Scary super-bug
It's that time of year again when everyone has got a 'bug' of some kind or another. Alot of school-aged kids come down with Strep Throat and we, parents, don't really think too much about it. "Strep" can be terribly dangerous....a few years ago we found out the hard way.
In March, about 4 years ago, Malachi was feeling run down, tired all the time. He was so lethargic and slept alot, now, anyone that knows him, knows he is in constant motion. We knew something was wrong...we went to the Dr. and had all sorts of blood tests...nothing conclusive. We were told maybe 'mono' - that test came back inconclusive...and then the scary word...leukemia...yet again tests came back inconclusive. By this time he was having such terrible abdomen pain and sleeping 16 - 18 hours a day. Needless to say we were frustrated.
We went to Children's Hospital in Madison and spent an entire day of testing and question after question. They asked us if Malachi recently had "strep throat"......two months prior, Malachi had been diagnosed with Strep Throat, yeah, no big deal....take the anti-biotics - he'll be fine. We didn't give it a second thought. The Dr. told us what Malachi had is a Post-Streptococcal Syndrome that had weakened his immune system and was now attacking his liver. There wasn't much they could do for him other than another round of super-antibiotics and lots of rest. Malachi was home from school over a month. His immunity to Strep is compromised and can be dangerous to his liver. We had never heard of this, but 6 months later a client's daughter was diagnosed and hers had attacked her heart. (It can attack heart, lungs, liver & thyroid)
I guess I tell you all this from a soap-box on my knees....my soap box is to you, as parents, strep is serious. Don't ever take it lightly! I am on my knees asking you, in prayer, to pray for Malachi. He was diagnosed today with Strep Throat again. It's very dangerous for him, he's on an antibiotic and will rest (if I have to sit on him I will!) The Syndrome doesn't rear it's ugly head until a few weeks after. Please be aware of any changes in your kids health in the month or so after they have had Strep.
Blessings to you for a healthy Christmas season!
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