The Virus That Keeps On Giving

Most "normal" kids get a virus and recover. They move on with their life and get healthy with no consequences. Unfortunately not my Ricks. My little zebra is not that lucky.

In early August both kids got a nasty virus with high fevers and throwing up. Maggie had a couple tough days but she bounced back. Ricks had a tough week and still is suffering the consequences.

This lovely virus has set into motion a couple of autoimmune concerns. One is chronic hives which are itchy and uncomfortable. He ALWAYS has hives or a rash on his back and chest. We are treating him with Allegra, Zyrtec and Bendryl if needed. These hives can last a week, a month, a year or years. There is no telling when or how they will go away. So we must get more blood work to help Dr. T figure out what to do and how to best treat them.

The hives are annoying but the the other concern is worrisome. There is a chance that Ricks may have Diabetes Type 1. This used to be known as Juvenile Diabetes. He has been so thirsty lately and peeing up a storm. Every diaper is soaked and at night it is a flood all over the crib. I have also noticed he has been a bit more tired or lethargic lately. Dr. T feels there is a 50/50 chance with the symptoms and family history that he could have it. I am banking on the glass half full 50 that he does not have it. Positive thinking goes along way!

We go tomorrow first thing (7:30) to the lab to get a fasting blood draw. Ricks will not be happy not to get his morning orange juice upon immediately waking up. It is going to be ugly around here. Then we wait until mid-afternoon to call Dr. T's office. Hopefully we will get a call back tomorrow but they have been known to wait until Monday. My feeling is I will worry about when I get the answer for sure that it is diabetes. For right now I will just follow the doctor's orders and do the next right thing.

God Your will be done not mine. Please protect my baby boy and may he not have to deal with the struggles of this disease. If it is Your will, please give me the peace, strength and wisdom to guide him through it. I trust that no matter what the answer You will be walking with us. I hand my anxieties and my baby to You. Please grace me with patience and serenity as we walk through the next few days.