On the Mend

Looking a million times better

For my own memory, a brief (?) summary of what happened:
Charlie woke up Sunday (12/30) with spots.  We didn't think anything of it, kids get hives for weird reasons.  He had been up very late the night before for the McAuley Christmas party and had tried several new foods, so we just decided to keep a close eye on it.  About 3, it was getting pretty bad, he couldn't nap because he was so itchy.  I called urgent care, they were full, went up to minute clinic, they were full, called my sister for the third time and asked what to do. Went to give him an oatmeal bath that evening and took all his clothes off for the first time and was horrified.  Called Melinda again, and we all concluded that it was time for the ER.  The ER was pretty full, but Charlie got streamlined pretty quick.  We were put in a small room where we had a TV, so lots of distraction for all of us.  They gave him oral steroids and sent us on our way.  He quickly got better.  The next day, there were literally bruises from where his hives had been, and a few new ones, but he looked good.  It was New Years Eve and we were preparing for a mellow evening on the couch in our PJs and an early night.  I went to bed around 11 and Matt fell asleep on the couch trying to stay up and watch a space show.  (this is pretty normal 'round these parts)  Charlie woke up screaming around 1 am and I ran in there.  I picked him up and brought him into bed with me and tried to calm him down.  I didn't turn the light on and after a while when I couldn't calm him down, I turned on the light and saw, well you saw a few posts down.  His eye was swollen shut and he looked terrible.  We hightailed it to the ER again and this time, just one look at him, they jumped to action.  They gave him steriods by injection, by oral, straight antihistamine, nothing would calm it down.  So we had to wait, and wait and wait.  The Doctors were just stumped.  Finally at 5:30 am, they let us go.  None of us, even Charlie, slept a wink, but because of the steroids, Charlie wasn't tired.  So we took turns sleeping.  It was New Years Day, so we couldn't see our Doctor.  I called Dr. S on call and told him what was going on and we'd be in in the morning.  He took one look at him and called in a favor to an allergist and got him a same-day appointment.  So, we've started a new regimen, and it seems to be working.  He is still blotchy and got VERY blotchy during his bath, but it calmed down and he got a good nights sleep.  We see the allergist again next week and we'll go from there.  The outpouring of good wishes and prayers from friends, family has been truly overwhelming.  Charlie is loved by much more than just his parents...and nothing could make me feel happier.  Thank you.