Seeking Medical Advise If Anyone Has Ever Had This or Seen This Before

If you haven't left yet, DO pack and go to Children's Hospital ASAP! No better place to get to the bottom and be prepared to stay a night or two. They will keep going until they get to an answer. Don't freak out but do take it seriously.

i really couldn't say what it was. But the yellow eyes is from jaundice, which can be caused by the liver not processing bilirubins. direct sunlight is the best way to get rid of jaundice, but if his liver isn't working properly, sunlight won't be enough. I would suggest getting in to see a specialist a.s.a.p. If the other doctors don't know, then try to find one that will. You just can't take chances with this stuff. Good luck.

B....take him to Children's Hospital TODAY. They'll get to the bottom of it.

L. H

PS...I hadn't read all the other respones when I wrote this. But clearly great mommy minds think alike.

Go to the children's hospital....go to the ER at the children's hospital in the middle of the night or have him transfered there if you have to. Those doctors specialize in kids. My son has a problem that his doc told me if I have to take him, to ONLY take him to the children's hospital. They would almost always prefer a children's hospital to a normal one because a normal hospital isn't pediatricians...all the docs at the children's hospital are and you don't have to have something even as severe as your son does to go there (i didn't know this...I thought it had to be some horrible uncurable disease). I hope this is over for you very soon and that your son gets better quickly.

These ARE the signs of mono, aka Epstein-Barr virus. Google this if need be but there is indeed liver involvement in severe cases and rash may appear (yes, even one this severe). Mono ranges from being asymptomatic to pretty severe. I know you are worried and this is normal. I work at Children's Hospital in Seattle and we do see this. If he wasn't admitted and seems to be improving, then I'd say he's doing well. As long as you continue to see improvement, this is to be expected. It takes a long time for this virus to complete its course. Just find a good provider that you can communicate with and will give you good information about this. Switch if you have to. It sounds like the real problem here is an old-school doctor who didn't think it was important to inform you about your son's condition.
And no worries. This will pass and he really should be okay. Just watch him for worsening of symptoms but it sounded from your post like he was feeling better.

B.,

Yellow eyes can be a number of things, but it is often associated with jaundice, hepatitus (has he had his shots?), anemia, and an allergic reaction to a medication (was he recently on any type of medication?). Those are only the most common.

My advice would be to (1) set up an appointment ASAP with the best children's hospital in your area (like the pp said) and (2) do as much research as you can before this appointment.

FYI - I did a quick search on the symptoms of yellow eyes AND rash and two things came up - congenital syphillus (this would only be in a newborn, so you can rule that one out) and spirochetes disease, which is a bacterial disease that can be picked up from contaminated sewage, mud and so on.

I have NO idea if that is what your son has - but if you continued to do some research and wrote down your notes, you will be better armed when going in to see a doctor. Don't be afraid to insist that a doctor run a test to check something out. Even if the doctor reluctantly agrees to run a test and it proves you were wrong, it's one more thing you can cross off your list.

I am SO sorry you're going through this. Please know that I have prayed for you and your son, and I will ask my husband to pray for you guys as well.

M.

I had mono when I was 14 yrs old. I had a very high fever, a sore throat and a sore area in my abdomen from a swollen spleen. This was back in the 1980's and back then, they treated my mono with bed rest for a month. Even if I felt energetic, I had to stay in bed. I had to get blood tests every week to make sure my organs were working properly, and nobody was allowed to have direct contact with me because I was considered extremely contagious. I never had a rash, nor did I throw up, but I did have an upset stomach. The doctor gave my parents and I a list of things to watch for and yellow eyes was on the list. Yellow eyes can mean liver disfunction, but it doesn't neccessarily mean liver damage or liver failure. It's just a sign that the liver needs some help. I know it looks scary, but I had a friend who got hepatitis, and had yellow eyes even when he was cleared by the doctor to return to work. I hope that puts you at ease, but if you still have a bad feeling, then you should get a second opinion from a doctor who is not associated to the one who is currently treating your son. This son of yours is irreplaceable and so most doctors are not insulted if they find out a patient has gotten a second opinion elsewhere. You are the mom. You know your son the best and you are his advocate. Do what you think is right for him and don't ever hesitate in any circumstance. Sincerely, B. T.

So before I even got down to the diagnosis, I knew it was mono. While I have never heard of this in a 4 year old, I had a very similar experience with this myself. I had a fever and rash in the very beginning that disappeared after a few days. I had a normal functioning liver, however because you can develop hepatitis while you have mono, I had to go back for weekly bloodwork until the virus left my system.
If he is yellow in the eyes, I would ask them to see if that might be what the problem is, they need to treat your son for it.
Good luck.

How is Kadence doing? That sounds pretty scary. What are they doing about his liver? It doesn't sound like mono to me, mono usually causes fatigue, sore throat, head ache and affects you spleen not your liver. The yellow in his eyes is caused by the liver more than likely. I would suggest learning everything you can about mono and jaundice or hepatitis and if you feel it is something more going on, ask for his to see a pediatric gastroenterologist.

the yellow eyes really bother me. I'd seek a second....third whatever opinion from doctor.

I would ask to see a few specialist... I would also have every test in the book run. My daughter had something weird happen like that happen and I couldn't sleep until they had done that. Ask for a specialist or a different doctors opinion. This is your child and you have the right to do this. Maybe you are just not communicating with this doctor and you might better with another doctor. Don't be afraid to voice your opinion or concerns. To many of us are intimadated by doctors and take what they have to say and walk away, we don't have to do this. We are paying for their service remember this. You can ask for a second specialist opinion. I think you have every right to be concerned. It sounds like you have had a rough dtime lately and could use a few extra prayers, C. B.

GET A SECOND OPINION!!!!!! Go with your gut. my prayers are with you.
-A.

Hello B.,we raise our daughter's children from her first marriage...she is on her third with 7 kids...but there will be no more...think she has finallyfound her mate. But the kids are teens now in fact the oldest justgraduated last night. we have had them since they were 3,22mos and 3mos. The others two are 16 &17 now. so it works with grandma and Pops raising them too. Keeps us young..although we started early sowe are the same age as their friend's parents which makes it nice. It is very different with our situation though...the kidsconsider us their parents...think because we have had them since they were so young.
Back to your original question...did they say anything about an auto-immune systen disorder? I haveone and Iget rashes like that andmy liver and kidneys geteffected...or did they say anything about Roseola?

Iwas wondering if he had just recently been immunized for something? I daycare and one of my little ones did that.....she ended up having to be put under lights for jaundice....then it went away and she has not had any reaction since. Also has he ever been known tobe allergic topeanuts?
One of my little daycare tots breaks outin this horriblelookingrash...under her eyes and then right down her body. If it comes back ordoesnot clear up I would take him for a referral tochildren's Hospital...they are so good. My little grandson ( notone Iraise)hadcranial surgery in Seattleat Children's.They were just fantastic.
But it is your right to ask for a referral to a specialist. Something is going on and I would want to know what it is when it is effecting his liver. Unless they act very concerned about it..I would be at Children's
Keep us posted...L.

I am afraid I have not seen this and I worked 20 yrs in hospital as a respiratory therapist. It sounds serious if it affected his liver. You need more opinions someone involved with hepatic liver diseases or Infectious Disease specialist. Most hospital have a Infectious Disease Doctor on staff. Please push this ..a rash and infection that effects the liver is nothing to play around with. Find out the cause...don't take I don't know as an answer.
P. in Portland

Hi B.,

My youngest daughter had a terrible rash that seemed to migrate everywhere several years back. We were never able to pinpoint why the rash occurred. She had been on Augmentin and had also had her immunizations just days prior to the rash occurring. She was immediately sent to Children's Hospital, she was vomiting and they were very concerned that her airway would swell shut. She was monitored for many days but eventually it all cleared - after about 10 days. We were given an epi pen (sp) in order to have something to inject her with if her airway began to close. Again...they never figured out what went wrong. I will never allow her to take Augmentin again... But her immumizations we have kept up to date and she hasn't ever had a re-occurance.

If you haven't taken him to Children's Hospital, I would highly suggest having them check him out. He may need to be monitored and you certainly want to watch him around the clock to ensure that his airway doesn't swell shut.

I hope this doesn't cause you more stress, but I would have been remiss not to respond, and even more remiss to respond without giving you every piece of information that I could recall.

Good Luck.

D.

Please have the doctor check him for Kawasaki disease, especially if the palms of his hands get red and peel. And consider an ANA test. This indeed maybe mono. If he improves daily, then indeed it may be a virus/mono that has also slightly effected this liver.

Please keep us posted.

Don't just assume they know more then you because they went to med. school. You are his Mom! My nephew almost died because he was sick and every time my Sister called they would say he just had a chest cold. After some time she called to say he was not getting better and was bringing him in. They tried to tell her to just give it more time, but this time she said no, she was on her way. Turns out he had RSV and he spent the next 2 weeks in the ICU fighting for his life. Because of the delay in treatment he almost died and has life long effects on his lungs. When my son had the same symptoms they tried to send me home with the chest cold explanation, and I said no, not until they tested for RSV. Turns out he had it and had to stay in the hospital, but my son has no lasting effects because they found it early and treated it.

The point of this whole thing is to push for an answer. Mono does not seem to fit all the symptoms. Don't be afraid of offending any one or over stepping your place, you are the Mom, you know what is right and what is not normal for your boy. And you love him. A doc my care, but they have 20 others to care about too.

Blessed be.

B.

I couldn't imagine how freaked out you are feeling! I would most definately bring your son to Childrens Hospital!!!!
Don't just assume your peditrician is right. Childrens Hospital will find out exactly what is wrong and help him.
I wish you luck.........:)

I agree, take him to a Children's Hospital. My doc even told me that ERs are not good pediatrician! If doc doesn't know, take him to someone that specializes on kids, for your sake and your child's sake!!

B.,
I just recently came across some info that sounds exactly like your child's illness. It is called Cytomegalovirus. I found it on a place www.kidshealth.org/parent/infection/bacterial_viral/cytom... you could probably find it on some other medical sites too. This is just the one I came across it on.
I hope this helps
Patty W

B. - Take your child to Children't Hospital. They are trained for dealing with children. Without having to go through a huge story about my son and I, I will tell you that they saved my child's life. I would go NOW! If his liver is failing, you must get there as soon as possible. Also, you are your child's only advocate, you MUST speak up, ask questions, make them clarify what is going on. If the doctor is not listening to you, then you need to go to another one. You know your child best, throw a fit if you have to, don't leave until you are sure what the problem is, and what they are going to do to fix it.
Good Luck, and please let us know how your son is when things have calmed down.
L.

Take him to his doctor and INSIST that your son has a FULL WORK UP of tests done to see what's going on. If your doctor tells you it's not necessary, then tell him you will get a second and third opinion from another doctor. You might want to think about taking him to Childrens Hospital to a specialist. I believe in specialists, they think of and find things that typical pediatricians don't think of.

This is your child's health we are talking about. You are your son's best advocate.

I had mono in college and this sounds nothing like it! I had sore throat, fever and UNBEARABLE fatigue. However, I was told that two organs effected by mono are the spleen and the liver - apparently they swell a bit - and that if I wasn't careful and getting a ton of rest while waiting for the mono to run it's course it could turn into hepatitis. That sounds more like the symptoms your son has - especially the yellow eyes. I would agree with the other moms and say go to a Children's Hospital if you can. It's amazing the difference it makes when you have a doctor who specializes in children! And don't back down or let them bully you or make you feel stupid - which I think is a special class many of them have taken in medical school - because YOU are the mother and if you're uneasy then it needs to be checked out. Good luck!

I would push to make sure he gets more medical attention if you are still concerned about his health. You could also have a referral to a dermatologist. You are right to worry about your child's health.
I noticed that if you are on state health, the hospitals are less likely to give you efficient care. Also, some hospitals pay their staff on a per diem pay. Which of course, doesn't make the staff happy at all.
Personally myself, I would push the matter and let these doctors know that you are seriously concerned about your child's health and that you want to know for sure what your child may have. You don't want a "maybe" here or there. That never settles well with a mother's stomach when she gets told from a professional that they don't know what's wrong with her child.
Hope everything works out. Good luck hon and hug that boy for me. :D

I am very sorry to hear what is happening to your son. I never heard something like this before. But I wish he gets well soon.

B., It sounds like you need to switch doctor's. They aren't helping you out. I know Mono can be very serious if it goes out of control. My friend's son had it this last winter and spent two months in the hospital and almost lost his life. It is very serious stuff. I would find a new doctor that will take his/her time with you and listen. I will pray for him. Good luck.
L. H.

B.,

I'm so sorry about your son, you've got to be worried sick. I have never heard of this, and chances are if the doctors are baffled, you're not going to get much help from Mamasource. That said, this is my advice: be a squeaky wheel. Be a polite and respectful squeaky wheel, but a squeaky wheel nonetheless. ER docs are generalists, because an ER doc does not know what to do doesn't mean that no doctor does. I would let the doctor know that you don't expect him or her to know everything (how could they?) but that this seems very serious (liver function is a big thing) and you want them to help you find a specialist that can help figure out what is going on. Just calling it Mono doesn't seem to answer all the questions. So don't accept that. Use your intuition and be your son's advocate, because no one else will. And I'll send good thoughts that it really is just a virus that will go away and leave him good as new. Take care.

B.-

That doesn't sound like mono to me, it sounds like hepatitis. Has he been tested for Hep A? Diarrhea, fever and eyes turning yellow are all classic symptoms. Insist they find out what is going on with his liver and if they won't run more tests, raise some hell about it. I hope that your little guy starts feeling better soon.

R.

Boy that's a scary run!!! I would be a wreck. If you are not felling confident in the current dr's, I would get a second opinion - especially on the liver. Poor little guy. I had a friend when she was pregnant with her son, she ended up having an emergency c-section, because of Fatty Liver Disease. Her liver shut down and was poisoning both her and the baby.....almost lost both. Keep an eye on him see if anything changes on the yellowness of his skin and eyes. Tough one darlin'

Packup your child NOW and take him to the ER at Childrens Hospital in Seattle and fight.

When I had mono, I got a rash all over my body too (though less extreme than your son's, being bigger than he is). It didn't affect my liver, but mono can take a lot of forms. When babies get jaundice, don't they put them under sun lamps? Maybe the lack of sun lately is affecting him in his weakened state. Ask your doctor about vitamin D or maybe take him tanning to get him some sunshine.

Praying for his recovery.

J.

You must be anxious about your son's health. You need more answers from your doctor.

I had scarlett fever as a child with all the symptoms you describe except for the yellow eyes. (When I was a child scarlett fever was common and not life threatening.) More than once since then I've had a rash resulting from a viral infection. This, too, is common.

I don't know much about mono. Can it affect the liver? Has your doctor explained to you how the liver is compromised and what can be done if something can be done. A whole lot of viruses do just have to be waited out. If his liver has a virus, waiting it out makes sense. Not all conditions causing the liver to malfunction damage the liver permanently. The liver is the one organ that regenerates itself. One of my friends had part of his liver removed and within a few months, maybe less, he once more had a whole liver.

If your doctor can't explain the situation to you so that you can understand ask to be referred to a specialist. Doing research on the Internet yourself should be helpful.

B.,

My friend had the same systems as an adult, but for her it was an allergic reaction to penicillan (sp?). Hope your little one gets back on his feet soon.

K.

Bobbi-
my heart goes out to you. I'll say a prayer right now. I'm a new mom so I don't have alot of experience except get another opinion stat. Call around to a bigger city like portland and talk to one of the RN/MD's at OHSU Pedi's (Shriners hospital??). I would want answers to see if it will run its course or is there something more.
Lynelle

I agree...Children's Hospital ASAP...they have specialists who deal with this stuff...a regular ER or hospital isn't going to do it in this case. Liver function can't be right if his eyes are still yellow....he might need more help. Better safe than sorry.