LOST - will being a little superstitious helps my child?

Chloe's sick diary started since she was 6 months old. Till date, she still fall sick frequently. It is so frequent that I am getting really worried. 

She fell sick on early dec for ONE whole week due to tonsillitis.

Then it came to early Jan - It was again tonsillitis

Followed by End Jan - It was once again tonsillitis.

Early Feb - Fever again but not tonsillitis, mild flu

She had just recovered from her fever 2 days ago, and once again her fever is back last night with 39 deg C.

Her fever always hit so high that I can never have a peaceful mind. Her fever is disturbing my mind so badly that I cannot concentrate with whatever I do. 

Last week, I went to see the specialist - pediatric, I went to see a neighborhood GP, I went to the Chinese Herbs Store bought lots of Herbal Teas, I went to see Chinese Doctor, I recited more than 20 times of Great Compassion Mantra last night......

Do I need to go to the extent to pray at those Taoist Temple to get "Fu Shui" for healing? Goshhhhh...........

Dr. Patrick recommended tonsillectomy (tonsil removal) so that Chloe doesn't need to suffer from falling sick frequently. Or, I should just go visit the ENT specialist for advise? I really do not want to put Chloe under the knife at such young age. 

Chinese Doctor recommended 1 year of chinese medication to reduce the tonsil problem. 

I am so LOST. What is best for my child? What should I do? Sigh

The Last Episode of Sick Diary?!

Hopefully, this is the last episode of my daughters' sick diary. 

I was praying hard every day hoping that Baby Clarisse can be stronger and not fall sick. However, the intimacy between these sisters has inescapably passed the viral to Baby Clarisse. Two days ago, Baby Clarisse's temperature went up to 39.5 deg C. This had never happened to Clarisse for the past one year, and all the while I thought Clarisse is healthier and stronger, she has better resistance to fight against these viruses. 

My Panic Button was instantly turned on, and my emotion dropped to rock bottom. I was easily irritated and Papa & Mama ended up yelling at each other a lot. It was indeed a stressful week for both of us. I was reluctant to bring Baby Clarisse to Dr. Patrick/Dr. Adrian, because Dr. Adrian once told me if Baby Clarisse has fever more than 38 deg C, he has to put her on Tamiflu and Antibiotics. Of course, to cure the current sickness outweighs the side effects of these drugs. But, I can't bear to see Baby Clarisse go through the pain that Chloe just experienced days ago.

Papa & Mama had decided to seek for Dr. Loo's help instead, because I believe he will be the one who is going to tell me that my daughter is not infected with H1N1! True enough, Dr. Loo told me to calm down and it was nonsense to diagnose my baby as H1N1 just because Influenze A positive. It is possible to be Influenza A positive even if it's just common flu. 

Dr. Loo also prescribed Klacid (the same antibiotics as Chloe) and medicines for cough, flu & fever. Irregardless of how I resent the idea of suppository, Baby Clarisse was also given a suppository upon consultation. It is important to bring her temperature down first as per advised by Dr. Loo. 

The first day, Baby Clarisse's fever went up and down. I was not being stubborn nor I was afraid to stay in the Hospital. I wanted to try out an easier way for Baby Clarisse. Baby Clarisse's attitude stayed very positive and active throughout the day. The second day, her fever subsided, and her fever did not return for the day. Until late evening, her temperature went up again to 38 deg C, and it came down after 2.5ml of paracetamol. 

Today is the third day, I have told Papa to monitor closely. Now is 2.03pm, so far no fever! :( 

I am very tried and sad. Please....... let's end the story here! :''(

trauma continues....

I couldn't finish the previous blogs..it was such torturous moments and I couldn't continue. The toughest Part of being a MaMa is not the labour process but the process of witnessing my children going through undesirable pains. It is so me to start blaming myself for not being a good MaMa but at that point of time, my brain stopped functioning, emptied. It is also irrelevant to play the blaming game too. What I wanted was a solution for my baby. 

The test came out and we were horrified she was tested Influenza A positive. At once, Dr. Patrick told us that it was H1N1. We were speechless and burnt-out. How come? Again? She was tested ONCE with Influenza A positive (H1N1 - during the epidemic) when she was 7 months old. Why now again? I thought Chloe is supposed to immune to H1N1? Dr. Adrian immediately started with Tamiflu and Antibiotic (which I didn't notice what was it..) on Chloe. The Antibiotic did not seem to react to Chloe so well, because her temperature hits 41 deg C. Dr. Adrian and MaMa were both busy sponging my baby, while the fan was blowing strong towards Chloe. After 15 minutes, her body temperature came down a little and Dr. Adrian prescribed her another Antibiotic named Klacid and another one which I didn't notice what is it called which needed to injected to her body through IV. 

The blood test came out shown that she is infected with Microplasmal Pneumoniea. MaMa tried to google it online and try to find out more about it but as I said earlier on that my brain was totally out of function, and the whatever medical terms that described this bacteria type just couldn't registered into my brain properly. 

Baby Chloe was admitted to the hospital for 72 hours and she was a good girl as what Doctor and Nurses described, she was calmed and steady for her age. But the little devil came out when all the nurses and doctor were out of the room, she started to ask for heaps of TLC especially from PaPa. 

She was very occupied with various activities. The Ipad, of course, Colouring Book, Barney DVDs, Unlimited TV..... My good girl handled her left hand, which was heavily bandaged, so well. She was a little uneasy at first, but after 24 hours, she was already using both her both her hands to handle everything. 

The fever subsided completely on the 2nd day. No re-occurance. However, Dr. Adrian insisted we should stay for total of 72 hours for her treatment. 

"All parents will say YES to whatever Doctor tell them to do on the first day when their babies were very sick, and when babies recovered on the 2nd day, everyone starts to bargain with Doctor for discharge." Dr. Adrian said this when we asked if it was necessary to stay on for the 3rd day. Well, Papa and MaMa thought just comply to it since it was already a last 24hours that we need to stay in the hospital. For Chloe's health sake, I think we just have to comply to Doctor's recommendation.

Chloe was discharged yesterday and everyone who saw her told me that she lost a lot of weights. This is inevitable. Furthermore, her mouth ulcers were such a pain for her to even consume her milk. Luckily, Chloe is a greedy little fella. She was always easily tempted with food. So, I gave her various type of food every hourly, and everything was eaten only in a small portion like hard-boiled eggs, Papaya, biscuit, water, juices, porridge, macaroni etc etc etc. Better than nothing at all. 

Chloe has to continue her Tamiflu and Klacid Antibiotic until the end of the week. So, MaMa will not going to have any program after work including gym. I am going to head home early today and every day to check out my babies until they are completely well.

Weary of persistent virus battle......

The checklist routine stopped after the 2nd day. MaMa is not being lazy nor my babies' conditions have improved so much that they do not required any extra attentions.

The distressing fact was that Chloe lost in the virus battle and was admitted to the hospital on Saturday Morning. 

15th September 2011 - It was Papa's 34th Birthday. Chloe didn't attend school that day because Papa said he wanted Chloe to take a good rest at home. Everything was fine except for her minor cough and blocked noses. It was Papa's Birthday, so MaMa thought it shouldn't be an issue to bring Chloe to have dinner together with Papa & Mah Mah, so off we went to have a scrumptious dinner at Kampachi. This photo was taken after dinner at Pavillion. I could feel Chloe's body was a little hot, but both Papa & Mah Mah confirmed with MaMa that She is fine. Chloe requested MaMa to take a picture of her with the cartoon background, but her eyes were telling me she was a little lethargic. When MaMa arrived home, the first thing that I did was to check her temperature and it shown 38.5 deg C. I was totally perturbed by her fever because it could go up to 40 deg C again. Furthermore, this fever is been coming back and forth since beginning of the month. So far, no anti-biotic prescribed because Doctors said it was due to viral infection and try to bring down the temperature by Progesic or Voltaren suppository if the fever hits 39 deg C and above. 

MaMa was trying so hard, dying to get rid of the fever without the Voltaren but situation did not permit MaMa from using the Supp. No matter, how I tried to cool her down by sponging her or feeding her progesic, it just didn't bring down the fever totally. At least, the supp is able to keep her fever own for good 6 - 8hours all the times.

Unfortunately, it was not that case that night. MaMa fed Chloe with 5ml of Progesic at about 10pm. Her fever slightly came down to 37.9 deg C but it shot up to 39.5deg C at about 5.30am. Papa & Mama were lost and dead-worried, and we immediately applied the supp. It managed to reduced the heat a little, below 39 deg C and we sent Chloe back to sleeping, thinking that it will keep her fever away at least until the next LATE morning. But at about 8am, We were alarmed by her body heat again, it went up to 40 deg C. MaMa was panic, and knew that Chloe has to be admitted to the hospital for treatment because the SUPP is not WORKING on her fever anymore.

We rushed to the Dr. Patrick's Clinic in the morning and Dr. Patrick was on leave. MaMa was anxious, tired, exhausted, panic...whatever words that could described my state of feelings at that moments. Dr. Adrian was available and we didn't think of searching for other doctor as my daughter is at a critical situation. 

Dr. Adrian carried out a thorough test for Chloe - Influenza Test, Blood Test & X-ray. He said since July, her visits to the clinic was so regular and he wanted to check what was triggering all these attacks.

I do not know how to describe in words how painful is it for a Mother to see this and go through the process. It is still so painful when I trying blog this down. Can't help to tear silently while recalling that moments.

The medical officer was trying to put a needle through while all the nurses pressing her down to ensure that she would not move about. MaMa stayed next to Chloe and MaMa did not have the courage to view the process but placing my face against Chloe. Sobbing uncontrollably while my baby is crying so loud, told MaMa "Pain Pain! Pain Pain" MaMa totally lost control of my tears. 

"Darling, Mosquitoes Bite! MaMa "Paat" (smack)!" sobbing...

"Darling Baby. Don't worry. Mosquitoes Bites only. PaPa is coming to "Paat" these notti mosquitoes.." Sobbing still ... while my Baby is crying for Pain. 

MaMa was totall.......

Treatment Checklist (2) - 15/9/2011

Chloe

Ventolin 2 puffs/ 2 x day  

Flixotide 2 puffs/ 2 x day 

Nasonex 2 sprays/ 2 x day 

Pear x 1pc - CHECKED

Probiotic x 1 capsules - CHECKED

Singular x 1 sachet 

Clarisse

Mar Nasap Spray 2 sprays/ 3 - 4 x day 

Oxy-Spray 2 sprays/2 x day

Pear x 2-3 slices - CHECKED

Probiotic x 1 capsule - CHECKED

Singular x 1 sachet 

Zyrtec x 2.5ml / day

Both Chloe and Clarisse had sticky eyes this morning. 

Chloe is absent from school today because Papa said that Chloe should stay at home to rest since tomorrow is also a public holiday.

Treatment Check List (1) - 14/9/2011

Thanks for my good friend's reminder, I should actually do a check list so that I will not missed out ANYTHING during the treatment. I have actually forgotten about the Probiotic HHMPPFFF!!!!!

Chloe

Ventolin 2 puffs/ 2 x day  - CHECKED

Flixotide 2 puffs/ 2 x day - CHECKED

Nasonex 2 sprays/ 2 x day - CHECKED

Apple x 1pc - CHECKED

Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Cordyceps x 1 serving - CHECKED

Probiotic x 1 capsules 

Singular x 1 sachet - CHECKED

Clarisse

Mar Nasap Spray 2 sprays/ 3 - 4 x day - CHECKED

Oxy-Spray 2 sprays/2 x day - CHECKED

Apple x 2-3 slices - CHECKED

Double Boiled Chicken Soupw ith Cordyceps x 1 serving - CHECKED

Probiotic x 1 capsule

Singular x 1 sachet - CHECKED

Zyrtec x 2.5ml / day - CHECKED

*Sigh* It is definitely not fun doing this checklist. I am lost. What else did I miss? Maybe I should add in one dosage of TLC Stay Home MaMa - unlimited/ day.

Hopefully, all these issues can be treated soon! Blocked Nose, please go away. You are the main culprit! You caused the rest of the organs congested! Please go away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My girls are sick again....

My girls have been sick since months ago...to be precise, since Chloe attended school. 

The viral infection started from Chloe with her sore throat and minor cough. We didn't take it seriously, thought that getting sick was inevitable since Chloe started schooling, naturally the probability of contact with various virus is higher. However, her cough persisted for 3 weeks and Mama felt something was not right. Her cough worsen especially in the night. So, Mama sent Chloe to Dr. Patrick Chan for a check. Fortunately, the lung was clear but Dr. Patrick told us that we must treat her cough to prevent her from developing into Asthma. Dr. Patrick told us that since I had Asthma history and Papa has sinus problem, it is a likelihood  for our children to develop the same kind of allergy too. No Antibiotic was prescribed, but Ventolin, Flixotide and Singular were prescribed to treat her cough and prevention of Asthma.

It was very effective, Chloe stopped coughing in the night after 4 days. Mama stopped the treatment immediately even though the plan was up to 7 days. Mama always has the concept not to feed them so much medication and hoping that their body can build immunity to fight against the virus. 

Unfortunately, she caught the viral conjunctivitis after the cough. The Conjunctivitis lasted for about 10 days. Papa was worried because her left eye was red and looking at her red eyes just made us heartache. Dr. Patrick prescribed Pantone Eye Drop and Fucithalmic  Eye Oilment. It didn't clear her eyes after 4 days and we started to worry because Papa read from the net that Conjunctivitis should only last 4 - 5 days. Anyway, we rushed to the eye specialist since Dr. Patrick also recommended us to visit the eye specialist if the red eyes did not subside. We went to Dr. Tan, the ophthalmologist, in the Prince Court Medical Centre on that saturday. Dr. Tan prescribed another eye drops and oilment (don't remember the name), and after 3 days. Her red eye was clear and no more discharge.

The conjunctivitis story did not stop there. Viral Conjunctivitis is infectious! Poor Darling Clarisse was also infected with conjunctivitis. It must be from Jie Jie Chloe, since they are very close to each other. They play together, they eat together, they sleep together, they even sometimes bom bom (bathe) together. I already instructed Novi not to put them together, but it is somehow unavoidable to have contact especially four of us sleep in the same room. Mama teared when I found out that Clarisse had sticky eyes like Chloe. I applied the same eye drops and oilments after consulted Dr. Tan during the follow up session. Thank god, Clarisse did not develop any redness in her eyes, just a little sticky in the morning and mild discharge on and off. 

Days after everyone back to healthy and normal stage, Chloe caught a viral infection again with an extremely high fever. I truly detest Chloe getting fever because her fever always hits 40 deg C and it worried me heaps!!!!!! The extremely high temperature is very dangerous, I have to be extra cautious and take extra care. I heard too much, and I want to try my best to protect my child. Dr. Patrick once confirmed with me that some children has the tendency to hit 40 deg C everything they get fever, and he assured me that it is ok. This will continue until their age of 8 (if I remembered correctly). However, we must take extra care and monitor the temperature and try to suppress the temperature from going up further. I hate inserting Voltaren through rectal, even though Doctors and Nurses assured me that it is not painful, I detest seeing how Chloe struggled when Papa tried to insert the Voltaren. We can never do it properly but the nurses and doctors could do it without Chloe noticing it. 


Mama and Papa spent our one week Raya Merdeka Holiday at home to take care of Chloe. 


Chloe recovered after three days, No antibiotic, just Progesic paracetamol. Augmentine Antibiotic was prescribed, but Dr. Patrick said we could use it later if the fever persisted after three days. Luckily, the fever subsided after three days. Good job, Chloe. Your body is slowly building immunity to fight against virus. 


Once again, Virus can be as contagious as love. The love between the two sisters transmitted the viral to my baby Clarisse. Clarrise caught fever after Chloe has recovered. However, Clarisse's fever was about 38 deg C - 39 deg C which is the normal fever temperature. Of Course, I was worried. Immediately I sent her to Dr. Ong, another pead, since Dr. Patrick was off on Sunday. 


Dr. Ong checked both Chloe and Clarisse. Why? What's wrong with Chloe? Chloe already recovered, right? YES, recovered from fever, but don't know why her cough is back and especially in the night which interrupted her from sleeping. 


Dr. Ong told us that Chloe is wheezing a little, and that we should take care of it to prevent from Asthma, as per advised earlier on. He told us to continue to continue the treatment with Ventolin and Flixotide for 2 weeks after she has stopped coughing. He also prescribed Mucoprom 3.5ml for Chloe if the cough is really bad. Dr. Ong said we can ommit the Mucoprom (cough syrup) but to enable her to sleep better in the night, we can feed her once in the night. 


As for Clarisse, apparently, she caught the virus from her Jie Jie Chloe. Her nose was blocked, right ear was infected and throat was a little red too. Dr. Ong prescribe Distaclor Antibiotic, Antamin for her cough, and Progesic Paracetamol for her fever. As per advised by Dr. Ong, we fed Clarisse with the Antibiotic for exactly 5 days. Fever subsided, but nose is still quite blocked, coughing still.


Up till yesterday, they were still coughing a little. What worse was that I found both girls' eyes were all watery and there were yellowish discharges continuously. I started to feel weary and down, what is going on. These continuously virus thingy has been around since months ago.....and my babies are still sick. 


This morning, we are back to Dr. Patrick again. I really like Dr. Patrick because he always made me feel "Nothing is wrong, just minor sickness! Don't Worry" but I really hate it when he asked me "how old is mei mei?" Why? Because I answered, "13 years" and he replied ,"Good! Not long More!" Ya..He is a mean Doctor!!!!! He agreed that he is not a pet person but still it is cruel to say that about my pet. Don't curse Mei Mei. Mei Mei is going to enjoy her longevity in her life. :) 


Anyway, Dr. Patrick's consultant assured me that my girls are fine. Just allergic from the haze and also it could be genetic allergy since Mama and Papa both has allergy problem (asthma and sinus). 


Prescription for Chloe :
Ventolin 2 puff /time/ 2 times/ day x 7 days
Flixotide 2 puffs/time/ 2 times/day x 14 days
Nasonex 2 spray/time/ 2 times/day x 7 days


Prescription for Clarisse :
Nasal Spray 4 time/day
Zyrtec 2.5ml once per day 7 days
Oxy-spray 2 sprays/time/ 2 times/day x 5 days
Singular X 2 weeks


My darling princesses.......please get well soon. Love you girls...Muaks