Ah, yes... the one word that should strike fear in the hearts of any parent.
First of all, I must confess. In the last 3 days, I haven't gone to any other blog but my own. But -- I have read all your wonderful and encouraging comments and perfect scriptures. I feel as if these past few days would have been impossible without your prayers, support and thoughts. I truly felt them. And Lauren ... any time you want to come and clean up vomit ... that's fine by me!
Okay, let us begin with Dr. Googles definition of Rotovirus... Rotovirus (or Rotavirus) is a common viral infection among young children. It is the most common cause of diarrhea in U.S. children and is a leading cause of death among children in developing countries. The virus works by attacking the lining of the small intestine, causing often copious loss of fluids and electrolytes. The virus is spread through oral contact to fecal material, and is common in child care environments.
Well now, all I have to say is... Praise God we do NOT live in a developing country. So, for your educational reading, I'll fill you in on some key things you should know about Rotovirus.
***Warning... what I'm about to write is NOT pretty. If you are weak of heart, or mainly... stomach, or you detest bathroom talk... then move on to the next blog, and I'll catch you tomorrow, 'kay?***
1. Rotovirus is bad. Bad, bad, bad. It doesn't care if you are 5 months old, or 38 years old... it WANTS TO CONSUME you.
2. Rotovirus, in my humble opinion, was born in the fiery pits. It should stay there.
3. Wednesday at just before (or right at) midnight, my innocent, sweet, 5 month old baby turned into a puking, pooping machine. Not pleasant. Especially when it's explosive in nature. He still has diarrhea, but no more vomiting. We are trying to keep him very, VERY hydrated. Especially after our own experience (oh, yes -- it just gets better).
4. If you receive a call three days after your child begins getting sick (Saturday) saying that your child was exposed to another child that has been diagnosed with Rotovirus, and your child is displaying the very same symptoms, chances are... they have it.
5. If your child spends no less than 5 minutes vomiting and pooping all over you, you can expect to get it too. Especially if your child toots while you are cleaning his hiney and sprays you in the face with diarrhea. Nice. Really nice. Expect to be sick as a dog within 2 days.
6. I went to bed on Friday at 11:45 p.m. Yeah... me. And by 2 am, I was seeking God's face in earnest. Folks, I can honestly say that I thought I was going to DIE, and I must have called on God to remove this from me more times than I have in my entire life. And... who knew that adults could have projectile vomit (as well as other things) too?
7. Warning: Should you get this lovely virus... be sure to have an empty trash bag in the bathroom -- just in case you have both diarrhea and vomiting at the same time. (I warned you about the bathroom talk, didn't I?)
8. Both parents will come down with same virus within 4 hours of each other, rendering them totally helpless. Totally. Praise God for grandparents that can come and take infant home with them for his first night away from home because parents can barely care for each other, let alone baby. (SOB!)
9. You WILL become dehydrated. FAST. You will become weak, light headed, and sick, sick, sick. In fact, husband probably should have gone to hospital, but wife was too light headed and out of breath and energy to see it at the time. (Scary when you think about this a day later!)
10. Rotovirus - one way to loose 10 pounds in an 18 hour period. Not good -- but I'm not complaining. It's not like I'm ready to melt away to nothingness any time soon!
Now -- I must go lay down and rest. It's surprising how weak one feels after about 12 hours of sleep in an 18 hour period! I'm not even sure if we'll make it to any of the viewings today. And just for the record ... I have a totally new level of respect for parents that have dealt with this nastiness and have lived to tell about it. You guys rock!
Thanks for all your prayers. I know they have made all the difference. I'll touch base with y'all in the next couple of days.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Rotovirus - The Top Ten
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15 comments:
Oh bless you, bless you my dear friend. I am SO SORRY! You have had quite a rough few days.
Seems unfair that one person/ one household should have to deal with all of this at one time!! Get lots of fluids, lots of rest, and take care of yourself. I'll be praying. Oh you poor thing.
I wish I lived closer! I would be there in no time to do all that needs to be done so you can REST! One of the hardest parts of this computer/ internet world... not being close enough to help when a friend could use it! AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!
GiBee, I am so sorry! I will share this in the hopes that it will bring a LITTLE laughter to your woes.
When our first child was 6 months old, we all three got sinus/respiratory infections. Sucked all the energy out of both of us--the couphing, sneezing, stuffy-head, fever, getting no rest thing. The Dr prescribed cough medicine with codeine in it and, since Katie would have nothing to do with Scott when she woke up repeatedly all throught the night, Scott would take the medicine at night while I took care of the baby then I would take it in the morning and be comatose all day. Except when I had to nurse, which of course I did not feel like doing but, you know, I wasn't going to let my baby starve just because I felt like I might die any moment. So at some point I had dragged myself out of bed to nurse, and Scott looks at my through sick, half-closed eyes and says, "I just don't think you feel as bad as I do."
It went down in history as THE stupidest thing he has ever said (even he will readily admit to this) and we still laugh about it now.
Oh Sweetie~ Bless your heart! I have lived through it, and I did survive despite my own pleas for my life to quickly come to an end.
Put a straw now in a 2 liter of your favorite clear beverage and begin rehydrating -- now!
May God be with you, your hubby and your precious little one.
I remember how puny my Sweetcheeks looked after a go-round with the RotoMonster. Ten lbs may make us look better, but it sure wreaks havoc when an infant loses a lb. or two.
You will be in our prayers, sweetie.
That is definitely adding insult to injury! You poor thing. You've been in my prayers all week, and now I see how much extra you needed them!
Oh you poor, poor thing!!!! As if there isn't enough on your plate already. Okay, sorry, shouldn't make reference to food. I really hope things start clearing up soon.
I'm so sorry to hear you're all sick. How hard this must be at a time when you are supposed to be with loved ones. I'll pray that you'll be back to yourself in no time!!
Yuck, Yuck, Double YUCK! I'm so sorry you're having to endure this with everyone in the whole fam' sickly! Get some rest and blog about it later...Peace and wellness over the family and house.
Noooo, not That virus! Despite his early night away from mommy and daddy it is better that he is with well grandparents than sick parents...dehydration can set in quickly and fog covered blood shot eyes don't see that very well.
Rest, rest, rest...
boy i hope you guys have more than one bathroom!
I'm so sorry.....
But this post was hilarious. I agree, it WAS born in the fiery pits. You are so right. Hope you all feel 100% soon.
Bless your heart. This is just awful. There's no good time for something like this, but it really couldn't have hit at a worse time, could it?
How's the baby doing?
My son just got over rotovirus. So not fun!
Oh GiBee... I'm thinking God is trying to slow you down a bit with all this sickness. Bless your parents for helping out.
When all of this is said and done and you look back and laugh (shudder) at this sick cycle carosel, at least you will feel a little roomier in your pants.
I'm so sorry you had to deal with this crap (literally) on top of everything else.
MomRN2 -- Oh, you are so sweet! I wish you lived closer, too!
Jeana -- I totally relate because I got it ten times worse than my husband, but HE was the one that almost had to go to the hospital. He never even threw up, and I threw up MORE TIMES in 5 hours than I did the entire time I was pregnant! Men are so weak! (LOL!)
Peach -- Let's see... I sucked down carbonated water like there was no tomorrow... I still have about 1,000 pounds to go, and my son is a giant, although, he did loose a few pounds (but doesn't look emaciated). He still looks like his adorable self!
Morning Glory -- TELL ME ABOUT IT! Thank youfor acknowleding that whole insult to injury thing! We have felt yours and everyone's added prayers!
Faith -- thank you, thank you, thank you---prayers got us through!
Lauren -- Love ya babe! And... see comment for Peach so you know just how much more weight I really have to loose before I can be considered "thinner!"
Karen -- references to food are all okay now... NOT SATURDAY... but okay today... ;-)
Stacey -- thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!! And guess what? I can't wait to read your blog!
KPJara -- how about TRIPLE Yuck?! We have found peace again -- because the toilets are no longer flush, flush, flushing! Thanks for praying for us!
Tam -- honey -- we have 2 & 1/2 baths... and I got the closest one! Nice to have you on Kisses of Sunshine, and I can't wait to read your blog!
Heath -- thanks for sharing my sense of humor! I really, REALLY appreciate that!
Carol -- how are YOU doing? And ... the baby is doing great. Also, we are thankful it all happened at the end of the week, and during the weekend.
Rachelle -- maybe you can answer a question of mine... once you get rotovirus, do you have immunities to it? Or can you get it again? (and... it better be the answer I'm looking for!) And, I'm so, so sorry your son went through this. I think he's about the same age as mine, and they just don't understand what's happening to them! It's pitiful!
Shalee -- you are 100% right -- we are already looking back and laughing. And... stop droping hints to God about slowing me down! STOP IT NOW!
Perri -- thank you for pointing out that it was ME dealing with this crap ... literally ... because, don't think a MAN is going to know what to do! hehehe -- just kidding. Some men do (not many, but some).
Whew! Did I get everyone? If I missed you, it was an accident... know that I appreciate you, too!
And -- thanks again -- seriously. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Okay -- going to drop in bed now. hate-late-nights!
I am so sorry that you are sick as a dog on top of everything you're dealing with. Thank you so much for your comments on my site, today. They meant so much.
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