Battle of the Hives!!

I'll just start back to last Tuesday.  Duke had his 2 year appointment.  Everything went picture perfect.  His weight was (supposedly) 24 1/2 lbs and height 34 1/2 inches.  He got a hep shot and flu shot.  He was a tough little guy.  The next day I took all three kids back so Landon & Sadie could get their flu shots.  They had no clue what was in store for them.  As soon as Duke walked into the room he started crying...he knew!!  Sadie went first and didn't flinch.  Landon said "ouch" and cried a few seconds. Trip #2 was a success.  

On friday night after a bath I noticed some red spots on the insides of Duke's legs.  I didn't think much of it.  A lot of times the kids' skin is a little red or chapped.  We lotion them up or use Aquaphor.  The next morning (Sat.) I changed his diaper around 8:30.  His legs looked awful.  I noticed red splotches on his belly and working its way up his chest.  He had some spots under his arms and on back of his neck.  Now I'm a little concerned.  I called the doctor's office, but they are not open til 9:00.  In the meantime I attempt to dress the kids to take my own Christmas card pictures.  I had a snapfish coupon to get 20 cards for just 1 cent each.  I had to order them by Sunday the 23rd, which was the next day!  I curled Sadie's hair and dressed them in nice clothes and got a few good pics in.  I called the doctor again.  She said come in as soon as I could get there.  We got to the doctor a little after 10...in dress clothes and curly hair.  We went thru the normal waiting time.  As the nurse called for us and we were walking thru the door, Landon looks up at her and says, "Duke has stripes."  I cracked up...the nurse looked at me and I said, "he means spots."  She laughed.  She put Duke on the scale and for some crazy reason he now weighs 25 lbs. 12 oz!!  Wow!!  I think the nurse on Tuesday was a little off!  (i sure miss our nurses & doctor from Maryville!)  I explained to the nurse what was going on.  I told her about the flu shot and wondered if it was a late reaction to that.  She didn't think so. I have racked my brain and can't think of anything different he has ate or has been in contact with.  The doctor came in, took one look, and said "hives."  She didn't seem too concerned.  She gave me samples of Zyrtec to give him and said to wait it out a week.  Personally I thought that was a long time.  Trip #3 done.  

Sunday morning he didn't look any better.  He actually looked worse.  Now the spots are spreading around his neck, under his chin, and on his back.  We debated on taking him to church.  In the meantime I had attempted to make my Christmas card.  The group pic would not fit in the space provided on the card.  It had to be turn the "tall" way.  So, we dressed the kids up in same clothes and I fixed Sadie's hair the same way and we once again took pictures.  At least I had Greg to help this time.  It was NOT easy.  There was always one not cooperating or not looking or crying...usually Duke.  He was not in the mood....poor little guy.  I wanted to get these done before the end of day so I could take advantage of the good deal and before Duke's face broke out!  We got a few good ones and I was satisfied...I mean, not every Christmas card is perfect!  Everyone was already dressed so we decided to all go to church.  We were trying out a new one that is closer...and we really liked it.  Duke threw a fit in his class.  I spent most of my time in the cry room, but that's ok.  I knew he wasn't feeling well.  When we dropped Landon and Sadie off in their class Landon looked up at us and said, "I don't think I like this room."  When we picked them up he said, "I love this church!"  Sadie strongly agreed!!  Yeah!!  Now we just have to get Duke to like it!  

As the day went on Duke got worse.  He woke up from nap at 4:30.  His face was now covered and his eyelids were red and starting to swell.  It's now spread to most of his legs and arms too.  I waited it out cause Greg was on an appointment.  Duke did not want me to put him down.  If I put him down, he would cry.  I finally realized why...his feet were so swollen and his ankles looked bruised.  He couldn't walk.  Around 7:30 or so I was changing him and just couldn't take it any longer.  I would have to keep myself from crying every time I looked at him.   I told Greg we need to take him the ER.   I called our nurse's line and she said go now.  We were on our way to ER just before 9:00 pm.  Greg stayed home with Landon & Sadie.  Our friend Ty is a firefighter and was working that night.  His station is close to the hospital.  He stopped by to check on us.  Duke saw him, took his head off my shoulder, and said, "There's Ty."  We got settled in quickly and the doctor checked him out.  Basically what I got from our conversation is that he does have some type of hives...a bit more extreme type than just a reaction to a bee sting or food.  The reason being is because of the discoloration in the middle of the hives that looks like bruising.  He doesn't know for sure, but said it could be caused by a viral infection.  This is all so strange and a bit scary.  He gave him Benadryl and a steroid.  We waited it out for awhile and the doctor checked on him a couple times.  Duke fell asleep shortly after getting the medicine, which was a huge struggle.  We left the ER at 11:20 pm.  Instructions were to continue the meds for 4 days and follow up with pediatrician.  There was trip #4!  

The next morning (yesterday) he woke up early, happy, and looking better.  Most of his face was cleared up.  Swelling had gone down too.  As the day went on though, he started to get more hives on his arms and legs.  His face also started looking red again.  Today he woke up again at the same time and happy.  He looks much better today...so far.  Hopefully he will stay cleared up and whatever this is will get out of his system.  We go tomorrow morning for the follow-up appointment.  That will make trip #5 in a week and one day's time!!  Thank you for your phone calls and messages and  thoughts and prayers for little Duke!!