Unpleasant Journal 8-29 March 2008

This Easter was no good. It was freezing cold, wet with scattered snow. There wasn't a sign of spring. And worse, we spent the Easter in hospital.

Gabriel was unwell. I recall what happen...

8 March Sat - we had a lovely day with Jean in central London, and a sumptuous meal at Royal China, all went well until Jean left for Singapore in the evening. Gabriel started to run fever, and threw out food. He looked, suddenly, tired and sick.

9 March Sun - Gabriel running fever, feeling lethargic and grumpy. We had a monstrous nite coz he woke up every 1 1/2 hour, crying.

10 March Mon - recovered after full dosage of Carpol and Nurofen. Gabriel is well and healthy.

11 March Tues - swimming lesson and visited Diana and Lucas. Gabriel starting to feel unwell at nite, we both had sleepless nite due to his stuffy runny rose. I regreted the swim...

12 March Wed - nursery. Gabriel looked sad, tired and unhappy when I collect him...unusual! Daren left for Spore and Dubai that evening.

13 March Thurs - spotted swelling in Gabriel, on both side of his jaw. I thot he put on weight.

14 March Fri - went to GP. Advised to monitor Gabriel further at home. No medicine given, only Calpol to relieve fever and pain.

15 to 16 March - swollen part ballooning....and I was down with flu.

17 March Mon - went to GP, who consulted a senior GP and both GP diagnosed the swelling as MUMPS. I was given 2 pieces print out on MUMPS factsheet and was told there is no treatment, but to monitor sign of complication. I started to retrace how he caught the mumps virus, very confused as he was vaccinated against MUMPS....unless he is pure bad-luck?!

18 to 20 March - the swelling grow bigger everyday, only on the right side but gradually swelling to the left. Despite the pain and mild fever, Gabriel is in good spirit and appetite. He is on Carpol and Nurofen. I cancelled the booking to Lake District. Daren return on 20 March.

21 to 23 March - swelling stop growing but at this time, Gabriel's neck is almost invisible. The swollen part became hard, red, dry and shinny. It was very frightening, very raw, very sore, very painful, as if going to burst...

24 to 28 March - rush to A&E first thing in morning. Gabriel was seen by an ENT doctor. Doctor suspected it was an abscess. Gabriel was send for blood test and scanning. Blood test reveal that it was NOT MUMPS!! Scanning confirm the diagnosis of abscess. Gabriel was instantly given IV antibiotic. ENT doctors decided the need for an incision to drain the nasty fluid collection, which was done on 25 March. Lot of painful wasting of time and energy waiting and waiting for all these to get thru but I feel a sense of relief - to know what wrong with my son and he is under good care!! We were finally sent home by the doctor on Friday nite. 5 full days in the hospital, it was tough but there were warm and friendly memories.

29 March Sat - Gabriel is now on oral antibiotic. The swelling has gone down a lot but the wound is still raw. Need to book a practice nurse on Monday to clean and change the dressing and follow up review with doctor at the hospital on Wednesday - to examine for sign of recollection of the fluid. The main cause of abscess appearing on Gabriel is due to a very nasty virus infection that got out of control. How he got the virus, I don't know, neither the doctor.

So.....

No Lake District trip. No Easter egg hunt.

It was a stressful and tiring Easter.

I pray, Gabriel will heal on the part that is not well. And I thanks GOD for his enormous energy and his bravery. Honestly, he is stronger than I was. The whole episode - I was scared and worried to sick.

Today we took Gabriel to Cambridge Park in Richmond - to keep our promise for his request to go to park to 'whizz down'. He was having a wonderful time breathing fresh air and running all round. Look at the picture, he look very well isn't he...yes, that is my boy!!