I am considered to be a heavy sleeper. That is why I married a light sleeper - so that if there is a fire or earthquake or something she can wake me up, talk to me for a few minutes to convince me that I am not sleeping, and get me out of the house.
So when the phone rang last night at 4am, I thought to myself "man, my alarm went off early" [editor's note - I use my phone as my alarm to prevent any electricity issues from letting me sleep in]. But then the phone rang again, and it was Jaz. She said Olivia was sick and coughing really bad. I had her describe her symptoms, and then I listened to Olivia cough. Not a pleasant, run-o-the-mill cough. Scary, actually.
So I told Jaz that it sounded to me like either Croup or RSV, and I suggested they go to the hospital b/c Liv was definitely having some issues breathing by the sound of her cough. So they went, and the Doctor told them it was....
(Drum roll...)
Croup. It's a Parainfluenza virus (same virus family that causes the famous Measles, Mumps, Rubella). It is marked by it's classic "seal bark" cough. If you haven't heard that sound before, it can be terribly scary - unless your kid is practicing for some type of Zoo themed School Play.
So Oli got a cute little steroid shot in her Steve-esque bum and some meds to take. She is doing better already.
The reason I am half-bragging about getting the diagnosis right is twofold. 1) it is a good sign for June 4th, and 2) apparently my school did a good job of teaching physical diagnosis.
Not the coolest story in the world, but at least we posted something!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Diagnosis, Part 1
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4 comments:
Way to go DR. Gibbons! I hope Olivia is feeling better soon. There is nothing worse that being sick away from home.
I really enhjoyed your home alone post. NOt becouase you are home alone, just because I found a few of our observations funny! GOod luck with your up coming test.
As the Red Green show always says,"If you can't be handsome, at least be handy..."
(OK, maybe you have a little of both)
Love the pic!
Glad Oli is doing better. I was beginning to wonder what happened to Jaz, she has been VERY quiet!
Study on!
Mom G
How cool for Jaz to not worry about waking her 'doctor' in the middle of the night! I hate that cough. Both my kids had it. Hope she is doing better!!
That's hilarious! What a cute couple you guys make! I totally understand about being a heavy sleeper and needing to marry a light sleeper. I always joke to my Dad that's why I got married so young, because I kept sleeping through finals (which I did) and needed someone to get me up in the morning.
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