now I am thinking allergies!  I had her take her allergy meds, nothing.  Hmmm, she kept complaining about this pain at night.  It is worse at night!  Reflux?  Could she be having some type of allergic reaction?  Nope!  No amount of antacids worked or allergy meds.  Well, I am totally baffled.  She is not sleeping well and the pain is pretty intense at times.  She complained of it being a stabbing type pain.

I decided it was time for a doctors visit yesterday.  Thankfully we were in and out of there in an hour.  She was easily diagnosed!  Costochondritis

I know, what the heck is Costochondritis?  Well, it is inflammation of the cartilage, where the ribs attach to the sternum (breast bone).  Only my daughter!  No, there is no specific cause; either overuse, allergies, virus...basically anything goes as far as the cause. So now she just has to rest, can't get too much exercise (yeah right) and take ibuprofen.  If she isn't better in a week they want to do an xray.  I am sure she will be fine, but this is just nuts isn't it?

 

Chels

On a GREAT note; my daughter Chels who had all kinds of inflammation and other symptoms that no one has been able to diagnose is feeling a bit better.  Her knee is doing well and although she is still experiencing occasional inflammation all over her body, we are learning how to handle it and treat it accordingly.  Recently she had what we thought was an intestinal virus.  I noticed though she was also having some rib pain again (Pleurisy).  I told her she needed to take the Prednisone just to see if it would help.  I had a hunch her intestinal issues may be another for of inflammation in her body.  Well, after taking the Prednisone she miraculously felt better. 

Hmmmm, I wonder if we are on to something here?

 

Technorati Tags: costochondritis,lo,chels,children,illness

My Daughter: Her Knee

Chel is still having problems, although, in the scheme of things, better than before.

The Chondromalacia Patella has not improved, yet I cannot say for sure if that is my fault of poor Chel's body?!  I will elaborate!

 

Good Mom/Bad Mom?

She is supposed to be receiving physical therapy to add in strengthening one side of her knee and until this week I just couldn't afford to send her.  It isn't necessarily expensive, but with everything that has been going on, an extra 20-30 bucks a week to visit the physical therapist was just a bit too much.  Because of this, Chels has had to wait and we have not been able to find out if the therapy will actually work.

On one hand I feel like a complete failure as a parent, on the other, I know it was either therapy or giving up something else, such as prescription drugs, food or gas.  Which one too choose?

Now, Chel has been moving around and trying to get as much exercise as her knee can handle, so it isn't like she sits on her butt all day; unfortunately, because school can be difficult for her to maneuver, she has missed quite a bit and it is causing her grades to suffer.  I personally feel she would have A's and B's right now, instead of C's and one D if it weren't for this problem.

I will be contacting physical therapy and her doctor today to see what we can do; hopefully the therapy will help and she will feel better in a couple of weeks.

 

Technorati Tags: knee pain,chondromalacia patella,chels,therapy

WTF? Teenagers Moody? Nawwh!

Please allow me to get through one morning without having to yell, fuss, or act in any such demeanor which is beneath me...*chuckle*.  Yeah, right; like that is going to happen with a teenager in the house.

For the past few mornings I have had the lovely pleasure of hearing my now 14 year old fussing at her siblings as though she is "The Almighty Mom". 

Nope, only room for one of those in the house....

And it is Moi, Me, Myself and I...Not HER! 

She is a good kid, but damnitall; can't she just be nice, for ONCE?  As soon as her feet hit the floor, I swear the mood regulator fails; if there ever was one. 

"Lo, get up!  It is time to get up!  Stop laying there Lo, why aren't you listening?  GET UP!," says the 14 year old mother of all.

"Little man, wake up!  No, you can't do that, you are not allowed!  Little man STOP THAT!", says the mean 14 year old again.

Of course Lo yells back at her, but it does no good; except get me riled up.  You would think they could let the "Almighty Mom" sleep in.  It isn't like I have a responsibility to take care of them after all; they are old enough, right?

Oh, wait, they haven't hit 18; shucks, I was hoping on an early reprieve. 

---------SIGH---------

 

On a totally off topic side note, I think I will be implementing something new for each day of the week like I see other blogs.  I haven't come up with what to do for Tuesday quite yet, but you will know when I know! 

 

Technorati Tags: children,teenagers,moods,siblings

Where Have I Been?

I want to thank everyone who has been stopping by even though I have not been here lately.

Most already know what "Spring Break" can be like; so the kids have definitely kept me busy with the "Mom, take me here, take me there" requests. The kids keeping me busy is not an excuse; just a fact.

What has really kept me from writing is ME.

My hubby was in a car accident last Thursday that totally through us for a loop. If every there was an accident to learn from, this one is it. He was drinking a smoothie, it fell and instead of just waiting until he was able to stop, he looked down for a brief second to pick it up off his leg. In that split second, all traffic suddenly stopped in front of him.

He wasn't even aware and he had no time to react; he didn't even get the chance to hit his brakes. Thankfully the couple he hit were okay and their vehicle only had some minor bumper damage. They even called us that evening to make sure my hubby was doing well. I thought that was very sweet.

While his injuries are minor, the repairs will not be minor. If we had full coverage insurance on this vehicle I am pretty sure they would have totaled the poor car. Not because the damage is so extensive, just the age and mileage of the vehicle.

The initial estimate to repair my husband's 1996 Cobra SVT; $5600. We have now found that this estimate was very high and not accurate. While quite a few items need repairing, thankfully it isn't going to be as much as initially thought. Here are a few pictures, taken with my brother in-law's camera phone:

I am constantly having to remember I cannot plan anything because hubby has to have the car for work, school and his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes. His work is over 30 minutes away, so driving him back and forth to work is just not feasible; especially with a work schedule of 7pm to 7:30am. The gas alone would kill our budget.

Let me tell you; while air bags are wonderful at saving lives, don't ever think they are safe. He was in a relatively slow crash (he had not even put the car in third gear), yet when those air bags came out, the driver's one caused a nasty 2nd degree burn (really close to third degree). The skin came completely off one spot on his forearm and was bleeding. As I stated though, minor in comparison to what could have happened. His eye glasses were knocked off his face. Hubby's face was pretty bruised too.

After seeing what these air bags can do, I am even more adamant about not allowing my children to sit in the front passenger seat.

All in all, I am very thankful no one was seriously hurt. I don't think hubby will be driving with a smoothie any time soon.

Technorati Tags: car accident,postings

Organizing The Kids Room

Have you ever walked into your kid's room and wondered what died in here? Or how about when you attempt to enter their room and you either trip over stuff on the floor or step on something and end up saying so not so nice words because your foot is killing you? Well, the last few months have been pure H-E-double hockey sticks (I try to keep it clean: sometimes).

So I mentioned in this post I am currently working on my daughters' room. Boy did it need some work. Well, I finally have a before picture.

Check these out and these are just part of the room:

While letting my children's room become like this is rather embarrassing, I do know I am not the only one who has issues dealing with their children cleaning their rooms. I also know getting a teenager and pre-teen to work together in this venture is almost impossible.

Image, just for a minute: Bull vs. Matador Get the picture? Well, 14 year old and almost 12 year agreeing on anything when it comes to cleaning their room is like that:

I found this picture (via Google images: crossingwallstreet.com), which so eloquently shows my dilemma with the girls.

So, even though I have felt like crap, I have been helping them get their room organized and clean. What a huge undertaking, but it definitely needed to be done.

This picture is from yesterday, which shows the bed in a different position. As you can see of course, the room has yet to be finished.

I worked on their room a bit today, boy what a difference. How do they manage to get it this messy? I just do not understand.

Sorry these pictures aren't the clearest. I had to use my cell phone camera because I cannot find the charger to my expensive digital SLR camera. I think I left it somewhere; because it is no where in this house. I know, how dare me!

I will post more pictures later of the progress. Just know, it is starting to look really good and I am excited to finally get their room looking, not only the way I like it to look, but the way they want it to look.

The girls will even get new curtains and such. Spring is in the air and I am feeling frisky...oops, sorry, that is for another post! *snicker*

Technorati Tags: spring,organizing,kids room,children

Feeling Blah

I was hoping to get that before picture uploaded from my kids room but I had my daughter Chels home again today because of her knee and I am just not feeling well.

While I am sure you can relate; I hate giving in to this feeling.  I just need a bit more sleep and I think I will be OK.

The picture and their room is just going to have to wait until tomorrow; see ya then!

 

Technorati Tags: tired,feeling blah

Spring Has Sprung

I love, love, love Spring!  Did I say I L-O-V-E, LOVE Spring? 

Oh, sorry I did!

Well, while I love the weather that we have had this weekend, it also brings out the need to change my house and clean.  Which of course means additional work.  Ugh, do I really have to work more?

Now, I haven't gotten to the actual Spring Cleaning quite yet, but I am getting there.  What I have started is the moving and organizing of items, furniture and in particular, my children's rooms.  It is amazing what they can accumulate in the their rooms in a short period of time.

I am weeding through their clothes, hanging new curtains and blinds and the girls have already rearranged some of their furniture.  Thankfully they do some of that heavy work and leave me to the lighter work.  They are extremely helpful!

Tomorrow, after I have checked if I have a new projects available; I will be working on their room again to try and help.  I do not really like them concentrating too hard during the week on a lot of chores.  I think kids really should be worried about homework and studying, not rearranging their room. 

Don't get me wrong; they do have chores.  I just do not think they need to be bogged down by chores during the week.  Grades are extremely important!

Once we get their room all fixed up, I will take some pictures.  Actually, I think I will take some before shots tomorrow and then once the room is finished...an after picture will be posted.

I love redecorating!  Woohoo!

 

Technorati Tags: pre spring cleaning,organizing,redecorating

Revisited Continued

I left off yesterday discussing that first visit to the doctor's office and them not really finding anything other than a possible virus; but definitely not the flu.

 

The First Night of Pain

Chels of course stayed up and I tried to keep her comfortable.  By dinner time she was in so much pain she cried and whined.  Now, this is not the type of whining and crying where you tell a child to hush and they stop.

This crying had that, "Mom, please take this pain away" type sound.  The type of cry that pleads for someone to help.  Yet there was nothing I could do!

I did call her doctor and upon discussing the situation, we decided we would take her back, again in the morning.  So, I did.

What The Doctor Thinks

This visit actually provided more information; but still no diagnosis.  Her pediatrician noted that her joints were slightly swollen, some were warm to the touch and upon manipulation Chels was in quite a bit of pain.

Not only were your toes, fingers, knees, neck and head hurting, but the muscles in her legs were also painful.

At this point the only choice the doctor felt we had, was to do extensive blood work.  Not only did they test for Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, but her doctor requested that Chels's blood be tested for Epstein Bar Virus (EBV), Cytomegalavirus (CMV) and I think that there was another one but not sure. 

After the blood was drawn, we (Chels, me and the doctor) had a discussion about what we should do next.  Her doctor decided to make Chels an appointment with a Pediatric Rheumatologist and we were left to go home and wait.

Watching your child in pain and having to take high doses of ibuprofen is not fun, but by that Friday Chels was feeling somewhat better.  Although most of the symptoms had eased up, they were totally gone.

By the time we found out Chels's blood results (which were negative) and she visited the Rheumatologists; the worst of the symptoms had subsided.

Isn't that always the case?  Our vehicles normally are the ones that act up then do not show any signs of problems when we take them to the mechanic. 

I was very happy to have Chels feeling better, but that didn't help with getting a diagnosis.

 

Her Knee

Right now we are dealing with her knee giving her problems.  While we do not know yet if her current knee issues are related; I do know they are bad.  Chels will go to school and by the time she gets home her knee is not only in a lot of pain, but is swollen and you can see on her face what it is doing to her.

Movement is still better than no movement at this point.  While it is painful, Chels says it does help some to move her knee around to keep it from getting stiff.

She had her MRI today and we have a visit Wednesday with the Orthopedist.  Hopefully soon we will know what is going on with her knee.

 

Technorati Tags: knee pain,chels,joints,orthopedist

Chels's Symptoms: Revisted

For those of you who have been reading about my daughter Chels on here and her recent health issues, this may be repeat of some information.  Those that are just stopping by, well, hopefully some of this information can help or even, maybe, someone will have some insight.

Chels just turned 14 yesterday...woohoo!  Yet another teenager in the house!

I say this because I already have an 18 year old in college and a 16 year old who drives us absolutely batty with laziness.  Although the older two live with their father in Northern Virginia, I talk to them quite often and we visit as much as possible. 

That all being said, we 'think' Chels's symptoms began months ago.  As early as last year Chels has had issues, but we were not aware they  may be related until recently.

 

The Beginning

She began with strange back pain in the middle of her back (thoracic region) that was quite debilitating.  The doctors were so concerned they sent her for an MRI, to a Neurologist and put her on Neurotin which is a medication used for nerve pain.  While nothing was 'officially' diagnosed, they did know 'something' was going on.

They were concerned because we have Anklosing Spondylitis in the family, along with other joint, bone, spine problems.

 

Chest Pain

The last six months have been filled with strange occurrences of chest pain.  First it started on the right, back, kidney region.  Even her doctor thought it was kidney related.  As usual though, all tests came back normal.  No infections, kidney functions were perfect.  This pain would travel from one side to the other.  Sometimes in the front and sometimes in the back. 

While the mention of constipation came up, I determined this was not the case.  Chels was not constipated. 

How could this be?  She not only loves vegetables and other fibrous foods, but drinks plenty of water.  She was using the bathroom frequent enough not to be constipated, although this can happen since she has Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  This just didn't feel right to me.

 

Recent Issues

Chels woke up on February 11th in extreme pain.  She could barely walk her legs were hurting so bad.  Her fingers, hands, feet, knees....all were hurting, slightly swollen and she couldn't make fists.  She had a migraine type headache and really bad neck pain and stiffness.

I thought to myself and even told her, "Oh no, you have the flu."

I figured some ibuprofen and rest would make her feel better.  Since she does have Hashimoto's, I felt I should take her in for the doctors to give her a flu test.  At least then they could treat her with a viral drug if she indeed had the flu.

Well, no flu! 

Me:  "What, no flu?"  "No, this can't be!"

Doctor:  "No flu."  "Let us do a finger prick to see if she has something viral or bacterial going on."

Me:  "Ok, sure, why not." 

Now at this point I am a bit concerned, but nothing dramatic.

Finger prick results came back in about 15 minutes with a 'possible' viral something or other showing up.  Nothing major was evident though; meaning nothing really stuck out to anyone.

We went home, continued with treatment....

More to come tomorrow!

 

Sites for reference:

Mayo Clinic:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hashimotos-disease/DS00567

American College of Rheumatology:  http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/as.asp

 

Technorati Tags: chels,health,pain,swelling,stiffness,joints

Nothing New...Yet

Well, I have been hoping for that phone call telling us we can bring Chels in for her MRI earlier than Saturday; but I am not sure that is going to happen.  So far, no phone call.  Bummer!

While she is being a trooper and handling the situation really well, she is still having difficulties. 

Chels does get up and walk around a little in the house without the crutches because she needs too; not because it doesn't hurt.  At school though she requires crutches because it is even more weak and tries to give out on her. 

She wakes in the morning with pain and keeps describing it as though 'something is stuck in her knee'.  She is having to take prednisone just to get through and by the time she comes home from school, her knee is swollen and requires her to elevate it for an hour or so.

Once the swelling is down some she can play a little.  What I mean by play is; she tries to run around and have fun, but it is more of a limp run.  We chuckle about it when we can.  She is playing spring soccer so we will see she how that goes.  I am not sure how much she will get to play at this point, but at least she is trying to get some exercise.  As I stated, she is a trooper! 

I think I would be whining more than kid in a toy store not getting their way at this point. 

So, we are still in the waiting phase, yet again!  I do feel bad though because she is having to deal with kids at school picking on her and telling her how she is faking.  You cannot fake something like this and I know my kid...some kids are just mean.  Thankfully, I am not in middle school anymore!

Thanks for all of the well wishes!

 

Technorati Tags: knee pain,RA,health,children

Kidazy: A Great Toy Review Site

For all you mom's and dad's who need a little help with that next toy purchase; head on over to Kidazy.

Not only does this site have some excellent reviews, but they also do giveaways.  Who doesn't like free stuff?  Well, Kidazy is currently having a $100 ToysRUS gift card giveaway.  I don't know about you, but I can always use a $100 for my kids, whether birthdays or other holidays, they are just darn expensive. 

All you need to do is post about Kidazy and provide a link back to the site and there ya go; you are entered.  Well, you do need leave a little comment so they know you posted about Kidazy and the giveaway.

Let me know what you think!

 

Technorati Tags: kidazy,toy reviews,giveaway,toysrus gift card

Update: Life's Dramas

Chels is scheduled for a MRI.  The Orthopedists stated her knee is stable (which means no ligament damage), which I am grateful; but because of her symptoms she could either have some torn cartilage or this pain can come from growing.  I had no idea that pain so severe could come from growing. 

 

This is how it was explained:

Chels had a large growth spurt over the last year; approximately 3 inches.  So, when that happens the muscles, tendons, ligaments etc. cannot accommodate and strengthen as quickly. 

The muscles and other soft tissue behind the knee become stronger, while the soft tissue on the front side become weaker.  When this happens it becomes difficult for the leg to be fully extended.

We will know for sure after the MRI, but he seems pretty sure this is the cause; especially after I told him about her sudden height jump.  We have been seeing these Orthopedists for the last two to three years and so far they have always hit the 'nail on head' so to speak.

Thankfully, if this is the case, she will only require some physical therapy to get the muscles and tendons back in working order.  While researching this new information I found what the doctor was speaking of: 

 

                          Osgood Schlatter Syndrome/Disease.

 

We are still dealing with the swelling, stiff joints.  When I mentioned to him about her symptoms he felt this could be related, but also agreed with me; if Chels has JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) it may not show in her blood for a couple of years. 

For the moment it looks like we may have a diagnosis on the current knee pain (once we get the MRI next week), but it just happened to coincide with all of her other symptoms.

All in all, I feel better today and feel ultimately everything will be A-OK!  Thanks for all of the well wishes.

 

Technorati Tags: Osgood Schlatter,knee pain,MRI

Life's Dramas

Well, we were back at the Rheumatologist office yesterday because Chels woke up Monday morning with swollen, painful hands and feet; again. She couldn't make a fist at all. By mid day her knee was hurting so bad she could barely walk and when she lay down to try and relax she would wince in pain every few minutes.

I finally broke down. I cried so much because I just don't know what to do anymore. I have to take her now to the Orthopedist office tomorrow afternoon because of her knee. The visit with the Rheumatologist wasn't as productive as I would like. She(the doctor) felt that the knee pain was either mechanical in nature or due to emotional stress. Well, other than the pain and swelling Chels has been experiencing, I just do not think stress is a factor. I know in my heart something is going on; we just don't know what it is yet.

So, the purpose of this Ortho visit is because her knee has not only been painful, but she cannot fully bend or extend her leg. Any pressure for more than a few minutes practically sends her to the floor and when she got home from school today it was swollen. The predisone isn't working as far as we can tell and Chels is in tears every time she moves.

I just hope we find out why her knee is hurting tomorrow. I can't stand to see my daughter hurting. She is a trooper though and she is doing all of this without the aid of narcotic pain meds. I am very proud of her!

Chels is the tallest, Lo next to her and their goofy faced brother I (shown in the picture).

Technorati Tags: life drama,children,health,pain

On a Positive Note!

We went and saw Chels's Rheumatologist today and it seems, all is well.  While her blood work is showing her to be relatively normal (if you know 13 year olds you understand this statement to be only somewhat true) we do have to start keeping a journal of her symptom, when they occur and if there is anything she does or does not do that helps.

The doctor seems to think Chels contracted a virus, which in turn caused her immune system to go haywire because it is already compromised from her Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  I am glad she is feeling better.  Chels is still having some minor swelling and stiffness in her hands when she wakes, but compared to what she was going through, this is great news. Oh, I almost forgot the pain she has been having around her kidney area.  Well, we thought it was her kidney area; even the pediatrician thought this.  Apparently pleurisy causes the same symptoms that Chels has been having and this would make since as it kept going from the right lung to the left lung area.  If you are not familiar with the term pleurisy, this is a condition in which the pleural lining of the lungs becomes inflamed; which seems to be common in people who have these immune responses.

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and hopefully after a few visits (she has to return every three months for a while) we won't have to deal with the issue any longer. 

 

Technorati Tags: rheumatologist,hasimoto's thyroiditis,health,children,auto immune

Lunar Eclipse

 

I know I do not normally discuss science; although I absolutely love it.  I just found out because I was surfing the wonderful internet and found we will be having a FULL Lunar Eclipse on February 20, 2008 according to NASA.

I do not know about you guys/gals, but my children are going to love this.  My 9 year old received a telescope for Christmas and we are going to try and utilize it for the Lunar Eclipse.  If you would like further information, you can visit the NASA site for where, when...etc.

Have fun and ENJOY!

 

Technorati Tags: lunar eclipse,nasa,science,astronomy

Lupus, RA or Something Else?

Well, we still do not know.  All we know at this time is; according to the Pediatrician, all test results are negative.  Even those  these tests were negative and my daughter's pediatrician thinks there is a possibility what she had was viral induced arthritis; it is still recommended for Chels to see the Rheumatologist.

 

The Rheumatologist has stated that she wants to see Chels this coming Thursday.  With my daughter's history of Hashimoto's, apparently there could be something still going on.  We will see, but so far so good and Chels is doing better.

Thanks for all of the well wishes and prayers!

 

Technorati Tags: daughter,lupus,ra,illness,health,children

Update on Daughter's Illness

*Note*  My daughter's pediatrician is not the type of doctor that jumps up and immediately thinks something is wrong if there is not evidence.  She does not perform tests or medicate unless she feels it is warranted.

 

That all being said, yesterday was a tad bit worrisome, but I am better today.  I am not the type of parent who automatically thinks something really bad is happening.  I am more the type of parent that people look at say, "Why can't she be more sympathetic?".  From the time my children were little I tried to make sure my hubby and I didn't make a big deal about injuries, whether minor or major.  Because of this my children tend to handle injuries and illness pretty well. 

This incident has scared me and I would be lying if I stated otherwise.  I hate making a big deal about a possible illness, but this just has me baffled.

We re-visited the doctor yesterday and blood was drawn.  Because my daughter Chels already has an autoimmune disorder (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis) she is use to having her blood drawn. 

Her symptoms

Painful muscles (leg and arms), swollen and stiff joints (fingers, toes, knees and neck), a few hot joints, severe headaches, no fever, no other signs of illness. 

The pain has been so bad at times she cried for a couple of hours almost straight.  Symptoms are at the worst in the morning, but last all throughout the day.  She has had some other symptoms over the last six months that haven't made any sense, so hopefully all of this will shed some light on that too.

What the Doctor Says:

While we don't want to think the worst, her pediatrician has recommended for Chels to see a pediatric rheumatologist for possible Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis.  The pediatrician is also having her blood tested for a varied list of viruses that can invade the body, but are not necessarily looked for in a typical office visit.  Chels's pediatrician has recommended I give her high doses of anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil (she gave us a prescription for 800mg) and she has to take an antacid so the ibuprofen doesn't affect her stomach.

 

Where We Currently Stand:

Chels seems to be able to handle the swelling and stiffness a bit better with constant ingestion of ibuprofen.  She is still having issues, they are just lessened with use of the medication.

We have received the results for some of the blood work, but nothing conclusive.  Her CBC panel seems to be within normal ranges (so far), but her white cell count in on the low side of normal.  The doctor told me that we really need to wait until all of the results come in so that it can be looked at as a whole.  Ugh, I hate the waiting game.

Hopefully I will have more news tomorrow.

 

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Worried Mother

I have been so worried about my daughter Chels (13) since yesterday morning.  She awoke with all over body pain and a horrible headache.  I figured flu, that is the most reasonable conclusion to draw, correct?

She does not have the flu; the doctor performed a flu test.  I do not want her to be sick, but I would rather her have the flu, at least then the doctors would be able to give her a viral medication. 

The doctor did a finger prick to see how her white blood cell count is doing.  It was low (I did not ask how low...dummy me) indicative of a virus.  By last night though I was calling the doctors office back.  She was in so much pain in her legs she was crying every few minutes and that is just not like her.

I started asking her more questions like, "Where did the pain first start?", "What hurts the most?"...etc, etc.  Apparently her feet and legs hurt the most yesterday morning along with her headache (although everything seemed to hurt to some degree).  By last night it was mainly her legs and knees.  Now during all of this she has complained of a tightness in her joints, which is a sign of some type of inflammation in the joints.

She could barely walk last night and after speaking with the doctor, we decided not to take her to the hospital because they really wouldn't do anything anyway; except makes us wait for 6 hours to be told to follow up with the pediatrician.  I do not think the doctor wanted her exposed to the numerous people who may be in the emergency department with the flu; as the flu season has peaked here in Virginia.

We went to sleep (although I don't think she slept all that well).

This Morning

Well, not surprising I ended up having to call the doctors, yet again.  This morning she is complaining of her knees and hands hurting, with the arms hurting more.  Now I have just noticed redness on her knuckles of her left hand.  They are not producing any heat that I can tell yet, but this is just getting worse not better and I have to be honest, I am a worried.

She cannot make a fist, it hurts her to bend her knees, walk, stand up straight and even sit.  She does the best laying down and being completely still. 

We have another appointment for the doctors this morning and they will draw some blood.  Keep your fingers crossed, because right now, I am really concerned for my girl.

 

Technorati Tags: sick child,pain,stiffness,swollen joints,worried mother

PS2 Problems? How to Help Your Children Share!

I received a comment on my last post wanting advice on children sharing the PS2 or other games consoles. I can say as a mom of five and only one PS2, this can become a problem at times.

Choosing the Right Games

This is really important. Unless one child plays it more than another, choosing games that they can share easily really helps. One such game is the new one we purchased recently Guitar Hero III. This game allows for one or two players. One person can play in career mode, or two people can play in co-op career mode where they help each other meet their career goals for becoming
the best guitar player. Guitar Hero III also has other two player modes such as face-off and battle.

If more than two want to play, well, the next player plays the winner if they are playing in face-off or battle mode. We have a lot of fun in these two modes.

Time Limits

This one is essential in helping my children share our gaming consoles. We also have a Nintendo Game Cube.

If my son is playing the PS2 (well it is broken right now) or the Game Cube we limit him to say, an hour of game play at most, then tell him. He is pretty good about then handing the console over to another sibling.

If an hour time limit is too long, just give them 30 minutes a piece. Make sure you have a memory card and it is plugged in so they can save their progress. When they can save their progress, they are less likely to complain if they have to share.

Sharing the Same One Person Game

Sharing a one person game can get a bit tricky, but not totally problematic. I normally tell whomever has started playing first, if they die 'x' amount of times, then they need to hand it over to their brother or sister. Once that child dies 'x' amount of times they switch again.

Sometimes no matter what you do there are going to be arguments. If these arguments get out of hand I let them know in no uncertain terms they will get off the game and no one will play. By taking the game away from all of the children it doesn't leave much room for them to try and whine about who's fault it was for getting in trouble.

Technorati Tags: ps2,sharing,gaming console,children