Febrile Seizures are a b&^%#!

Today was a day that I don't wish to anyone. I could have definitely gone without this experience and I am sure my little one could have gone without it too.

She woke up fine, she way playing, running around, she felt a little hot but not to the point to worry me. We were playing, I was laying down on the couch downstairs, she got down to pick up her blankie and her zippy cup, she reached out for me and I picked her up to lay her down next to me. As I picked her up, she just looked out into space. I layed her down next to me and she didn't respond. I got so scared...my baby, my little one was not responding. I hugged her, I called her name. Her little eyes just started rolling back, her little body got all rigid. My baby...I was so scared. I gave her to my husband and he just started talking to her while I called the doctor's office. The doctor's office just said to call 911 all the while my little one was unresponsive. She couldn't move...her tiny little body was just so rigid, her little lips started going blue. The ambulance took what seem to me a lifetime...a lifetime when my little one's life was in their hands. By the time they arrived she had gone completely unconcious and she got lethargic, she looked so peaceful as in a deep sleep--which just sent my mind racing for an answer and to find away to bring her back to me. The paramedics took her temperature, pulse and she had some oxygen. She started slowly waking up, looking around.

She started to come fully awake while in the ambulance on our way to the ER, with tears just streaming down my face I tried to talk to her and ask her questions, at first she didn't respond just looked at me and cuddled next to me. Slowly she started squinting her little eyes and she started talking. The paramedic was trying to get her to talk a bit, he took out a little stuffed animal just for her, my sassy one took it and said forcibly "NO". That moment was one that I would cherish forever--she got sassy which meant she was all there again.

At the ER tests were done to make sure that the fever was not caused by something that needed antibiotics. They all came back negative which means that it could just all be a viral infection that needs to come out of her system. The experience at the ER was not pleasant at all for her as she was wide awake and responsive to everything. She just wanted to be held and cuddled. My little one was with me again.

She is home with us, fever is up and I am up keeping an eye on her and trying to keep her cool.

She is okay--Mom is not--but she is okay. I am watching her like a hawk, if she does anything I am there with her. Although picking her up to lay her down on the couch is not something I want to do--my brain connects it to this morning's event and I don't want that to happen again. At first I thought it was something I did, maybe the way I picked her up, maybe something I gave her to eat...my mind can't really understand what happened.

The doctor's call it Febrile Seizure caused by a quick rise in temperature in the body. Little ones deal with the rise in temperature by shutting down their system and "re-setting" it. Only about 30% of children get it and only 30% of those who get it will have a repeat episode before their 5th birthday. The convulsion followed by the lethargy and then tiredness seem to be normal according to the doctors. Me, I call it: wake up and realize that they can be taken away from you in an instant. No book that I ever read on children told me or prepared me to today's experience. I really thought that I was losing my child and it hurt, it hurt so badly. I wanted someone to do something for her as I couldn't, I felt so powerless...I reached out to my husband and I pleaded to him to bring her back to me, to do something for her, to stop whatever was happening to her. My poor husband...he is my rock...he is there when I am weak and he holds me and lets me cry a river on his shoulder.

And my little one...she is safe...a little hot...but she is with me and I will hold her tonight and tomorrow and God willing the days after.

Note: There will be no Loomy Q & A day this weekend.

Comments

[Brenda]

Oh gosh Isela. I hope that everything is okay with your baby. I have four children myself and I never had this experience before. But many friends that I have, have had it happen to their children. There is something you can do for the fever. Place cold compress on her forehead. It keeps the fever down. Try to have a ear thermometer closeby. Maybe you have one already. Usually a fever that reaches close between 103-104 degrees F causes these types of convulsions. It is very scary for parents. for the child doesn't even realize it happened.
I actually wanted to leave a comment to tell you how much I have benefitted from your Knitting Loom Help site. I actually am going nuts with these looms. I knit and crochet also, but I love loom knitting. I have made your blog and site my favs. I can't wait until your book comes out. I would have to wait until someone comes to Egypt so I can have my own copy. Much success and may you and your family be safe from harm.

[Mozemen]

I remember when my son had his seizure (with a fever of 107 F). Terrifying. I can tell you, though, that they don't remember it when they're grown, or so my nearly 20 year old boy assures me. It's more frightening for the parent than for the child. It is the nicest feeling when they reach 5 with no more seizures!

[Julie]

I'm so glad she is okay! My own had hallucinations with a 104 F fever from chicken pox and that was scary enough. Here's hoping she gets well quick!

[Lynn]

I'm so glad she's okay!

My youngest brother had one of those when he was small -- and I was home alone babysitting him! Talk about scared, and there was no 911 back in those days.

He's fine now, just turned 30, my baby brother! in November.

[Sonya]

What a scary experience! I'm so glad she's OK.

[Stitch-n-Snitch]

Yikes! DV#2 had a fever close to 104 last year and we watched him for seizures, but were lucky and they didn't come. Thank goodness everything is okay!!!

[Kristi aka Fiber Fool]

Oh my, Isela! I'm soooo sorry for this traumatic weekend. Prayers for a quick receeding of the fever and a no further fibral seizures are flying your way! *hugs*

[Faren]

Wow,very scary. Thinking of you and little Benny.

[Becky]

{{{{{{{ Isela and Benny }}}}}}}
My heart aches for both you and little Benny. What a horrifying experience. I hope that you never have to go through anything like that again. You and Nyah are both in my prayers, that Nyah's fever comes down and stays down, and that you are able to relax and enjoy a new day.

[Stacey]

My heart broke for you while I was reading that. Big hugs and prayers for you, Sam and Nyah.

It's good she has her sassy back! Relax, cuddle and play today- enjoy her with everything you've got.

[Cindy in Oregon]

Oh, Isela, I just want to reach through the Internet and give you a BIG hug! I don't have kids and can only imagine the panic you must have felt. I'm so glad that (a) Sam is your rock, and of course (b) Nyah came through it okay!

[Jennifer]

How scary! I would have been beside myself. (((hugs))) Sending healing vibes to your little one.

[BetsyC]

Dear Lord, I am sorry you all went through this. Febrile seizures are very scary. Hugs to you all.

[BetsyC]

Isela, that's scary. Febrile seizures happen, but it's waaaay different when it's your little sweetie. Love to all of you.

[Chrissy]

That sounds absolutely terrifying! I'm glad it sounds like she's going to be okay though. I couldn't imagine how awful that was for you.

[Mouse]

{{{{isela}}} wow.. I had no idea that something like what you described actually existed! I'm very happy to hear that she is ok.. and I understand how scary it is to nearly lose your child. Our thoughts are with you and your little one!

[Cookie]

What a horrible day! I'm so glad she's home with you, where she belongs. Thank goodness your husband was home. I hope ya'll have a quiet and boring weekend together. *hugs*

[Zonda]

I am so glad she's better! That is a Mom's worst nightmare!! Very scary! (big hugs) to you all! Take care! :)

[margene]

How frightening! May she continue to improve and never put you through that experience again!!

[KnitPastis]

Isela, I popped over here on your blog to see if you and the little one were doing better and my heart just sank as I read your post. I am giving you the biggest cyber hugs to both of you. God bless your little one and hope she stays seizure free from here on out. My daughter always ran high fevers as a baby but this is the first time I have ever heard of this. This smart of you to post this valuable infor.

[Jodi]

Isela, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I had a very similar experience when my daughter was 6 months old so I know what you were going thru. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Thank god she is okay other than the fever, poor little thing.
Jodi

[Karin]

Isela, I am thinking of you and sending your family all the good thoughts (and a hug too) to get through this. It's been a long time since either of my kids has been ill, but it's a dreadful feeling you never forget. I hope your wee one will continue to be well and seizure-free. Take care.

[BethC]

Wow! Glad to hear everything's ok...

[Michele]

Isela,

I'm so glad that your daughter is alright...what a horrible experience. I'm a new mom (my daughter is only 7 weeks old) and I NEVER knew that condition existed. You and your family are in our thoughts and Prayers.

[Marisol]

Oh my God! Isela, I am so sorry that you and your daughter had experience something so awful. Thanks God she is O.K. My heart goes out to you and get well prayers for Benny also.