Hand Foot Mouth...AKA coxsackievirus

Well, I took Allison to the doctors today. She hadn't eaten a bottle since Saturday morning. We had actually resorted to feeding her Pedialyte from a syringe. Turns out she has Hand Foot Mouth, which is a virus caused by the coxsackievirus. It is extremely common, and causes fever, malaise, and blisters on the hands, feet and mouth (mainly throat). That is why she won't eat, her throat is killing her. She also has a rash over her legs and arms. I'm not sure where she got it, maybe those damned shopping carts. I need to start using more Clorox wipes!! The doc says it usually goes away in 3-5 days, so we're looking at the worst of it. But, we are just miserable (mostly Allison). She will NOT sleep unless I drive her around. I can't rock her, lay with her, or let her cry it out...she will not sleep. So, at 4 am I was in the car driving her around Kansas City. I was just praying I didn't get pulled over... I looked crazy!! Already I have been out with her 4 times today to get her to sleep. I am still having to syringe feed everything as she will not take a bottle. She is drooling like crazy 'cause she won't even swallow her spit! Praise God her fever is gone, but honestly, that doesn't seem to be helping her feel better. Here's a website if you're interested in HFM. Hand Foot Mouth.
I know you're all super excited to see what her rash looks like. Well, you're in luck, 'cause I took a few pics today. They aren't the best quality, but you get the picture.



This is where the rash started (on her knee). It looks bad, but it doesn't seem to bother her any.


I know you can't see it very well, but there is a blistered red mark on her palm. That is characteristic of HFM. There are also a few on her feet, but she absolutely would not let me take a picture. I think she's tired of getting held down!


Her poor thighs and bottom are covered too. It just looks awful. And, if you could see the back of her throat, she has the same rashy blisters there. Those are painful.




On a lighter note (ha ha) Jason did get the job we were praying for, so at least that is a little weight lifted. He leaves for Hong Kong on Thursday for two weeks. I will get to go visit my friend Tiffany in Fargo, ND for 5 days (long drive...are you worth it Tiff??) ;) Jason also has to go to Australia for two weeks in October and another week in November. But, then he should be done for a while, and he really hasn't traveled since Allie was born. Anyway, pray for continued healing for Allie and my own sanity!!
Valerie