Childhood Illnesses Can Be So Difficult To Diagnose!

Written by Lisa on Sunday 4 June 2006

First let me apologise for my recent absence! Things in the McGarry house have been hectic, especially with the kick off of reality TV season here in the UK. It means I am spending my life updating our reality TV website!

Jake has also been really ill this week, which was majorly worrying for us, firstly because we didn't know what was making him ill, and secondly because he is normally so resilient, and the last one to catch anything. I'm just not used to him being sick and lethargic.

It started on Wednesday, when he developed a very high temperature which we couldn't reduce and was vomiting frequently. When my doctor couldn't see him we rushed him to our local hospital and were told that he had picked up a stomach bug. We were advised that all we could do was administer both paracetamol and ibuprofen suspension, keep him cool and offer plenty of fluids.

By Thursday he was no better and to make it worse his right eye had swollen so much that he could barely even open it. I rushed him to our GP, to be told that he was having a bad allergic reaction, probably to pollen (severe hay fever). I was this time advised to try giving him some antihistamines and see if he improved.

By Friday Jake could hardly stand. His temperature was topping 40 degrees centigrade and he was barely even talking. I knew that his medication should have had an effect by this stage, so I phoned our doctor, explained how ill he was and once again rushed up to the surgery.

This time the doctor was more thorough in his check up. He discovered that Jake had developed a sinus infection, which had spread to his ears and throat. I was so relieved to finally know what was wrong.

Within 16 hours of taking the antibiotic he was prescribed, Jake was a different child. The temperature was gone, and the old Jake was back, if slightly more subdued.
It was so lovely to chat with him, and watch him play outside with Rachel. The effectiveness of the medication and the speed at which it worked, really amazed me. I couldn't help imagining what life must have been like before the advent of antibiotics and modern medicine. I imagine that severe infections at one time could have led to the death of a child.

I often curse the mosern world, but in this instance I am extremely grateful to have reaped the benefits of the advancement of society.