Dalton run fevers periodically, usually every 6 weeks. They tend to last between 38-72 hours. With
Tylenol, you would never know he had a fever. his appetite is fine, no upset stomach,
vomiting, etc...I have told several docs about this and none were concerned, until Dr. Burns saw Dalton about 5 weeks ago.
She ordered a blood work up on Dalton. She wanted to compare the white blood count during fever and when fever free. That day was a fever free day. Lord have
Mercy. My sweet Dalton got mad, threw a fit and I am laughing now because he got it and said to me, "Tell Dr. Burns that I am fine. I don't need to have blood work.
Ok, mom?" He kept on and on with this same statement. Bless his heart. He was scared. He didn't exactly know what was going to happen, but knew that there was a needle involved.
He asked Dr. Burns, "Will the needle be sharp?" She answered, "They will use the softest needle they have." That made him mad and he asked again, "Is it sharp?" She was trying so hard to comfort him but all he wanted was the facts. My sweet Dalton. He went to
the lab literally screaming as we were walking down the hall. People were coming out of their offices to see what was going on. I was trying so hard to keep it together. MAN! It's so tough. You want what's best for your
child and know that it is so important to have the work done. At the same time I wanted to hold him, which he didn't want and tell him, "Let's get the hell out of here."
As we entered the lab, you should have seen the lab
tech's face. She left the room and came back with back up, another tech to help. We got the blood drawn, while Dalton screamed, until the blood started out the tube. He quit
immediately and watched it in amazement. He was rewarded with a huge scoop of
Baskin Robins. Fast forward 5 weeks....
Halloween night Dalton seemed warm to Dave as he tucked him in. He woke up yesterday to a foggy lazy morning. We called home as usual routine on Saturday's, talked to everyone, and he seemed fine. Well, low and behold, he had a fever. He actually walked up to me about 11 and said, "Mom, do I have a fever?" "Why do you think you have a fever?" "Because I am cold and last time I was cold I had a fever." I answered, "It's cold in here bud. I am sure you are fine." An hour later, he persisted and sure enough, it was 102.7. He asked me if we were going to have to go get blood work and call Dr. Burns. I told him yes. His little voice got shaky and tears started to roll down his face. My Dalt is so sweet and loving. He snuggled in closer and asked, "Can we go to Chili's afterwards?" "Yes sir!"
I took him to the ER and had his blood drawn...here come the brave soldier part. He asked Dr.
Elliot, who was FANTASTIC if he was going to have
blood work and Dr. E said, "Yes." Dalton said, as calm as he could be, "
OK." Let me tell you what. That boy did not shed one tear. The Airman walked in with his kit, and Dalton started asking questions...Is that needle sharp...Yes. OK. I am going to...all Dalton
would say was
ok...My 39 lb. sweet boy just watched him put the needle in his arm and saw the blood come out, didn't flinch, or anything. I was the proudest mom at that moment. Dalton is my hero. He was the bravest soldier on the base at that moment.
Oh...we went to Chili's and he ate like he hadn't eaten in days...Dr. Elliot called us at home and said his blood work was fine. White blood count was normal, which is what we wanted. however, the hemoglobin level was low. He didn't know what that would have to do with fevers though. At least we know that his body isn't
fighting off an internal infection though. Thank you God for that. That was my fear.
