Please Help Again - This Time Even Worse & I Am So Scared!! :(

Updated on September 19, 2007
J.M. asks from Fox River Grove, IL
21 answers

I recently wrote a request about my daughter who was going through some kind of virus or something... She is doing better now but I am so scared about my son (he is 3 years old). He seemed to be coming down with the same thing that my daughter had. He developed a fever and sore throat on the afternoon of the 12th. His sore throat got really bad and fever kept returning once motrin/tylenol wore off but I thought he had gone through the worst of it. Well today he woke up and would not stand on his legs. I tried to force him and he screamed in pain. I took him to the ER where the poor guy had to get blood drawn, have an ekg, xrays, urine sample etc. They basically said that they don't really know what it is - it doesn't look like rhuematic fever which they were considering b/c of his sore throat, his blood count/ekg/urine looks ok. They did a throat culture which we have to wait 2 days for and sent us home with antibiotics. It has been 7 hours since his first dose of the antibiotics and nothing seems to be improving yet. As the evening went on his legs seemed to get more "stiff" and sore to the point where he wouldn't even let me bend them up like he had let me all day. He says it hurts in his knees and calves. I am flipping out and can't stop crying over this. Has ANYONE ever heard of such a thing? Is is possible for a flu or virus to cause this extensive of joint pains? Also can it take antibiotics a day or two to kick in?? He will not bear any weight on either leg. If anyone has any advice/knows of something similar happening to someone PLEASE respond. Thank u

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So What Happened?

Another update - the happiest day of my life, my lil man is back up on his feet walking and running as normal!!!!!! It took an hour or so to get his balance back right since he hasn't taken a step in nearly 4 days but it looks like this nightmare is over! The episode totally followed clasic "Benign Acute Childhood Myositis" - its too bad I had to find out myself since all of the 5 doctors I dealt with were CLUELESS!! So frustrating!! Thank you SOOO much for all your support!!!!

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A.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

I personaly don't trust western dr's. I would take him to a chiropractor who can adjust him so the body works correctly from head to toe so that it can heal quicker. An adjustment to his legs might help with the pain also.

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M.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi

i don't have idea

give him a lot of potassium ( bananas patatos ect and water )
last year i was babysitting a girl that after a viral can walk well the problem has the fever that desidrated her not mineral in her body.
Sorry for my english

M.

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A.L.

answers from San Diego on

hi jamie,
i had a friend who experienced similar symptoms. to be on the safe side you may want to research guillain barre syndrome. hope this is not what he is experiencing but i though i would pass it on just in case. here is an article off of the internet:
"Guillain-Barré (ghee-yan bah-ray) syndrome is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In many instances, the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is almost totally paralyzed. In these cases, the disorder is life-threatening and is considered a medical emergency. The patient is often put on a respirator to assist with breathing. Most patients, however, recover from even the most severe cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, although some continue to have some degree of weakness. Guillain-Barré syndrome is rare. Usually Guillain-Barré occurs a few days or weeks after the patient has had symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection. Occasionally, surgery or vaccinations will trigger the syndrome. The disorder can develop over the course of hours or days, or it may take up to 3 to 4 weeks. No one yet knows why Guillain-Barré strikes some people and not others or what sets the disease in motion. What scientists do know is that the body's immune system begins to attack the body itself, causing what is known as an autoimmune disease. Guillain-Barré is called a syndrome rather than a disease because it is not clear that a specific disease-causing agent is involved. Reflexes such as knee jerks are usually lost. Because the signals traveling along the nerve are slower, a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test can give a doctor clues to aid the diagnosis. The cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the spinal cord and brain contains more protein than usual, so a physician may decide to perform a spinal tap."

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H.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

Jamie,
I'm sorry to say that I have no advice, but I just wanted to let you know that you and your children are in my prayers tonight.....

H.

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T.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

Jamie, I'm very sorry that you are freaking out. Try to remain calm and not panic. That way you are in a better mental state to help figure this out and what to do. The first thing that popped into my head (it won't make you feel better - and I don't know - I'm probably wrong! but I'm just going to put it out there) is Guillane Barr Syndrome
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00413.html
I've heard people (children) developing it after receiving vaccinations. It's a rare side effect. Were they recently vaccinated?
I hope that's not it. I hope it's something that will pass. I did a search for muscle weakness and found this: http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/muscle_weakness.htm
I hope someone else can post something more helpful.

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B.S.

answers from San Diego on

Jamie,
I am really sorry to hear about what is going on. Unfortunatly I don't have any advice. But I just wanted to say that I will keep you and your children in my prayers today and this week.

God Bless you and give you strength & courage, and for a quick recovery for your son and daughter.

Sincerely,
B.

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K.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

Is there a doctor for him you can call and take him to see? I have not experienced what you are describing, but it definitely sounds like you should call a doctor/pediatrician to get advice. Usually yes it takes 48 to 72 hours for meds to kick in, and it's possible that he is achy from the flu and has a low pain tolerance, but I would definitely have him seen one on one by a doctor you trust.

I am glad your daughter is doing better. Let that bring you hope for your son that he too will ride this out.

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R.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I would take him back to the ER immediately and not leave until you get an answer..... I'm SO sorry. This must be so hard. Good luck!!!

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A.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Antibiotics do take a couple days to start to take affect. You will not see improvement after just 7 hours. It sounds like the ER was pretty thorough, so that she put your mind at ease a little.
When I was little and having growing pains, my mother said my legs would hurt so much I would refuse to stand or walk. I'm not sure if that's what happening to your little guy, but its one idea. It could just be coincidence that it happened at the same time as the sickness.

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K.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

It takes 3 to 5 days for antibiotics to really kick in. It sounds like his leg muscles may be inflamed... possibly due to the fever. If it gets really bad, ask your pediatrician if muscle relaxers would be OK for him. Otherwise just let him rest and try to keep his fever down.

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J.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi Jamie,

First, I will be praying that this is something that will be quickly taken care of, so your poor guy feels better!

I agree with Jennivee W. Hopefully it's something as simple as strep throat. When I was a child, I would get terrible bouts of strep throat. It was very painful, and I couldn't stand, all my joints hurt SO badly, and all my muscles. It's somethng I will never forget. I got it several times, although not usually that bad. As I got older, I never got it again.

Try not to freak out. Hopefully with the antibiotics, he will be feeling better tomorrow. :o)

Please let us know what happens.

J.

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M.A.

answers from Honolulu on

Hi Jamie - I am so sorry to hear that your poor son is so sick! Has your son been swimming in any fresh water or wading in a stream lately? If so, you should have the docs check him for leptospirosis. This is a TOTALLY TREATABLE bacterial infection, but it does need a higher dose of antibiotics. I am not a doctor, but the warnings have been up all over the military clinic, and it's worth checking out if he's not getting better.

Other than that, try to calm down. You know kids react to your stress almost as badly as the illness itself. Take your son back to the doctor, and tell them what is going on and MAKE them listen to you. If you need to be the b*t** to make sure your son gets the best treatment possible, then be that.

Good luck, best wishes, and sending prayers out for you and your kids.

Aloha - M.

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C.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

HI Jamie,

Antibiotics definitely do not start working fast enough to show an improvement in symptoms after just 7 hours. Do you have a regular pediatrician? The ER often tries to get people in & out because they are dealing with so many emergencies, that they can miss some things. I would call your regular pediatrician & try to get a same day appointment. Make sure you stress that the symptoms are getting worse. Hopefully, your regular ped. will be able to be your advocate in getting your son treated ASAP.

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S.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

Don't waste precious time with this!! GET A SECOND OPINION from PROFESSIONALS!!!! Go back to the Hospital and insist that they do further tests!! I can't imagine what you must be going through, just please, go get a second opinion! As a mother you know something is seriously wrong, trust your instincts!

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L.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Jamie,

I know this is a real hard thing to deal with but until you get your head under control you can’t think straight enough to help your baby.

First, Did the ER test him for his appendix? Some of the symptoms you have stated are signs. The ER can get it wrong. They did with my son. Antibiotics can take up to three days to work full but if the symptoms are getting worse you need to get him back in and demand that they find what is wrong. Also, water, water, water.. make sure that his joints and muscles are getting the hydration. With a high fever this can cause a number of painful problems. Massage is legs arms and back and get the circulation going. This will help. Be very gentle.

Stand strong with the ER they can have a tendency to blow you off. Don't let them. Make sure that you make them get your son comfortable with the pain. Until they can find the cause.

I know this is really hard. But you can't do this one alone. Get back in there and STAND STRONG because your baby needs you too.

When all of this is done, we need to build up both of your babies immune systems and I can help with that.. Just call

My heart is with you in this fight.

L. C
Wellness Coach/
Personal Nutritionist
www.Herbalmom.com

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S.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm so sorry to hear that, I would think the ER would have done more tests. Have the tested him for meningitis? (Did they do a neck exam?) Call your regular pediatrician or just go to their office for a second opinion. It can take a few days for antibiotics to kick in but antibiotics will not work on any virus, only bacteria. If Tylenol is not relieving his pain, can he take children's liquid Advil? Please call your pediatrician now and explain the symptoms. I feel so sorry for your little man. I would be scared too. Even if he does need antibiotics, you would think with the severe pain, they would admit him and give them to him through an IV so it's faster.

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J.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

I don't know how much this will help but, I worked with a girl a couple of years ago that came down with a different type of strep-throat. It caused also her joints and muscles to lock up and she couldn't move anything. It got so bad that even her mouth was locked and had a hard time eating. So hopefully they will find something out with the throat culture. I don't know exactly what type of strep it is, only that it caused your usual symptoms of strep and along side the joint and muscle lockage. So I would ask your DR. about if there was a type of strep that causes joints to lock. Because thats what she was told. I hope I helped you, and I hope your son gets better. I know hers lasted over a week. Keep us updated!!

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A.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

take him back to the emergency room ASAP... he may need to be admitted into the hospital...

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K.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I hope your little one is better by now. If not, I would take him back to the ER and demand they admit him. Don't take no for an answer, your child only has you to be his advocate. Be strong, this sounds serious.

When my son was 12 I had to take him back to the docors five times before they finally diagnoised him with type 1 diabetes. You know your child better then anyone, so always go with your "gut feeling".

God Bless,
Kathy

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K.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

My daughter had that once when she was around the same age. I took her to the ER and they basically described it as a "cold" in the legs. She could not walk or stand. I thought they were crazy but I guess it happens. It should go away in a couple of days, if it has not already. Good Luck

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K.Z.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm not a physician, but I have gone through something similar. My 4 year old daughter had scarlet fever about a year ago... and we had a very similar experience. It took almost 48 hours for the antibiotics to kick in, and then she improved tremendously. Hopefully, you too will see results very soon. If you do not...I'd camp out at the Dr. office!

Good luck!

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