We have a diagnosis

Carson continued to have a fever until yesterday afternoon. He tried to eat some crackers and started taking in fluids a little bit better. Last night, he slept through the night...THANK GOD because I was really starting to feel the effects after a few nights of no sleep.

This morning, he woke up and still wasn't his self but no fever. We took him to Ms. Julie's and then Nena picked him up for the afternoon. Because my training got over early I got home around 2:45. Nena (Cathy) told me that Carson has a few bumps around his diaper area which is not uncommon for him but just wanted me to be aware. We talked for a few minutes and then she wanted to show me the bumps that she was talking about. I lifted up Carson's shirt to discover a massive rash that you could literally almost see spreading. Of course, I tried to stay calm but since it was 3 on Friday and considering the week we have had with fevers and no symptoms...I panicked! Called the Dr and they could see us immediately. Once we got to the Dr. I gave the nurse all the details of this week and she made me take Carson down to his diaper. By 3:30 the rash had spread all over his back, his arms, his tummy, neck, throat, and was going down his legs. Here I am praying that my child doesn't have measles or something like that. Fortunately, we only waited a few minutes and the Dr came in to say that she knew exactly what was going on. She said Carson is definition of the virus Roseola, a very old virus. It starts off with a very high fever for a few days (his case was 4 days) with no other symptoms and then within 24 hours of the fever breaking a massive rash will appear and spread in a very short time. I sat there thinking...lovely...it could be worse. So then I ask the dreaded question, is it contagious? Not now she tells me....When he had the fever it was. LOVELY!!!!!! She did say it will go away in 3 or 4 days and he should feel pretty good and won't have any more fever. She mentioned that typically once people get this once they probably will never get it again. Whew - lucky there I thought....But wait I have never had this....and what about Nena and Cory who have also been around him the last 4 days. Cathy does remember as a child she had it and thinks Cory has had it. NOT ME - never had it. Now I truly do pray that I don't end up getting a fever!!!!

Now it is a few hours later and the rash has spread all over his body and face. Yes it gets worse...we have Christmas and family pictures on Sunday - have been planning them for over a month now. Cory, Carson and I have never had a family picture done so I have been getting outfits ready and was going to give pictures out for some Christmas gifts. NOT NOW - can't have a rash faced little boy with swollen eyes in the picture :) Therefore, all Christmas cards will be late this year cause we are going to have to put off pictures until we return from MO.

I am thankful that we now know what caused the fever for the past week and that CW is going to be OK. I will too -hope I just don't get sick!!!!! :)