Last Night

I spent in the pediatric ward of a local hospital. Suffice to say i was tired enough to get a short, yet deep sleep. The kid needed drugs. Painkillers. Lots. By 3AM the hospital had finally quietened down, and the nurses looked relieved.

So friday evening she had a sore mouth, this is the three year old girl, Jody-fae. We assumed that she had bitten her mouth, as she had before, and she confirmed this. Bit her lip. *shrug*

Saturday it was still sore, and by sunday we were administering our own first aid, panado, etc. Sunday night there was a visible ulcer, obviously not good, and the pain was becoming more constant. The good daddy, on monday morning took her to the doctor, since no, this cannot be allowed to continue.

He assured us that it was a viral infection aligned with the flu she had recently been suffering with, too. Medication home. Next day even worse, so the good mommy runs off this time. Since by now, Jody-fae is in constant pain, and is now refusing to eat or drink.

Doctor says that she must be admitted to hospital, or else dehydration becomes a factor. The doctor then prescibes the INCORRECT diagnosis code for our medical aid, and when i phone the medaid get told they will not admit.

By lunchtime wifey was in an emergency ward. Child is screaming constantly, is slightly feverish and refuses anything to drink, or even bodily contact, like holding her hand. Trust me, ER was the right place :(

By four o'clock, when i arrived, they had started (!) and by about six we had shoved needles into her, suppositories up her arse (she doesn't like them either) and nothing had changed. She was admitted and taken upstairs to await blood test results. By ten PM we saw the doctor start her rounds in the ward.

Herpes.

From some arbitrary medical site: (http://dermatology.about.com/cs/oralherpes/a/oralherpesbasic.htm)

Fever Blisters and the Herpes Simplex Virus
Fever blisters are caused more often by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) than herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). As a matter of fact, more than 85 percent of the world's population has been infected with HSV-1. These infections follow the usual course of herpes simplex virus infections in that the first outbreak is usually more painful and lasts longer than recurrent infections.

Fever Blisters - Primary Infection
The first time the skin in or around the mouth comes in contact with the herpes simplex virus; the outbreak occurs inside the mouth -- on the gums, tongue, and throat. This is called gingivostomatitis. This first infection occurs most often in childhood, and the highest incidence of infection occurs between 6 months and three years of age. Children get pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and may have difficulty swallowing. These symptoms last for about a week and resolve spontaneously. Children with gingivostomatitis are at risk for dehydration if the pain keeps them from drinking fluids. Water-based popsicles are sometimes used to provide hydration and pain relief.

On monday morning the doctor missed this, and by last night (tuesday?) the child was convulsing with pain, screaming constantly, and still with nothing more than a suppository for comfort. The total idiocy is beyond me. I was SO angry, SO fustrated and frankly pissed off.

I'm home now, taking the day off, tomorrow too. Going back later to keep her company. And safe. The fucking hospital swopped her at birth, not the same hospital, but a private one too. So no, she is NEVER alone.

I'm going to curl up in a sunny spot and sleep. They didn't have coffee there, and um just getting over the withdrawal symptoms. Maybe by tonight i can buy her a chocolate :D As i understand her world view, going with daddy to go buy a chocolate at the shops rates as the bestest thing that is possible. I'm good with that. Although i guess the vending machine will be an interesting diversion. By the way, what's with that? Vending machines full of coke (any colour you like) and chocolates. Yay for health, leastways no cigarettes being sold. Chocolate, it's not a DRUG is it? *wicked grin*