Rough Morning
Man, did we have a rough morning yesterday. As some of you know, Madie has had febrile seizures in the past, but children usually grow out of them by age 5. Until yesterday morning, we thought Madie had too, we were wrong.
These seizures are brought on by fevers, usually because the body’s temp. rises too quickly. I didn’t even know that she had a fever, yet suddenly she began to seize while lying on the couch. Her eyes rolled back, her limbs began to shake, and she starts to choke on her own saliva. Next she stops breathing and begins to turn gray, and then blue. I set her upright and gather her into my lap in an attempt to help her airways to clear so she can breathe. She loses bowl control. Her eyes are completely vacant. I talk to her soothingly, trying to let her know that I am there, and not to be afraid. I, of course, have no idea if she can hear me or not. I feel totally helpless and can only watch while her body struggles to right it’s self again. As quickly as it began, it stops and she goes to sleep, completely exhausted. She has no recollection of any of it when she wakes up. I am not so lucky having just experienced what is considered one of the most frightening situations a parent can go through.
Holding Madie in my arms while she turned gray and then blue, brought up all of my emotions, all of my pain associated with watching Ben pass way in my arms as well. All I can do is wonder why, even when I know there is no answer.
The doctor has assured us time and time again that these seizures are completely harmless to the child. Even so, we have decided to have an EEG done on Madie to rule out any seizure disorders. This should take place in about 2wks down at Children’s Hospital, and involves getting her up (for the day) at about 1:00am so she’ll be tired enough to fall asleep during the test. We’ll all be sleep deprived together!!
I am so ready for this year to be over! I have no idea what next year has in store for us, but its got to be better than 2006. It needs to be, or I don’t know that I will have the strength to get through it.
On a happier note, we will be posting Lily’s 6wk pictures next week. They turned out great and she’s as cute as ever.
My heart goes out to you and Maddie. When I heard about her siezure I didn’t understand just how bad it really was. I imagined some convulsions, some shaking, but nothing quite as scary as what you describe. Wishing you a much better 2007, with no more siezures or scares.
WOW! I was scared just reading your update. I’m glad things turned out ok and I will be praying you get somemore answers. I’m still checking in and thinking about you guys always. Enjoy the holidays!
Yep…I agree that 2007 will be better, because I demand it and therefore it shall be. :o) I know that you feel that you deal because you have no choice, but from my stand point your family is amazing. You all handle life’s challenges, good and bad, with so much grace and patience. I am blessed to have you in my familiy’s life and I look forward to making 2007 a better year with you. I love you and hugs coming your way.
Love,
Shan, ABe and Quinn
I hadn’t checked your blog for several days, so I was very surprised to read it now. My! How scarey for you!
If it is any consolation, I’m told that I had at least one seizure when I was small. (I have no recollection of it.) I don’t seem to be the worse for it.
Mom always told me how frightening it was for her and how helpless she felt at the time. Grandma U. was there and helped her deal with the shock and deal with me.
Please keep us posted. You know that our love and prayers are with you.
Much love, Rich & Dot
A quick note to say we are thinkingo of you. Has Madie had her EEG yet? I’m sure the results are completely normal, but it’ll certainly put your minds at ease to know for sure.
Love you!
Tara, Neal and Anna
Praying for your family. For a wonderful holiday, for a better 2007. Praying for your little ones.
Love,
Celeste
Thinking of you at the Holiday season,
Prayers and best wishes,
Pat, Laura, Jacob and Rachel Morris
Hello,
I just read your post and I am so sorry that you had to endure such a scare. I will be praying and thinking of you all. I think of all the family’s we met at the conference and wish you all well. I wish for you a peaceful holiday and I also hope that next year is better. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. I also hope Madie is alright? Take care.
Sincerely,
Trish
I have never heard of these. I would be so freaked out there would be an abulance had I not read this. May I please pass this on to my Mom’s group so they know how to handle this if it happens to their little ones. It is the kind of thing every parent should know. How you stay calm and help her is amazing to me. Much love!
After reading your articles, I can not agree with you more.