My Son is Sick and I Can't Get Answers, Please Help

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Diagnostic Dilemmas ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by James on February 24, 2000 at 20:26:54:

My son just turned seven. His problems began in November with a strep infection. After the first four days of antibiotics, we went out town and accidently left the medication at home. Big mistake. The strep returned in December. A second round of antibiotics was given. This took away the sore throat, but he continued to suffer swollen glands, breathing problems at night, and sleepiness during the day. In January a third round of antibiotics was given along with an Zyrtec (liquid) and Vancenase (nose spray). After two weeks he had only slightly improved. The Pediatrician suspected he had allergies. My son was referred to an ENT, but unfortunately, being in the military, getting specialty care can take a while. On February 11, we paid for a private ENT consultation. At this point my son had also started feeling ear pain, and a had a low grade fever. The ENT said the ear pain was probably due to an increase of grinding teeth (something he has suffered for years). She agreed that he probably has allergies. She said the allergies could probably be treated eventually, but in the meantime he would continue to have problems. She recommended he have surgery. She doubled his dosage of Zyrtec to 10 mg. She also prescribed a chewable decongestant, and told us to continue the Vancenase. That night my son sat up in bed trembling over his entire body, crying, and complaining of leg pain. This lasted for about seven minutes, and he did not remember the episode. A pediatrician prescribed Augmentin, ordered us to stop all other medication, and referred us to a neurologist. The neurologist stated he may have had a seizure (epilepsy runs in both our families). He wanted to do further tests but decided to wait thinking that ENT was going to do a sleep study. On February 17 we finally got a ten minute appointment with a military ENT. He recommended surgery on the tonsils and adnoids, but no sleep study. Since taking the Augmentin, he has dramatically improved. His glands have been shrinking, and he no longer snores like a horse. He still has problems though. He was already skinny, and has lost four pounds. He now complains of leg cramps during the day, and occasionally has a sore throat. He still seems unusually tired during the day. My question is where do we go from here? I do not feel confident that the cause of his condition has been adequately diagnosed. He is not scheduled for surgery until March 15. Should I push for the sleep study before his surgery? What about the allergies? Should he be tested? Could all of this have been avoided had he taken a full 10 days of a strong antibiotic like Augmentin back in November? Is his condition really chronic? Are the leg cramps and the possible seizure part of the sleeping problems? Please Help!!

Follow Ups:


Post a Followup

Name    :  (name or handle required)
E-Mail  :  (required or use somebody@sleepnet.com to avoid spam email,etc.)

Subject :  (change if you like)

Comments:

PLEASE ONLY CLICK THE SUBMIT FOLLOW UP BUTTON ONCE!!. Thanks, Sandman

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Diagnostic Dilemmas ] [ FAQ ]

WWWBoard 2.0a and WWWAdmin 2.0a © 1997, All Rights Reserved.
Matt Wright and DBasics Software Company