I just need two seconds to freak out...

[Bitsmommy]

We leave for Disney world Friday at 5:20 am. BOTH of my children just tested positive for strep throat!!!! The youngest is very ill. Fever, won't swallow anything ( thank goodness for the gtube), full body rash and generally sick. While the oldest has no symptoms with the exception of 3 little Puss pockets on the back of his throat. I am really worried that the baby isn't going to be well enough to fly. Please say something to make me feel betterbete

 

[ditsypixie]

I really hope they feel better soon!!!! Did they get put on antibiotics? Hopefully, that will help the healing process speed up! Here's hoping for some pixie dust on your family

 

[Bitsmommy]

Yes, both on antibiotics. The doctor skipped the "first line" antibiotics and went straight to the stronger stuff because he knew we were leaving!

 

[Lilliputian]

The antibiotics work really quickly for strep. I know they feel awful right now, but in 24 hours they'll be almost back to normal. By Friday, it should be perfectly fine. I know it's frustrating to have something big happen at the last minute, but it really shouldn't be an issue for your trip.

 

[rewardsinlife]

Well good news is that kids are pretty resilient. I think being on hardcore antibiotics for 3 days prior to leaving should definitely give them a step up and on the road to recovery. Make sure to pack some comforting things for them( a favorite toy, blanket) so they can feel a little more secure. Also watching the energy levels throughout the day is a must. If you notice they are getting too tired, you can always go back to to hotel for nap, pool time, or just relaxation by watching a movie in the room. Too often we try to cram as much as possible into the vacation, and end up more tired,sick, and not enjoying the time because of it. Slow down, take your time, and cherish the time you have at the parks, but most of all with each other. ( oh and renting a stroller or wheelchair might be good too to help with stamina for the kids). Have a good trip!

 

[disney david]

Sorry to hear this I hope they feel better after all your planning. And worrying about Tsa. I hope they get better quickly and you all have a great time on the trip.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I agree with PP that they should be feeling much better by the time you leave. Buy new toothbrushes, Lysol all hard surfaces and wash all personal comfort type items in hot water. Lots of handwashing. Last thing you want is for the grownups to come down with it. Oh, and lots of zinc and probiotics (make sure probiotics are at least 2 hours away from the antibiotics).

One more thing to keep in mind is that strep can have some nasty effects on mood. This seems to be more likely in special needs kids from what I can tell. Being sick in general will obviously make them cranky but strep in particular can (not necessarily but can, especially kids with atypical immune systems) effect the part of the brain that controls mood so more patience than normal. My 14yo has always reacted this way though most times through her life antibiotics did bring her mood back to normal (as much as she has normal as she has Asperger Syndrome).

 

[Bitsmommy]

I know!!! I have this TSA flying with a special needs kiddo licked and BAM they both get sick! Silver lining... They didn't get it down there. My oldest is 7, but I changed our stroller reservation to a double, just in case he is worn down. Besides, he can comfort his brother by being close if he is unsure (he is awesome at that). And when he isn't sitting there we can use it to hold stuff.

 

[Bitsmommy]

I agree with PP that they should be feeling much better by the time you leave. Buy new toothbrushes, Lysol all hard surfaces and wash all personal comfort type items in hot water. Lots of handwashing. Last thing you want is for the grownups to come down with it. Oh, and lots of zinc and probiotics (make sure probiotics are at least 2 hours away from the antibiotics).

One more thing to keep in mind is that strep can have some nasty effects on mood. This seems to be more likely in special needs kids from what I can tell. Being sick in general will obviously make them cranky but strep in particular can (not necessarily but can, especially kids with atypical immune systems) effect the part of the brain that controls mood so more patience than normal. My 14yo has always reacted this way though most times through her life antibiotics did bring her mood back to normal (as much as she has normal as she has Asperger Syndrome).

Thanks!! We actually thought something was wrong with him before he started showing symptoms because of his mood!!

 

[jdb in AZ]

I know!!! I have this TSA flying with a special needs kiddo licked and BAM they both get sick! Silver lining... They didn't get it down there. My oldest is 7, but I changed our stroller reservation to a double, just in case he is worn down. Besides, he can comfort his brother by being close if he is unsure (he is awesome at that). And when he isn't sitting there we can use it to hold stuff.

Sounds like you have it worked out, with your own doctor instead of finding one on vacation.

Hope they heal quickly. My pediatrician said that sometimes these things are harder on the parents than on the patients.

 

[momofkids]

My kids get strep quite a bit. They always bounce back within 24-48 of getting antibiotics. My son with ASD usually starts acting his normal self after just a few doses. I think you will be okay. Just be ready that the antibiotics might cause some loose stools (gross but true). I usually just give my son a banana or too each day and that helps along with some yogurt. Since those are his favorite foods it is a win, win for us.

 

[jmartinez1895]

Just be ready that the antibiotics might cause some loose stools (gross but true).

I was going to warn of that very issue with the stronger antibiotics. You can get an OTC pro-biotic such as culterell and that should help.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I'm so sorry you are going through this so close to your trip, but I agree with the PPs. 24-48 hours on antibiotics and they will likely be feeling a ton better. Definitely add in some probiotics. DD used to get the worst diarrhea when she was on antibiotics.

 

[Bitsmommy]

Hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst. If the baby isn't ready to travel, he has special needs one being a very compromised airway, I will stay back with him and DS and ODS will go ahead to Disney. When he feels better the baby and I will follow. Hopefully, plan b won't be necessary!!

 

[Mom2six]

Hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst. If the baby isn't ready to travel, he has special needs one being a very compromised airway, I will stay back with him and DS and ODS will go ahead to Disney. When he feels better the baby and I will follow. Hopefully, plan b won't be necessary!!

Let us know how it worked out for you!

Hope your little ones feel well enough to enjoy the trip! I'm sure it will all work out well.

 

[Bitsmommy]

They both seem to be feeling well today! The baby started drinking out of a bottle last night! So, we are headed that way now!! In the airport!

 

[clanmcculloch]

YAY!!!! Have a great trip.

 

[ditsypixie]

YAY!!! Have a great time!!