T Rex Family

T Rex Family

Monday, June 29, 2009

Virus...

Poor T Rex, what a week he's had. Last week he transitioned to a big kid bed and was weaned. Then, late last week he developed this horrible skin reaction. Initially I thought it was either chicken pox or shingles. There are more lesions on his buttocks and the back of his leg. It is localized only on the sacral area (small of the back) and the right leg. Hence my shingles theory.

However, his pediatrician feels it's either a virus or allergic reaction. Aunt Shelley, our family medical expert, seemed to agree with the virus theory. Looks horrible, huh? The pustules erupt and fluid comes out, a lot like chicken pox, and then they scab over. The area appear very sensitive and itchy.



We've been having him do oatmeal baths and giving Benadryl for the itching (in addition to Zyrtec which he takes for allergies) and Motrin for the swelling. He's been doing good on potty training but I've been paranoid of accidents soaking his underpants so he's only been in diapers. I purchased some chlorine-free diapers to help since the area is so sensitive.

The past few days he's been miserable. Last night he only slept 6 hours and today he only napped 45 minutes. He woke up from his nap screaming. He laid in his bed and just screamed for 45 minutes - totally inconsolable. There was a knock at the door and I was sure it was the police responding to a call from a neighbor about a non-stop crying baby. Finally he closed his eyes for 5 minutes and woke up grumpy but asking for a snack. How could I deny that sad, tearful face? And it was not the police at the door but someone wanting to spray my lawn. Whew!

Needless to say, not much studying done during that nap! However, Baby Einstein to the rescue! He watched for 1 hour (I won't allow more - we'll see how desperate I get) while I posted my assignment. At least now I'm caught up! And it totally distracted T Rex from his desire to itch non-stop.

Well, I better go. Remember, I mentioned he's learning to talk? Well, he has declared he wants "apple sauce". Send me positive thoughts for his speedy recovery from this harmless yet bothersome virus. And I'll be thanking Baby Einstein upon graduation!

10 comments:

septembermom said...

Poor little T-Rex. I hope he feels better very soon :) You're doing a great job taking care of him and trying to get everything else done too. Love that he's saying "apple sauce". He'll be talking up a storm soon. I'll be thinking of all of you.

Caitlin said...

Pooor little guy! That looks just awful! I hope that he gives you a better night tonight!

BallerinaBiker said...

Aw, Poor little guy! I hope he gets better soon! And I just love Baby Einstein! At least the videos are educational and stimulating! : )

Mommy of M's said...

M2 has a virus too, fever, vomiting, diarrhea!! He is miserable, won't eat, drink or sleep, all he does is cry!

Good times!

Katie said...

Does he possibly have eczema? That presents as red welts, possibly breaking open and oozing too. Alex has eczema and is on Atarax (basically prescription Benadryl) 3x/day and gets hydrocortisone ointment 1% on all red areas after his bath. My pediatric allergist warned against oatmeal baths as oatmeal is a relatively common allergy trigger. It's been suggested to do baking soda baths instead. Keep us posted on his progress!

Nina said...

Poor thing it must itch so bad. I will say a prayer for a speedy recovery.

Ally said...

I hope he gets better really soon!!

shell said...

I was about to say eczema too. It can look pretty aweful (although those do look suspiciously viral or allergic). Especially given his asthma hx, the eczema can go with it and it itches very terribly. For some reason, especially at night. (i have eczema and it sucks). Still seems suspicously allergic or infectious... but if it doesn't get better.. might consider that.

Ginger said...

That's no fun! We'll send happy thoughts into the atmosphere for T-Rex and you! I'm sure a prayer or two would help also ;)

Keep up the good work...you are amazing in all that you do!

Kim said...

This sounds just terrible! I'm so sorry you guys have encountered this. I hope he is better by now.

I'm on my second day of weaning and although it's been hard, I took my inspiration from you and I think by the end of the week things should be okay.

I also had no idea about chlorine free diapers. I'm so grateful that you are such a great student of all things T Rex - I've been learning so much since I found your blog:)

Hope you are doing well!