Ryan

Unfortunately, it's a sick kid that makes updating my blog (and therefore my family and friends) a priority. Ryan came down with a fever and rash last Wednesday night. Garrett took him to the doctor on Thursday. He told us it was an upper-respiratory infection and we just had to wait it out. Of course, Ryan had clear nose, throat, & lungs - Garrett and I were skeptical.

We have been concerned about our pediatrician since our old one left several months ago. We aren't thrilled with the replacements, but it was just a hunch. We asked around and found a new pediatrician, but Ryan couldn't get in until this morning. So as the fever came and went all weekend we waited. Surely it would go away; it couldn't' be serious enough to go to the ER - the fever isn't over 102, he'll be fine.

Thankfully, God has good timing. The new pediatrician first thought the rash was strep-related, but when the initial strep test came back negative, she did some more looking. She wouldn't tell Garrett what it was, but said she needed some blood work & suggested just going to the hospital and having Ryan admitted.

After a chest x-ray, an ultrasound (we confirmed he's not pregnant), an echo-cardiogram, and blood work, the initial indication is Kawasaki Disease. It has nothing to do with motorcycles; rather the heart.

It can be caused by either a bacteria or virus & is rare & not highly contagious. If not treated w/in 10-days it can cause long-term heart & artery problems. Ryan is in his 6th day of the fever and rash (like I said, God has AMAZING timing). He is being treated with something that starts with a 'G.' He'll have more blood work tomorrow and will be in the hospital until his fever is gone. The nurse guessed around 3-4 days. It takes the body 6 weeks to fight it off fully & he'll have to follow up with a cardiologist.

Pretty scary stuff, but like I said, God is good & kept Ryan from something that could have been a lot worse. Garrett is spending the night with him, I'm going to stop in tomorrow morning on my way to work. I'll be working a partial day & then spending the afternoon and evening with Ryan. Garrett being off work helps ease the tension (again, God's amazing timing).

Our Sunday School class and friends are really stepping up to help out with the other kids, meals - everything. We are very thankful for all God is doing to see us through.

I will keep you posted as we discover more! Thanks for your prayers!