what could be wrong with my son?

[emcap]

We were in the ER on Sunday and are waiting on our pediatrician appt. we are seeking professional help, but while we're waiting I'd love to see if I can get some sort of direction

 

About three weeks ago, he threw up twice in the late afternoon. After that he developed a rash on the upper side of his face around his eye. It looked like bruising, maybe broken blood vessels from vomitting? It faded the next day

 

Since then he has thrown up and felt sick off and on. Some days he lays on the sofa most of the day and throws up once or twice. Some days he feels fine and plays like normal.

 

He has been complaining of headaches and his arms aching. In the past week his back has started hurting and my husband recently noticed that one eye is beginning to slightly cross sometimes

 

We went to the ER this past Sunday and all blood work, ct scan of his head, X-ray of his abdomen are all normal. They had no idea what it could be and he felt better and we went home. The next day he threw up more than usual and felt prettyy bad so I called the ER back and the doctor I spoke with said that with looking over his record of the previous day and talking to me it really sounded like a viral infection and just keep him comfortable and wait to follow up with pediatrician.

 

I've never had a child sick this long and I'm usually pretty laid back, but he seems to be getting worse

 

Any insight?

[foxbridgeacademy]

:grouphug: no ideas but thought I'd give you a bump and wish you luck.

[momacacia]

The headaches and eye Crossing thing is a little concerning to me. I don't want to freak you out, but have they looked into anything neurological? Maybe a question for you to ask them.

[2ndGenHomeschooler]

I'd ask about Lyme.

[The Governess]

Sounds possibly neurological to me too... as someone who has suffered from migraines. I'm so sorry you don't have answers yet.

[GinaPagnato]

I thought maybe something neurological, too. Bell's Palsy?

 

It could be just viral, but I would continue pursuing answers.

 

:grouphug:

[emcap]

Thanks for the replies. I was really worried about Lyme but there were some symptoms he didn't have. I'll def ask though

 

I'll look a bit into the neurological angle as well and ask about it

 

As the mom of six healthy kids who've never had more than a short cold, I'm so unfamiliar with this!

[gardenmom5]

I'd be looking for an infectious disease specialist.

[Noreen Claire]

Has he had his eyes checked recently? Being slightly cross-eyed could lead to nausea and vomiting. It's an easy check in the pediatrician's office to see if there is anything off with his eyesight and get referred to an ophthalmologist.

 

Good luck.

[Spryte]

I'm sorry. That sounds so hard. I hope you get answers.

 

If you do pursue Lyme, know that the testing is not always reliable. The best lab is Igenex, a doc who knows that will know how to send blood work to them - early in the week. You don't want to ship them a sample on Thurs or Fri and have it sit over the weekend.

 

We have been dealing with serious illness for three weeks. DS has been in the hospital three times, culminating in a trip to a large Children's Hospital on Monday. He had viral meningitis. Now reactive airway disease. It's been a nightmare. I really feel for you!!!

[Jean in Newcastle]

Why are you going through the ER?  I would want someone who is not just looking for acute problems and who can give continuity of care. 

[Janeway]

ERs only generally do acute things. He needs to see a pediatrician or family doctor.

[MomatHWTK]

I got the impression that she went to the ER because of the vomiting and the eye issue. They did run a CT scan, etc. to rule out a head injury- which would be an ER thing. Didn't OP say she is waiting to get her child in to see the ped? I have taken a child to the ER for sudden-onset excessive vomiting because it can be a sign of a more serious problem. After they check for other issues, they set us up with anti-nausea meds because the doctor suspected that we had caught a bad stomach virus on the front end and would need to keep her from throwing up and being dehydrated. Good catch and well worth the visit because I then knew how to handle the next two kids that came down with the same thing!

[wapiti]

I'd also be thinking about seeing an Infectious Disease doc.  (Unfortunately not for lyme testing, but that's another ball of wax.)  It could be any sort of infection.  IME, docs will call anything viral if they can't figure it out; might be, might not be.  If there is a history of immune system issues of any kind, I'd check that out (bloodwork of IgG subclasses, for example).

 

In the meantime, I'd be thinking about probiotics, anti-inflammatories, etc.

 

ETA I agree w/OneStep on neurology too, maybe an MRI to rule out some serious things

Edited July 13, 2016 by wapiti

[OneStepAtATime]

See the pediatrician and ask about seeing an infectious disease doc and a neurologist. Certain aspects of his symptoms could be indicating something much more serious.

[hornblower]

how old is the child? 

[magnificent_baby]

Do you have a Children's hospital nearby? I'd go that route, start in ER and insist on him getting a few specialty consults along with an MRI. 

[emcap]

We are brand new to the area and didn't have a ped. He has an appointment but it's not for a few more days, since he'll be a new patient they didn't have openings immediately. Vomitting was worse plus the double vision prompted the ER visit.

 

He is 7

 

We didn't get him an appointment immediately since he would seem to feel better for several days in a row every couple days. It's gotten worse in just the past few days.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone.

[Spryte]

We are brand new to the area and didn't have a ped. He has an appointment but it's not for a few more days, since he'll be a new patient they didn't have openings immediately. Vomitting was worse plus the double vision prompted the ER visit.

 

He is 7

 

We didn't get him an appointment immediately since he would seem to feel better for several days in a row every couple days. It's gotten worse in just the past few days.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone.

((Hugs)) we are new in our area, too, and didnt have a ped. DS's meningitis was caught by an urgent care - they really messed up, too. It was such a problem. Ugh. It's a terrible way to meet a new ped, but at least you'll have one soon.

[Alexigail]

My son gets migraines that cause him to vomit.  They're much worse in the summer as he doesn't tolerate heat well.  Just a thought.

[JFSinIL]

Has he had his eyes checked recently? Being slightly cross-eyed could lead to nausea and vomiting. It's an easy check in the pediatrician's office to see if there is anything off with his eyesight and get referred to an ophthalmologist.

 

Good luck.

When I was in elementary school, one of the signs that I needed a new prescription for glasses was feeling queasy a lot.

[ikslo]

Any chance of a concussion?

 

nm: just factored in they already scanned his head.

 

:grouphug:  Hope he feels better soon.

Edited July 13, 2016 by ikslo

[emcap]

I have been concerned about migraines so we'll check into that, and he does need his eyes checked.

He took a long nap and woke up happier, I hope he improves soon!

And yes, not my fave way to get introduced to the medical care in the area!

Thanks again for the replies

[gardenmom5]

Has he had his eyes checked recently? Being slightly cross-eyed could lead to nausea and vomiting. It's an easy check in the pediatrician's office to see if there is anything off with his eyesight and get referred to an ophthalmologist.

 

Good luck.

I have strabismus and amblyopia.  (re: one of my eyes crosses)  i will NOT see anyone but a developmental, be it ophthalmologist or optometric.   anyone who isn't --- just their *exam* makes me want to throw up!  you can't pay me to go see a non-developmental.  I don't care where they went to school or how great their credentials.  I've found even ophthalmologists to be utterly worthless for crossed eyes - unless they're a developmental and have had training in that area.

 

you can get a list of developmental eye drs in your area from the infantsee.org website.

 

I'd also be thinking about seeing an Infectious Disease doc.  (Unfortunately not for lyme testing, but that's another ball of wax.)  It could be any sort of infection.  IME, docs will call anything viral if they can't figure it out; might be, might not be.  If there is a history of immune system issues of any kind, I'd check that out (bloodwork of IgG subclasses, for example).

 

In the meantime, I'd be thinking about probiotics, anti-inflammatories, etc.

 

ETA I agree w/OneStep on neurology too, maybe an MRI to rule out some serious things

 

 or any of a million other non-diagnosis if they can't figure it out.  so, keep looking.

 

 

eta: OP - my ambyopia (and the crossing) always worsened when I was over tired.  (now, I get muscles spams . . . very annoying.)  

Edited July 13, 2016 by gardenmom5

[kbutton]

I think it's likely to be a couple of weird things coinciding like eyes and migraines together. Gardenmom5 is spot on about developmental eye people--the good ones are worth their weight in gold.

 

Aside from things like Lyme, there are still people getting flu! It's a crazy year. The onset was very late, and so the stragglers who get it at the end are late getting it too. The worst passed late spring, but it's still happening.

[LMV]

We were in the ER on Sunday and are waiting on our pediatrician appt. we are seeking professional help, but while we're waiting I'd love to see if I can get some sort of direction

 

About three weeks ago, he threw up twice in the late afternoon. After that he developed a rash on the upper side of his face around his eye. It looked like bruising, maybe broken blood vessels from vomitting? It faded the next day

 

Since then he has thrown up and felt sick off and on. Some days he lays on the sofa most of the day and throws up once or twice. Some days he feels fine and plays like normal.

 

He has been complaining of headaches and his arms aching. In the past week his back has started hurting and my husband recently noticed that one eye is beginning to slightly cross sometimes

 

We went to the ER this past Sunday and all blood work, ct scan of his head, X-ray of his abdomen are all normal. They had no idea what it could be and he felt better and we went home. The next day he threw up more than usual and felt prettyy bad so I called the ER back and the doctor I spoke with said that with looking over his record of the previous day and talking to me it really sounded like a viral infection and just keep him comfortable and wait to follow up with pediatrician.

 

I've never had a child sick this long and I'm usually pretty laid back, but he seems to be getting worse

 

Any insight?

Some of this (headaches, vomiting, visual symptoms---and if the headache seems to happen more frequently in the morning and feels better after your son vomits then I would be even more concerned) is concerning for a brain tumor. To rule this out your son needs an MRI of his brain. Yes, I saw that they did a head CT but unfortunately CTs will miss a significant proportion of pediatric brain tumors because they do not image the posterior fossa well. To be fair to whoever saw your son in the ED they may not have had access to MRI from the ED but they should have explained to you that you should follow up with your pediatrician to get the MRI arranged. I am praying that this is not the correct diagnosis but it needs to be ruled out before you go any further.

[Alice]

Some of this (headaches, vomiting, visual symptoms---and if the headache seems to happen more frequently in the morning and feels better after your son vomits then I would be even more concerned) is concerning for a brain tumor. To rule this out your son needs an MRI of his brain. Yes, I saw that they did a head CT but unfortunately CTs will miss a significant proportion of pediatric brain tumors because they do not image the posterior fossa well. To be fair to whoever saw your son in the ED they may not have had access to MRI from the ED but they should have explained to you that you should follow up with your pediatrician to get the MRI arranged. I am praying that this is not the correct diagnosis but it needs to be ruled out before you go any further.

 

I was just about to post the same thing. Definitely get an MRI. 

[Reefgazer]

My son was sick for entire month when he was two; vomiting his brains out. the doctor insisted it was a virus, but I was incredulous that a virus could last that long. but it did and he did recover on his own.

[emcap]

I'll look for a developmental eye doctor, thanks for the heads up

 

As far as the ct scan not being enough to rule out a brain tumor......nooooooo!!!! That's exactly NOT what I wanted to hear! I was so comforted by that stupid scan....

 

Again though, thanks for the input. I really appreciate it

[mamiof5]

I have no input, but prayers for your son!! I pray and hope it's vision, something causing headaches etc, but something fixable quickly. Will pray for his health!

[kitten18]

I'll look for a developmental eye doctor, thanks for the heads up

 

As far as the ct scan not being enough to rule out a brain tumor......nooooooo!!!! That's exactly NOT what I wanted to hear! I was so comforted by that stupid scan....

 

Again though, thanks for the input. I really appreciate it

I'm sorry, I can totally understand why that's not what you wanted to hear.

Of all the posters on this board, it's especially important to listen to those two.

[umsami]

:grouphug:

 

Regarding the double vision, if it happens again, have him cover one eye, note the vision, and then the other.  That will help you determine if it's affecting just one eye (monocular) or both (binocular).  Write down what you find, so you don't forget and better to write details...so covered DS's left eye and double vision remained.  Covered DS's right eye and double vision went away.  You may also have covered left eye and double vision went away..... covered right eye and double vision went away.)  These are important notes for whomever you see, especially if the double vision comes and goes. 

 

ETA: Do this for all of his symptoms.  The more info the better.   So 8 a.m. nausea (was it before or after breakfast...what was breakfast).... there may be patterns or important info there. 

 

For older patients, double vision can be a sign of giant cell arteritis, but it's a disease of the elderly. 

 

I hope you can see a ped soon and then get some referrals.  Lots of hugs and prayers for you.

Edited July 14, 2016 by umsami

[Katy]

Look into cluster headaches.  Especially if anyone in your family gets migraines or cluster headaches.

 

They can cause bell's palsy, fever, and vomiting. You can have those symptoms with a little sinus pressure and not have the stabbing pain in one eye until later in life (late teens, early 20's, or after a concussion).  They can come and go very quickly or have shadows (not severe versions) that linger for a few days.

[JennSnow]

I'm glad that you're seeking out medical expertise and hoping that you get answers soon!  A few years back my dad had a really bad virus and one of the temporary effects of the virus was that his eyes began to cross...so there is a really good chance this could just be a nasty, persistent virus.

Keep us updated!

[happi duck]

(hugs)

[gardenmom5]

I think it's likely to be a couple of weird things coinciding like eyes and migraines together. Gardenmom5 is spot on about developmental eye people--the good ones are worth their weight in gold.

 

Aside from things like Lyme, there are still people getting flu! It's a crazy year. The onset was very late, and so the stragglers who get it at the end are late getting it too. The worst passed late spring, but it's still happening.

 

that's possible.

dudeling got the flu with a high temp (he doesn't run them.) at the exact same time he pulled a muscle in his neck . . . . when it was 'just the neck', I'd planned on taking him to the chiro in the morning.  THEN he started vomiting and running a high (for him) temp.  I took him to the ER concerned it was meningitis.  just two unrelated things at the same time.

[Alessandra]

I'm not qualified to give any advice, but I wanted to say I'll be thinking of you and your family and hoping you find out what is going on.

[emcap]

Thanks everyone. Your kind words brought tears to my eyes.

 

He took a lovely nap yesterday afternoon and has slept wonderfully all night and is still sleeping. I checked on him this morning and he said he feels much better. Of course, we will still be seeking medical help and trying to figure this out but I'm so happy for him to get some relief.

[kwg]

I don't know but I am thinking of you and your little one  :grouphug:

[emcap]

I found a developmental eye doctor not too far away, I'm going to try and get him in as soon as possible. Thanks for the recommendation!

 

I sure hope it's a weird coincidental collection of symptoms!

[MomatHWTK]

Yes! Hoping for weird coincidences as well. 

[J-rap]

I'm glad that the first tests looked good.  Do you have migraines in your family at all?  We have a very strong migraine gene, and one of my daughters first started getting them at about that age.  She went about two weeks when it came every afternoon, around the same time.  Very weird!  She didn't even have much of a headache with it at all (maybe not any -- I can't remember now);  mostly just dizziness and throwing up.  It lasted about two weeks and then went away.  Then a couple years later, it started happening again, but this time the headache started coming with it.  From then on she'd get migraines once or twice a month.

 

That was years ago, and she has mostly outgrown her migraines except when allergies are bad.  

 

Actually, every single one of my girls get migraines, from my husband's side of the family.  Only my son doesn't get them.

[emcap]

Update:

So Friday we went to the optometrist, she looked into his eyes and sent us immediately to the ophthamologist and he sent us straight to the ER. Much inter cranial pressure so they did a spinal tap and drained a bunch of fluid. That was Friday, looks like we'll be in the hospital till at least Tuesday awaiting test results. Most likely Lyme meningitis. Ugh. We've lived here 6 weeks, welcome to New England.

 

Thanks again for the comments and support. It was so helpful to get thoughts and opinions while waiting for the doctors appts

[hornblower]

:grouphug:  

[marbel]

:grouphug: :grouphug:

[Seasider]

Update:

So Friday we went to the optometrist, she looked into his eyes and sent us immediately to the ophthamologist and he sent us straight to the ER. Much inter cranial pressure so they did a spinal tap and drained a bunch of fluid. That was Friday, looks like we'll be in the hospital till at least Tuesday awaiting test results. Most likely Lyme meningitis. Ugh. We've lived here 6 weeks, welcome to New England.

 

Thanks again for the comments and support. It was so helpful to get thoughts and opinions while waiting for the doctors appts

Oh, I am both sad for you and yet relieved. I wish it had been as easy as a viral thing, but it's good to know that he is now receiving swift attention.

 

Many hugs to you, and prayers for your sweet young one.

[AnthemLights]

I am so glad that you found out what was wrong.  Poor boy!

[gardenmom5]

Update:

So Friday we went to the optometrist, she looked into his eyes and sent us immediately to the ophthamologist and he sent us straight to the ER. Much inter cranial pressure so they did a spinal tap and drained a bunch of fluid. That was Friday, looks like we'll be in the hospital till at least Tuesday awaiting test results. Most likely Lyme meningitis. Ugh. We've lived here 6 weeks, welcome to New England.

 

Thanks again for the comments and support. It was so helpful to get thoughts and opinions while waiting for the doctors appts

I'm glad it's being treated, but sorry for what is required.

 

Best wishes everything goes well.

and listening to momgut, and not accepting an answer of "it's just a virus".

[kwg]

:grouphug:

[happi duck]

(hugs)