Misdiagnosis, milestone, and munchkins

On Wednesday, May 5, Elisabeth was scheduled to have her 3-4 month checkup. I was anticipating with pride how much weight she would have gained, but was also anxiously watching a diaper rash, which I was fairly certain was a yeast rash, that I had been treating tenaciously for over 2 weeks. Liberal amounts of Balmex, Lotrimin, and Nystatin had been applied. Diapers were changed when any heat or moisture could have built up. Running around naked to dry her out completely after bath time evolved into letting her be a ‘naked lady’ all day, attiring her little bum with diapers only when she requested them and then removing them quickly when she no longer required them. The breakouts only became more persistent, so I decided that Clara needed the appointment more than Elisabeth.

It turns out that the rash is a staph infection – I was not prepared to hear that and receive the treatment plan titled ‘MRSA – Patient Care Plan.’ Now while I know that there is no way for them to know the exact strain without a test, I am following the directions to a T: Chlorinated-bathes 1-2 times a week, cleaning showers after every use, oral and topical antibiotics, washing towels and washcloths after every use, applying antibiotic cream to all household members nases three times daily (I let Nathan apply it himself!)

Clara is very aware of what goes on at the doctor’s office and wants nothing to do with the whole process, so I was prepared for an unpleasant visit, but tried to tell her what to expect and promised a treat if she was brave. She did a great job, tentatively allowing the nurse and doctor to examine her and only fussing slightly when her throat was swabbed for a strep test. The highlight of the visit for her was choosing a lollipop. She is still telling me how brave she was!

We got home 4 hours later after picking up antibiotics and as I started STAGE ONE OF MRSA TREATMENT PLAN, Elisabeth decided it was time to make her day memorable, and promptly rolled over three times on her play mat – tummy to back!

Then we went outside and enjoyed spring weather and summer dresses!

5/05/10