Recently I haven’t been feeling very well, a have a rare form of arthritis in my back called Ankylosing Spondylitis which only 8% of people get.  I was in such excruciating pain and after two weeks of being bed ridden, I decided that through all the cases of H1N1 that I would probably be best suited  at the hospital, because getting rid of my pain was my number one priority. 

So through all my aches and pains I managed to get my behind in the car and to town my husband and I went.  Reaching the hospital we went in, checked in with the nurse, they sent me to do the almighty pee test, and then back to the waiting room I went.  There were so many sick people.  But through it all there was this show on the televisions called, Man Vs. Wild, or something like that.  It was such a gross show that it gave you no other choice but to forget that there was something wrong with us.  This fellow was drinking his own urine, and went in a dead camel to stay warm, everyone was laughing, it was so gross.

As my name got called we went to the room designated for us.  I was given a gown and told to strip to my skivies.  So the doctor came in and he was HOT, no really, a HOT doctor.  Instantly, I thought to myself, oh no, I haven’t shaved in a dog’s age.  So he came over and said that he had to do a test on my legs, well, let me tell you, a panick went though my body, immediately, I became red and began to express in pretty simple terms that summer was over.  Meaning, that’s right, its November, I haven’t shaved my legs since August. A cave woman, a real live cave woman.  I am warm, what can I say.

My husband was so embarrassed, but not for me, for himself, and only because the hair on my legs are longer then his. 

The doctor didn’t even smile, a little over professional as far as I’m concerned.  So he took the stick and checked for circulation, so  and so forth.  I can’t even tell you how humiliated I was.

So just to teach myself or anyone else out there, make sure you shave before going to the hospital, because you never know who will be touching you and when.  Thank goodness he didn’t need to check my armpits!!  lol

Do you have a shameful story or experience that you can share?  I’d love to hear it!!

I am writing this post because I want to share how to treat a high fever for a child that is sick or has H1N1 and yet so unmotivated to write anything right now. 

Recently our laptop crashed and I have been waiting for that to get fixed, as the weeks go by, so does my enthusiasm.  I really enjoy just laying on the couch, with my feet up, Pepsi in hand, ready to write.  It seems to me that at the time I have lots to say, but not so much when I have to sit at the computer desk and focus!!  That is my daughters favorite thing to say, “focus daddy, I need you to listen to me.”  “What you’re doing isn’t as important as what I have to say to you.”  Father, “what do you need to say to me?”  Daughter, “well nothing really, I just want you to listen to me.”  Cracks me up every time.  A little woman in the making.

So the biggest thing in our house is my husbands fear that we will get the H1N1 virus.  That is all and well, but it has gotten a little over board.  We aren’t around anyone and yet, sterilize your hands, sterilize your hands. 

Purell and I have become secret lovers!!  I’m pretty sure that people wonder if I have become a secret alcoholic…..with hand sanitizer!!  What’s that smell on you Lynn, let me smell your breath.   No joke, it’s really bad!  He has become OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), I wish he felt this passionate about cleaning.  Mess is bad, mess is bad.  Would that make me wake up with a smile everyday!  And if it was his new found passion then I would sanitize as much as he wanted!!

So in our province the swine flu also know as H1N1 has been a prevalent virus in and around our community.  I am so happy that my daughter is not in school yet.  We all know that children are a factor in the spread of germs, and for the most part, the number one carrier in the spread of sickness. You can’t help but want to give your child extra love and affection when they are sick.  But children can be dirty little critters.  They put everything in their mouth, and touch everything!!  It’s not their fault though, they are just curious.  So when this outbreak began, we were even more aware of what our daughter was doing with her hands and where they were going.

When people speak of the H1N1 they talk about how intense the fever is.  I have been told that it is very hard to control and/or break.  So I asked my doctor and I thought that I would post what she said and if you are having a hard time with your method maybe you can take a couple of pointers from here.

1) Remove any excess clothing or blankets from the child.   They should wear one layer of thin clothing, and use a single blanket for sleeping.

2) Place the child in a cool room.  Turn up the air conditioning if possible or turn a fan on the child.

3) Administer either acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Children’s Advil), for fever in children old enough to take this medication.  Acetaminophen is not recommended for children under three months, and ibuprofen is not recommended for children under six months.

4) Bath the child in a lukewarm bath.  Avoid bath water that is too cold, or alcohol rubs, as they will cause the child to shiver.  This will raise the child’s core body temperature, adding to the problem. 

5) Be aware that fevers are the result of both minor illnesses and serious infections.  Because it can often be hard to distinguish between the two, children with fevers should be brought to their pediatrician/doctor to be examined in many cases. Children less than three months old with a fever greater than 100.4 degrees, and children of any age with a fever greater than 105 degrees, should be seen by a doctor.

6 ) You also need  to keep your child from becoming dehydrated.  We lose extra water from the skin and lungs during a fever.

7) Encourage the child to drink clear fluids such as non-carbonated drinks without caffeine or juice (not water). Water does not contain the necessary electrolytes and glucose.  Other clear fluids are chicken soup, Pedialyte, and other rehydrating drinks available at your grocery or drug store.

Tea should not be given because it, like any caffeine-containing product, causes you to lose water through urination and may contribute to dehydration.

Your child should urinate light-colored urine at least every four hours if well hydrated.

Although this is a very stressful time for a lot of people I hope that this will help you and if you have any ideas please let me know also.  I know that my daughter had a virus two years ago, my husband I were so concerned about her, we went to the emergency room.  She was so sick, and her fever was so high.  Has your child ever had a fever so high that it scared you?  Share your story!!  Good luck!