update on Matt

[Kristina]

Sitting here thinking I should write an update for Matthew. He turned the wonderful age of 1 on Aug. 27 and was home with a fever and rash. Way to party, and he did with his big Smile and alittle frosting on the side:) He has been doing pretty good since earlier this year. We always seem to find the bug or virus at least once a month, but nothing the little guy hasnt been able to get rid of. Recently within the last month, we still cant seem to rid that icky rash as it seems to come and go when it wants to. He has finially got rid of any ear infections which seem to appear at every DR visit we have been to. He has been weened off his GERDS medicine, though his Iron has dropped alittle, so we continue the supplements.

Things here have been kepping busy. Between Matt & my daughter, work, and having my husband home has been so great. Its been a nice relief having him help stay home on those days when Matt isnt feeling up to par to go back to daycare. That extra support not only for the kids but myself has lifted so much stress off my shoulders. My work has been able to work with me with having a sick one at home, so this helps alot also. I just wished I had answers to say to questions when asked whats wrong. I take everything 1 day at a time.

In all, I feel blessed and when my mind starts to wonder off and think of everything that could be, I remind my self how lucky I am and to enjoy each and every moment with my loving family.

[Kristina]

Cheryl the rash ended up being Hives and the Dr believes it to be food allergies. Now trying to figure out what he maybe allergic to is the question. That is nothing compared to the little guy always seems to be getting sick. Just usually the flu like symptoms, but everytime I get "the call" from his daycare my heart drops. I was wondering if anyone could tell me how often their children become sick with the flu or with a virus bug. I know things could be alot worse and Im not complaining. Just with the not knowing what the trigger is worries me to death. It use to be about once a month he would get sick with a virus, infections or just a stomach bug. Now it seems to be getting closer together and I have to take off work to keep him home until he is better. This is usually a couple of days up to almost a week at a time. The sad part is he smiles no matter how bad he feels and it is hard to tell what he is thinking at such a young age.

[Linda Burke]

Hi Kristina,
A big Happy Birthday to Matt...what a huge milestone to turn one, glad it was a wonderful celebration. A positive attitude will take you far on the twisting journey of aHUS, it's great to read that you're looking on the birght side! All the best, Linda

[Cheryl Biermann]

Have they done a swab of his rash, the possibilities of rash with fever are many. It could be strep-Nathan had a rash with fever, I knew it was strep, but because the rash wasn't in the "typical" place for strep the doctors only did the strep test to make me feel comfortable, imagine their surprise when it came back positive!

They may also want to check that rash for things like yeast infections, Nathan had several encounters with those rashes as well. He responded quite well to the treatments for yeast infections.

Another possiblity is contact dermitits, sometimes even changing the brand of diapers caused him to have a sever rash! Don't let the rash go, pursue it, it may be nothing, but always pursue the doctors about even minor things...they often lead to something bigger.

Thanks for the update, I'm glad things are getting back to normal, whatever that is!