posted on July 30, 2002 07:17:11 PM new
I write this with tears streaming down my face, but wanted to get the truth out and inform other parents.sorry so long
My son scott age 8 died of Encephalitis last friday. He was a happy, very healthy boy, NEVER sick a day in his life.
On monday he was swimming in our pool just having a great time.Monday evening he had a slight headach and a low grade fever, and some vomiting.{thought a 24 hour bug} Tuesday morning he woke up with still a headach and all, with in 3 hours he was screaming at the top of his lungs of how bad his head hurt. WE rushed him to the ER, we were there ALL day. They thought he had meningitis, they transfered him to a bigger hospital,tuesday night. Then on wednesday morning things took a turn for the worse, He lost all brain function, had a seizer{sp}.temp of 103 or better. They then transfered him to Arnold Palmer Childrens hospital in orlando Florida, about a hour from where we live. He did improve some what, by the time we were able to see him there. He looked like a new kid, I was so relived, as I was thinking the worst had happened. That wednesday night, it happened again only 3 times worse, only this time he did not improve, he lived on life support for a day, when they aloud me to let me go in peace. I was there, and he did not suffer, and I am so very thankful for the 8yrs we had together.
To ALL Parents, Encephalitis is a virus which attacks the brain, some do survive, some do not. Death is more common {for children}then we know and what we are told as a community.I was told that a 6yr lod girl died 2 weeks before.Had I know this before, Maybe my son still might be alive today.
Symptoms include sudden fever,sever headache, vomiting, stiff neck and back, confusion, drowsiness, rash. Symptoms that require emergency treatment include loss of consciousness, poor responsiveness, seizures, muscle weakness, sudden severe dementia, memory loss, withdrawal from social interaction, and impaired judgement.
transmitted by insects,by rodents, by mosquitoes,by ticks, and our doctor told us that scott recieved his "air born". Yes that is right, By breathing the air, is how he got infected.as he had no bites nor a rash.
I am not writing this for attention, or sympathy, but if some good can come of my son's death, then this is worth it.I would hope that a parent NEVER has to go threw this, and Keep your kids indoors at dusk and dawn.Had I known, My son would not have been outside playing basketball with his friend after 6pm, as it gets dark here around 8pm now.
My son died, Maybe another life of a child can be saved by this message board.This virus is not just in florida !!!!!!!!!!
posted on July 30, 2002 07:46:54 PM new
Wrightsracing, I'm so sorry for your loss. That's the worse thing that could happen to anyone. And thanks for the warning. You have the right to an informed opinion -Harlan Ellison
posted on July 30, 2002 08:18:51 PM new
I'm so sorry Wrightsracing. It is so thoughtful and courageous of you to take the time to post this thread. I am sure that your experience will help others to identify this virus. The death of a child is the worst tragedy that anyone will ever have.
posted on July 30, 2002 08:52:07 PM new
I've been trying to find information on Encephalitis and can't find anything on any airborne type. Can anyone help me out? Is this rare?
posted on July 30, 2002 08:55:38 PM new
I wish there was something I could say to relieve your pain, but there just aren't any words except how sorry I am for your loss.
It was so caring for you to come here and warn others of the symptoms to watch for.
posted on July 30, 2002 09:01:52 PM new
Wrightsracing:
I was taking a peek in here while image loading and just felt I had to say something. Primarily, that there is no bigger pain in a parent's life, than the loss of a child, particularly a young child. In all honesty I hope it is a pain I never have to experience. For certain, I sure wouldn't bring a lot of strength or dignity to the occassion, as you are doing.
Maybe there is a bigger pain--a child's loss of a parent. A pain I worry my son never has to go through before adulthood, as I'm his only parent.
I am so, so sorry for you. Him? He's at peace. And he's probably looking down at you from someplace aloft and wishing you weren't so sad!
Not much solace, I know.
A girl, 2, at my son's Pre-pre-K, died as yours did, but from a meningitis out of nowhere. They are very active in a movement created in her name now. Not long after her death they took a few weeks in Mexico or somewhere--away from everything, to begin the healing process.
Like everyone else says--there are no words. Please avail yourself of all the professional help and self-help groups you can get.
Don't quit before the miracle. You know, sometimes windows close and doors open.
Your guy is fine. It's the missing him that you are left to deal with.
posted on July 30, 2002 09:43:06 PM new
WR, What terrible sad news. My heart is breaking for you. You have my thoughts and prayers for strength for you and peace for Scott. I'm very sorry.
posted on July 30, 2002 09:46:19 PM new
So stunned, and nothing,I said would help
what you have been thru.
My sympathy goes out to you and Bless your
Hearts.
posted on July 30, 2002 10:23:53 PM new
wrightsracing,
I am very sorry to read of your loss. I know nothing can take away the pain. I know that you feel wrenched to your soul but nycyn is right. Think of him in that peaceful place and know that you have support from all of us here.
posted on July 31, 2002 06:21:07 AM new
{{{wrightsracing}}} - My heart goes out to you. I can't begin to imagine the pain you're in. Take care of yourself while you grieve.
posted on July 31, 2002 07:55:29 AM new
I'm very sad for you. Have no idea the how hard it must be. I have lost my parents - but you see that coming and expect you will outlive them.
The world is so full of unlikely hazards there is no way to guard against all of them without destroying the quality of your life. You have to just trust that the odds are with you. But when the improbable happens that is no comfort....Sort of like winning the lotto in reverse.
Thank you for considering us worthy to hear such a hard thing to share.
posted on August 2, 2002 06:07:49 PM new
God bless you and your family in this terrible time. I was so moved at how at a time like this, you were able to take the time to think of how you might help others avoid this most painful experience. You and your family are in my prayers.
posted on August 8, 2002 06:05:10 PM new
Hi To all,
Thanks for the wonderful words of sympathy, the out pouring of love, and for all of the prayers for scott, and my family.
They have helped us all.
I have to admit that 95% of my ebay buyers have been very understanding in waiting for their purchase, I did take some time this week to get most of the items in the mail.I had about 150 auctions or so waiting, and sent them all a email to let them know what was going on. I am trying to not get any neg's from this. I sure hope not. But do my best and that will be that.
For any one that is interested in reading more about Encephalitis with children, here is a site I found, {sorry forgot how to make it clickable} It is very sad to read the number of children / and adults effected, but has some great insight to this terrible virus.
http://members.aol.com/danielsown/encephalitis/
Thanks again to everyone for your prayers and for your support. your the BEST !!!!!!
Terrilee
P.S. kiara... thank you
Yes, I did lose my mom 10 months ago, so this is extremly hard, to go threw with out having the support of my mom, she was always there for me.
posted on August 9, 2002 10:35:40 PM new
I too am just awfully sorry to read of your loss, for the first time tonight. I too will hold you in my thoughts and prayers. I have no other words. . . . ~Adele
posted on August 9, 2002 11:59:12 PM new
So very very sorry for your loss, I have no great words, just tears and prayers for you and your family.
I have young children your information is very informitive I will pass it on to everyone I know in hope it may save a child.
I had no idea this could happen.
Know that there is a big group of people here to listen and that care!
