I have an 11 year old son.

Started with headache and fever on Tuesday.

Fevers reached 104.9

Went to doctor, said really didn't know, but could be sinus headache / infection.

Put on strong antibiotic and alternate tylenol & motrin for fever.

Thursday night, fever was 104.9 after trying to cool him down. Went to ER, the ER doc said high fevers are not dangerous and not too worry, just keep up the regimen above and if no better by Sun or Mon, to bring him back.

Well today is Sunday, his fever is still 102.7 and THE ONLY symptoms he has had during all of this is high fever, headache with dizziness. NO nasal drainage, no nothing.

I feel so helpless and he is up crying this morning because of the fever and headache. What do you think could be wrong with him and what should I do?

Please help!

*NOTE: Rapid strep test negative, flu test negative, pnuemonia negative, as well as the physical exam for meningitis.

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

I can't help with what is wrong but I can sure tell you I would be worried as well!! I always thought a fever of 105 was very dangerous. Do they have you alternating between tylenol and advil every 3 hours?

Take a step back... Remember the Dr. are not worried, he only has a very high fever and no other symptoms except for the headache. Try to keep him full of water and gatorade and that may help the headache.
Those are the only suggestions I can give.
I truly hope he starts feeling better for his sake and for yours. I know it is so scary when our little ones are this sick.

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I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.

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I'd go back to the ER (or another one if possible) and not leave till I had an answer!
Eleven year old boys do not get bad headaches for no reason.

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We only have one ER, but since I have posted this, his fever is down to 102. Yes, we are alternating the tylenol and motrin. He is drinking plenty of gatorade and eats fine. I am going to keep working on him for a while today and see how it goes, if no better I am taking him back to ER.

The antibiotic he is on is Omnicef, and from what I was told it covers most areas as well as both viral and bacterial germs.

I would just like to know what is wrong with him. I agree with the other poster, I just don't see 11 year old boys 'commonly' running fevers and having severe headaches. AND of note, my son has a great tolerance for pain, so I know when he cries that it is something wrong, really wrong.

*NOTE, this doctor in the ER told me that "a fever has never killed anyone" and that even a fever of 110 is ok. Fevers are uncomfortable but not dangerous. I honestly couldn't and still dont believe my ears! I have always heard that the brain can start frying over 104 degrees. And I will tell you, that if I ever see a fever of 110, I will flip out. I can't imagine how that could not be dangerous. What's your thoughts on that?

ANyway, I would love any other opinions. It sseems these days when you go to the doctor or hospital, you need to already have an idea of what may be wrong.

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

My son had an inexplicable fever and headache, slept forever, and ultimately had leg and joint pains. Turned out he had been bitten by a tick and had Lyme Disease. Took two trips to his pedi to figure it out and only when I mentioned the bite on his back did she put it together and run the test. We were lucky that the intensive antibiotic regimen used to treat Lyme fully cured him - no long term side efects as are sometimes seen.

Probably has nothing to do with your son, especially if you don't live in the NorthEast....but just to say to trust your instincts if you think something's not right.


cj/

Yea, actually that was our first guess was perhaps a Tick Bite. BECAUSE the week before he was in the woods and got a bad case of Poison Oak and two of the people that were with him, got a tick off of them. BUT we can not find any marks, bites, or the tic itself anywhere on him.

*OP, what antibiotic was your son on for the tick bite?

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

We never saw a tick and his bite did not look like the bullseye circle that is typically shown.

I don't remember what the antiobiotic was - he's allergic to several so might not have taken the one that is typically used to treat Lyme anyways (usually doxycycline for adults and kids over 8). Whatever it was, he had to take it for 3 weeks; not the normal 10 day routine.

Good luck,
cj/

It almost sounds like the anitbotic is finally kicking in since his fever is down to 102. Both of my teenagers had sinus infections & they both cried complaining about the headache..

I would take him back to the ER if you are still worried..I know the only thing that would calm me down would have another doctor look at him

I think the doctor was trying to calm down your fears about the fever but should of said" We worry when the fever gets to 108" Here is a link that explains fevers myth & facts Pediatric Advisor 2006.2: Myths and Facts about Fever

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Angels may not come when you call them, but they'll always be there when you need them.

The big virus around here this winter was the fever. It's symptoms where fever, body ache, head ache and it waqs lasting 10 days or so. I work in an outpatient pediatric rehab clinic and our kids had this forever! The docors just said to wait for it to run its course. Fevers are scarey but keep the hydration up and alternate tylenol/motrin.

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Former SAHM now working full time
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I agree with ellenboll, I think it's influenza. So many people had it this winter and it was a high 105 fever for at least 5 days with horrible fatigue and body aches. I hope he gets better soon.

Has the dr check to see if its viral ? Viral and bacterial infections are very different test, and usually a strandard antibotic will help some (bacterial), but for (viral) its a totally different kind of antibotic ! When did you get the results from these test ? These kind of test usually take up to 72 hours for results, but the dr usually runs a strandard strip test and prescribes a strandard antibotic till the other results come in.
Some information that most don't know, the doctors don't inform you that some test take up to 72 hours. If this is the case, make sure that the Doctor 1) ran the tests to see if the bacterial count was in range and call the doctor monday if you don't hear from him and inform him about your son condition. 2) fever indicates that something is going on in your son body, ask the doctor can you bring him back in to see if it a viral infection ! Be sure to let him know that the fever has drop 2 degress and acts like its trying to work, but could it be Viral instead of Bacterial ? (you must be specfic).

Info about Fever and what the ranges indicates.

Most fevers are good for children and help the body fight infection. Use the following definitions to help put your child's level of fever into perspective:

100°F to 102°F Low-grade fever: Beneficial. Try
(37.8°C to 39°C) to keep the fever in this range.

102°F to 104°F Moderate-grade fever: Beneficial.
(39°C to 40°C)

Over 104°F High fever: Causes discomfort, but
(40°C) is harmless.

Over 105°F High fever: Higher risk of
(40.6°C) bacterial infections.

Over 108°F Serious fever: The fever itself can
(42°C) be harmful.

Please let me know what the doctor said, and i hope you son gets well soon.

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Marie

Kindness can heal a Broken Heart

My first training was LPN 30+ years ago and worked ER and surgery. We would rub down children with wter/rubbing alcohol mix when they were brought in with anything over 104 to help lower the chance of it spiking higher with possibilities of seizures, etc. I can not imagine any physician telling you a high fever is not potentially harmful.
I'm sorry.... I have no clue as to what is wrong with your son....the lyme disease from the tick sounds very plasable...my thoughts were much more serious of checking for meningitis. As I tell people who ask me medical advice regularly (my fil is a physician) remember my medical knowledge is 30+ years old. I switched professions and have not kept up with it as those working in the field daily.

Well the fever is back up again. It is over 104 and he is miserable. I have pumped in with so much tylenol & ibuprofen it is unreal and not mention the other medicines.

I will take him straight to the doctor's office in the morning. The ER is over an hour away and to be quite honest, I don't want to see that same idiot and have him tell me it's okay to run a fever for a week at such time temps.

I am just at my wits end with this. I will camp out in the office tomorrow until someone gives me a diagnosis that makes sense. I do appreciate all of your input as well as your thoughts. And in the meantime, I still welcome any suggestions.

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

I would say the fever is of great concern. I do not know why they would tell you it is not. Babies get high fevers as well as toddlers, not older kids!!! My son had the flu a few years ago when he was 16 and his fever was 104 and they ran every blood test and did chest x-rays. Of course, I work in medicine and I can be very demanding when anything is wrong with my son or myself or my family. There has to be an answer and they should find one!!! I have to agree that I would be very concerned about the meningitis. They did not do a spinal tap so they did NOT rule it out completely!!! He still has a fever of 102 WITH tylenol and motrin. Without it it would probably still be 104. I would definately take him back to the doctor tomorrow first thing in the morning and be firm about getting an answer from them. Tell them he has a 102 fever still WITH medication. That makes a huge difference that they know it is still 102 with the tylenol/motrin. It is still too high and not getting below 100 with the medication. Let us know how everything goes. Don't let it go until they can give you a definate answer. All kinds of serious things can happen if he goes untreated for something more than just a fever. I won't go into detail about that, but if it's an infection of some sort, he can become septic. Get some answers!! Let us know!!!

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Have you tried a tepid (lukewarm) bath when the fever gets over 104? Water should be slightly above your body temperature....not cold.

Personally, I don't give Tyleonol or Advil when the temp is 101-102 or below. I figure at that point, the fever is helping to burn off the infection and the child is not too uncomfortable.

cj/

I guess I should have said this in the beginning, but guess my brain is scattered.

The fever IS with all the meds and warm (not hot and not cold) showers. I shutter to think what it would be without. But I can tell you that I am growing more and more concerned. I am google 'ing everything I can think of. I can't sleep cause I am worried about him. And I know I am not over-reacting. I have three children, one of which was hospitalized for the entire first two years of his life, so I am no dummy by no means. ALTHOUGH, I admit this has me completely baffled and not to mention angry.

I am going to google menningitis now and see if anything rings true with him.

This guy is so miserable. And like I said, he has a high tolerance to pain, so I know something aint right here. I just hope we can hang in there til tomorrow morning when they open up.

Thanks so much to everyone, I really mean that. Cause I am in such a rut. I feel useless and I am sure some of you other mom's know what I mean by that. It really helps to know that yall care enough to try and help and offer your thoughts and prayers. Thanks everyone.

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

I am praying that you both will have a good night's sleep and he will either be lots better by morning or that you both will be able to get to your doctor early.
Tell the doctor that you are not going home without an answer!
And don't!!! Unless he is hospitalized, of course.
Let us know tomorrow what is going on!

__________________
Square dancing is friendship set to music!

Try going to web md. I always get good information there. DOn't let it take the place of your own doctor though. Good luck. My thoughts are with you.

__________________
Work like you don't need the money,
Love like you've never been hurt, and
Dance like you do when nobody's watching.

MyCoupons Is #1 for Holiday Shopping

How is your son today? It is so scary to have one of our babies be sick, even when they are 11! Makes you feel so helpless sometimes.

Praying for you...

Does your son have any sort of rash?! on face or neck??

Also, even though gatorade is good, it can also have an adverse effect. Because gatorade is filled with electrolytes is can also cause electrolyte imbalances if he's drinking too much. you can still give him gatorade but id opt for more ice water than gatorade.

hope your son is feeling better today

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Tim
My Husband, My Love....Best Dad
You Were Taken From Us Way To Soon
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Just wanted to update, well as much as possible anyway.

Today, he had a fever this morning but was only around 101. However, none since! BUT he has developed an awful, i mean awful cough. I took him to doctor, only to discover they were closed for the holiday. I am still taking him tomorrow though and hopefully will no more.

He is not well by no means, BUT he does feel somewhat better. Hopefully tomorrow we can get a better handle on things. I will keep yall posted and thanks again for your help and thoughts!

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

Sorry for the delay. Finally got a diagnosis.

He has bacterial pnuemonia in one lung and viral in the other.

He is getting shots, an oral antibiotic, and a few other meds.

He still doesn't feel too well, but the doctor assured me that 12 hours from the time he got a shot today, that we would see improvement.

However, he said that he will be out of school at least next week and possibly longer. As he has a severe case. One of his lungs was nearly full.

But everyone was nice and offering their suggestions that I wanted to let everyone know what is wrong and hopefully he will at least 'start' to heal. The doc said it will be a while before he is 100% healthy, but should be on his way.

Thanks again!

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

daltonmama

I have been off the boards for a few weeks, sorry that your son is sick but glad that you finally got a diagnosis. Now that he is on the road to recovery please keep up posted. kcs

Just goes to show you sometimes what doctors know!!! I believe last week you told us it wasn't pneumonia? Did he have an x-ray then? Seems to me they should have caught this sooner before it got this bad!!! You DID take him in last week with a high fever. I probably would have been really upset. I had pneumonia when I was 5 and just 2 years ago. It is lousy!!! Could we send him some gift envies with fun stuff to do to keep him busy while he's recooperating? I could send some stickers, maybe some coloring books?

__________________
Work like you don't need the money,
Love like you've never been hurt, and
Dance like you do when nobody's watching.

MyCoupons Is #1 for Holiday Shopping

Thanks so much for the offer. I will email our addy. That is so sweet, I am honestly floored. I really do appreciate it and he will love it.

As for me, I am still very upset that this went on for so long. I even pointed out to them that his symptoms were just like mine when I had pnuemonia a couple years ago and they said "no way" not pnuemonia. BUT, this week, I forced them to do an x-ray and thank goodness I did, who knows what would have happened.

He is still so weak. I am proud to say that he is consuming fluids great. He has only had about a can of chicken soup in the last couple days. But on the positive side, he is not dehydrated. He did eat some salted crackers tonight and he 'looks' like he is starting to feel better. But I know by no means is he 100% well. ya know? Today he was so depressed. It was 70 here and he wanted to play outside with his brother and sister. (his brother's bday was Tues and he got a real 4 wheeler, so of course he wants to ride it) But I had to stand my ground and say no. It hurt me as much as it did him.

Thanks again and I will email you in the morning. I sure do appreciate this more than I can say. He is like most other kids, LOVES to get mail.

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

Oh man! My son had this last year, I have never seen a child so weak before it was awful. I had to dress him, his dad had to carry him he couldn't walk. They said if I had waited another day and he would have been in the hospital.

He was fine one day and woke up sicker then I don't know what the next. I thought he just had the stomach bug. His head hurt and his stomach hurt, he was getting sick and had a temp around 103. Then he acted like he was getting better that evening and ate seemed happier, I thought he was getting better. Next morning, he got worse same symptoms THEN he started to complain his back and shoulders were hurting, I don't know how I knew this but I think someone had mentioned before when you have pneumonia (sp?) that happens so I got on the net and looked it up and he was doing everything it said that happens. I called hubby told him my son was getting worse and I think we should take him in to see the doctor.

He got a shot and antibiotic and the doctor said if he got worse or I didn't see an improvement by the next 24hrs that he would put him in the hospital.

THANK GOD he got better. I was so stressed that about the idea that he would be in the hospital. I remember crying, I couldn't sleep that night, I was scared to leave his side.

Everything just hit him so fast out of nowhere, I couldn't understand how he could have been fine one day and so bad the next.

I am glad your little one has got some answers so he can get better!!!!!!!!!

NAZ sent to your email.
Thank You so much@@

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

I just wanted to say again, THANK YOU for everyone's kindness, thoughts, sweet words, and prayers. I appreciate them more than I can say. I will keep everyone up to date on his progress.

It is so horrible to see a child, especially your own suffer. My son is such an energetic boy, always playing, never sits still. And for the last 2 weeks, he hasn't moved, it is so sad.

I never thought I would say this, but I can't wait to hear him and his brother wrestling, fussing, playing; the house just seems so quiet. I can't believe I said that, lol.

His brother and sister (both younger) have a sadness in their eyes when they look at him too. They are hurt, simply because he is hurting. It is so darn sad!

I just want to thank you all sincerely! It means so much.

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

I'm so glad that you finally found out what was wrong with your son and that his condition is improving now. It's scary to think what might have happened to your son if you hadn't forced them to do an x-ray when you did.

* What happened to your son is proof that we all need to be very persistent with doctors and nurses when we feel like something is wrong with us or a family member and they don't take us seriously. We should get a second, third, or fourth opinion, etc. until we find out what is wrong.

I'm glad you finally got a diagnosis and your son is on his way to feeling better!