If you remember last fall when my DD, Laura, was so sick...

[Liz]

There are a lot of new people since then so perhaps many people don't remember what happened. Briefly my DD got very, very sick and was admitted to the hospital 9/25/02. She had a heart transplant when she was a baby so her immune system is suppressed. She was 13 yrs. old at the time of her hospitalization and had done remarkably well up until then. Anyway, she got an infection in her brain & spine, lost all ability to walk and was unable to move her left arm. She was in the hospital 51 days and thanks to wonderful physical therapists she has come a long way in her recovery.

But anyway, the point of this thread is they have FINALLY come to a definite diagnosis as to what caused this awful nightmare in our lives, which ultimately has become a great blessing of her recovery. It was West Nile Virus. The Infectious Disease doctor asked us to bring her in to have another blood test so they could check one last time to see if she had developed any antibodies to the things they were looking for. We had her checked in early June and after all this time it came back positive for West Nile. They think due to her immune suppression it took her a long time to form the antibodies.

The Health Dept. is still saying there are no cases of West Nile in Utah and as of right now they are refusing to acknowledge Laura as the first case (complicated reason and lots of bureauracy).

The doctor is working on writing up her case for some medical journal. We're just happy to finally know that was the cause and thought some of you might like to know too.

She is about 90% recovered and we are planning on her starting high school full time in the fall. If its too much for her we'll cut back but she'll give it a try. I know the DIS and all the united prayers played a major role in her recovery. Thank you all. I will never forget it.

 

[catsrule]

Thanks for the update, Liz. I do remember, and am very happy to hear your DD is doing well. My neices husband's Uncle got this last year, he is in his 60's and made a full recovery.

 

[Michelle]

WOW, Liz, what a diagnosis! Not something I would have ever expected.

I'm so glad Laura is doing better, no matter what the official diagnosis is.

 

[Mamu]

Liz thank you so much for posting this. We read about so much sadness and tragedy, and I remember how sick Laura was. Most of us here were praying that she would pull through.

It's so good to read that Laura is doing well and returning to school.

For some reason health department don't react or are very slow at excepting the facts. Having almost lost a daughter many years ago to an illness. I know the pain and helplessness you felt. Thank God for doctors who follow their own judgemnt and not listen to the wacko who say what Laura had was impossible.

Bless you both. Thanks so much for the update.

 

[Big V]

That is a surprise it's West Nile. I know it's around here in Wisconsin. I'm glad Laura is doing better. Thanks for the update.
Scott

 

[helenabear]

Liz, I am so glad that you all got your diagnosis. Not that it makes what you all went through any better but at least you know what caused it. I am glad to hear that Laura is doing better as well

 

[Pop Daddy]

bet you been scared to death, hope she gets recovered last 10% in a hurry

 

[browneyes]

I remember Laura. I about cried myself silly when you posted she walked herself into school after her long hospital stay. She's a fighter. I'm glad you found out what caused her illness. I know she'll be at 100% pretty soon. She and you both are very lucky to have each other.

 

[Lars624]

Liz-I remember when this happened to your DD Laura. My daughter is the same age as Laura & I paid close attention to your story. I am so happy to hear that she is doing so well! I hope that she is able to go to high school full time!
West Nile is very scary!!! I am glad that they finally have made a diagnosis. It must be a relief to know exactly which enemy you have been fighting.
{{{hugs}]] for Mom & Laura
and good wishes for her continued recovery!

 

[dtuleya]

Glad to hear she feels recovered enough to attempt high school. Tell her to hang in there. Bet you're glad you finally have some answers.

 

[Serena]

90%??? congratulations!!!! That's wonderful.
I'm glad they know what to call it now, hopefully that will help with the other 10%. She's one courageous young lady.

 

[damo]

You should be very proud of that little fighter. A good friend of mine who is a marathon runner got West Nile last fall and was extremely ill. It took her months to recover. Your daughter must be very strong!!!

They were very slow in diagnosing my friend's case as well.

 

[Kitty 34]

Thanks for the update Liz. I'm always thinking about your DD. I'm so glad you have found the cause and I'm ecstatic that she's 90% better!! How great!!

 

[CathyCanada]

Liz, what a horrible time that was for you and for Laura and I'm so happy to hear that she has made such an amazing recovery!! Will continue to pray for a full recovery and glad to hear that you have a diagnosis! It is a good reminder to all of us to wear insect repellant! I know West Nile is in our area as well.

Thanks for the update!
CC

 

[BWVDenise]

Thanks so much for the update. Glad to hear how well Laura is doing!!!

 

[ead79]

Liz, I certainly do remember Laura's horrible illness. I am thrilled to hear what a wonderful recovery she has made! She sounds like a REAL trouper! I am glad they were finally able to make a diagnosis--I hope the doctor's article in the medical journal will help other people get correct diagnoses much more quickly. Thank you for updating us.

 

[Rajah]

Excellent that they finally have a diagnosis. I'm glad to hear she's doing so well, and pray that her return to school will be successful!!

 

[Pam]

West Nile?? Wow!!

Will continue to pray for Laura - and I hope a full recovery is right around the corner. My DS also begins HS in the fall - we'll have to compare notes!!

 

[Keli]

It's great to hear that your dd has come so far in her recovery! I remember very well your thread about your dd and the updates you used to post while she was in the hospital and recovering and I'm so glad it has been resolved. Who would have thought it would turn out to be west nile?

 

[Deb in IA]

I am so glad Laura is making such progress in her recovery.

Having an accurate diagnosis is always the first step in determining the correct treatment.

Best wishes to Laura and your family!!