Erythema Multiforme

What is that long nasty sounding word above? THAT is the condition they believe that Joshua has. When we first arrived at the ER on Tuesday night his rash looked like this (see previous blog entry for more info)

On Wednesday Joshua's hives from Tuesday had faded for the most part but a new rash had developed and was causing major swelling in Joshua's hands, feet and face. After more steroids, epinephrine, benadryl and Tylenol, in the ER on Wednesday night, Joshua's rash turned into this

Joshua hands looked like this on Wednesday night when we first arrived, along with the rash directly above, so swollen he couldn't bend his fingers without screaming in pain (and yes it was a painful cry)

And Joshua's face looked like this when we arrived to the ER at Children's Hospital-Mpls on Wednesday night as well

When we left the ER last night, around 11:30pm, his hands looked like this and there was no change in the rash on his tummy

His face looked like this (note new spots under his chin but less puffy around his eyes)

We were sent home after a shot of antibiotics and told to keep Joshua on Tylenol/Motrin, alternating every 3 hours, for pain over the next few days and Benadryl and Zantac for the hives/itching until all rashes have disappeared. We were also told to follow up with his ped. (or any ped. really) within 24hrs and that this follow up was crucial.

This is what Joshua's tummy looks like today as we got ready to head to a 9:00am appointment at his normal clinic.

Joshua's fever is still present, though currently hovering around 100-101, even with a constant awake rotation of Motrin and Tylenol (I am not waking him in the middle of the night). He is still complaining of leg pain, pain in his hands and feet and itchy all over. Added to those symptoms he has also spent a great deal of time crying about stomach pains.

The ped today told us that it appears that Joshua has Erythema Multiforme and that our best plan of action is doing exact what the ER drs said for us to do last night. All the current medications will be used until the pain and rash go away.

They also informed us that this is something that Joshua may or may not have to deal with his entire life. Since we do not know the exact cause (allergic reaction or virus) it is going to be hard to know what to avoid. Also stress may bring on symptoms like this or changes in routine/environment or just plain fear. Lovely news right???

I guess at least they have currently put a name to what he is deal with and we know that we are doing everything we can to make sure that we beat this and get through it. Joshua has been a trooper through this all (through tears, fears and lots of pain) and as long as I keep his legs covered (so he can't be reminded of his bandaids or injections sites) he is walking normally, just slower at times.

Thank you for all of you who have followed our updates on FB and prayed for Joshua. During his bath today, after appointments, he said his legs hurt and I prayed for him and he told me "Thanks mom, Jesus hears my prayers and He touched me and I feel better. Sometimes I still big hurt but Jesus touches me and I feel all better". Oh how I love him!!