Monday, May 18, 2009

scarlet fever

In the middle of the night I woke up with chills.  I couldn't stop shaking for nearly two hours, so I knew a fever was probably involved. But what struck me as much, much weirder than the chills was the sensation I had all over my body; almost like I had a sunburn everywhere, even on my palms and the bottom of my feet.

The symptoms were weird enough to urge me into the doctor for my first sick visit in about 10 years.  And now that I went, I'm really glad I did.  I have scarlet fever, which is basically a whole body rash induced by strep.  I don't have the sore throat that is the tell-tale sign of strep, but I do have just about every symptom of scarlet fever down to the letter: chills, fever, muscle aches, and a full body rash that is making everything from walking to opening a tylenol bottle painful.

I have never felt what it's like to not be able to take care of my family, to know that the extent of my usefulness involves sitting up so that someone else can fit on the couch with me.  Such a strange, useless feeling!  

The good news is that I will not be contagious after 48 hours, which means I should be able to be there for the birth of my new niece!  I am so grateful for that.  And until then, I'm praying that Nathan, Marianna, and Adrienne are able to avoid any part of it!  

5 comments:

Adam & Amy Wilson said...

Angie, I'm so sorry! Oh boy do I know the frustrations of not being whole and unable to take care of your family (or having to take care of your family when all you want to do is sleep or cry from the misery). I'm praying that your recovery is swift and God empowers you among the obvious reminders of human frailty. Sending love!

Tonia said...

Oh you poor thing!! Two of my 3 children have had that also in the last month. I didn't know they had strep until they developed the rash on their tummy and back. The minute I saw that, I knew. Thank goodness for antibiotics!!

Take care, dear!!

sarahdodson said...

Oh, I feel for you! I do hope the Lord will heal your body quickly and give you strength :)

Rebecca Harber said...

Oh my Angie that is not good. I have just started getting strep about 3 years ago and it is the worst thing. My mom said I never had it as a child and now I get it at least twice a year. I was in bed for 2 days last week with what I thought was strep but it ended up being a sinus infection. I was miserable and I know that feeling of not being able to do anything for the family. John had to cook dinner those two nights. Thank the Lord for wonderful husbands that pick right up when we can not. I hope you feel better soon.

Cathy said...

Get well soon!