Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Lady Harriet is Ill

I took our Harriet for her two month well-child visit today only to have it confirmed that she is not well. She is ill. Ill is the opposite of well.

Apparently, Harriet has RSV, an ear infection, reflux, and a yeast infection.

Sigh.

I had considered taking her in last week because of the wheezing, but she was breathing okay and her nose was clearing up, so I figured she wasn't sick enough to justify a visit. I cannot be held accountable for not guessing at the ear infection. Like Miriam, Harriet did not give me any indication of an ear infection. No fussiness, no fever. Besides, with the boogers streaming out of all my kiddos noses the past two weeks, I figured she had a bad cold and possibly a little bronchial something or other. Ear infection didn't even cross my mind.

As for the yeast infection, I guessed at that too. Her poor bum was in worse shape than even Miriam's got. I struggle to keep my sensitive-skinned children's skin healthy. I change Harriet's sheet every three days. I use special laundry detergent and rinse everything that touches her twice. I use all fragrance free stuff.

Her bum was still looking awful--even with faithful application of cornstarch--my favorite magic cure. A few days ago I purchased pampers' outrageously priced hypoallergenic diapers. Her bum has gotten significantly better since then. I'm hoping the medicine our ped prescribed will clear it up completely and I'll be able to switch back to cheaper diapers. I realize Harriet is a Lady, but there is only so much refinement we can afford to indulge.

The doctor still gave her the vaccinations (well, the nurses did), so now we have sore legs to add to the mix of Harriet's other ailments. She was sad earlier today so I gave her some infant tylenol, and she's been sleeping since. Poor darling.

The doctor also checked Eli's head. No fungi in sight. The doctor had me schedule a visit to check his thyroid and iron level. Anemia causes hair loss in children. I didn't know that. I make smoothies with spinach every day for him--he shouldn't be iron deficient, but that would be a simple fix, so I'm hoping it is that. We'll find out next week. I don't want him to lose any more of his beautiful hair. I also don't want him to yell, "DON'T TALK TO ME!" during sacrament meeting either, but we don't always get what we want.

Eventually the weather will warm up and the children's noses will dry up and Lady Harriet's lungs will clear up and Eli's hair will grow back. And that will be good.

PS Harriet is now 11 lbs 6 oz and 22 inches and is just as sweet and soft and yummy as she could be.

5 comments:

Lynn said...

Wow! So sorry to hear. The poor baby. Glad she is on the mend with meds. Hang in there!

Kayli said...

so sorry!

Polly said...

Poor family! I am so sorry. Give me a call if you need it.

Anonymous said...

The only way we could cure Kirsten's diaper rash was "scorched flour". It is a simple easy cure. You know my kids have terribly sensitive skin as well. I hope this remedy works as well for your little one as it did for us. Sorry that she hasn't been well.

~Rita L.

Kelly said...

Sorry to hear about your sick baby! I have struggled with yeast infections with several of my kids. I wonder if there is a liquid form of probiotic that you can use? Also, you might try taking probiotics yourself, just in case that helps - don't really know exactly what is passed through breastmilk. My pediatrician suggested Lotrimin on the baby's rash. I'm hoping whatever your doctor suggested works for you!