Well, in many ways, good news...
Under doctor's orders, Brooke rocketed up I-35 today and got JJ straight into the emergency room at Children's Mercy. He was examined by two ER doctors, who then conferred with the Rheumatologist (sp?). The consensus: all of JJ's symptoms are typical, while more pronounced than normal, of HSP. The ER doc examined him thoroughly to ensure that there were no signs of any type of infection or other medical condition. They are positive that there are no complications and that we can continue to expect this thing to run it's 4-6 week course and then go away.
The eye-swelling is more disturbing because the eyelid tissue can swell so profoundly. But once again, this is not a red flag, only typical of the disease.
The staff feels there is no need to admit him because they would only treat him the same way we are treating him at home.
So, no complications, infections or additional concerns...only a severe case of HSP. They are going to run a series of tests still today, just to verify their findings. So Brooke and JJ will probably stay with my mom or sister tonight and come home tomorrow.
They still want him to come back next Monday so they can monitor his progress. They are prescribing a pain med to help him sleep through the night. We will also continue his antibiotic for the ear infection and the ointment for the rash, which both seem to be working.
This is such a roller coaster for us. Every time something new comes up, we start panicking. Then we find out that its just the natural course of the disease and we calm down. Then something new comes up and we get nervous again. It's just so hard to see his beautiful skin all marred up with rash and his big blue eyes swollen shut. It's hard to see my little tazmanian devil hobbling around like an old man. And so hard to see a kid who usually sleeps soundly just writhing and crying his way through the night.
The crazy thing is...he is just taking it all in stride...staying cheerful and enjoying the adventure (except when he's in pain, obviously).
Thank you all once again for your prayers and support. It helps so much when we feel like we are not going through this alone.
Special thanks to my sweet mom and sister, who rushed to the hospital on short notice to support Brooke and JJ while I stayed in Emporia to finish the work day and take care of Eli.
Extra special thanks to my wonderful wife, who stayed calm and focused and, as always, followed her instincts and did what our baby needed.
Much love,
Adam
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