hello

[mimi_c]

My nephew was 8 years old when he survived a life threatening episode of dengue fever. It was truly a miracle that he survived. Thank God! He was a 'vegetable' when we brought him home. Over time, he gradually regained his faculties, but not all...he has become a special child. His vision is impaired. There is weakness in his right side and he lost his speech. He also developed "reflex seizures". A dog's bark, a cough or a loud bang could cause a fall, sometimes head first. That is why he is never left alone. Someone is always there to catch him if he falls.

It is fortunate that where we are, it is affordable to get such 'kind people.' He never really underwent extensive therapy because first of all, he is such a hard headed and stubborn boy. I tell you, caring for him brought out the best and the worst in me. Secondly, the expense is not really within our budget. You are lucky you have a health care system that, in a way, can afford you treatments and medications that you need.

He used to take Tegretol to keep him seizure free but when he developed the 'reflex seizures', he was switched to Depakene 500 twice a day. It has helped but he still has to be watched over in case he gets startled, which he still does.

It is consoling to know that we are not alone. Thank you and more power to CWE.

Blossom

[hawke86]

Blossom,
Sorry to hear what you're nephew is going through. I'll keep him in my prayers and anyone else that needs it.

[Bernard]

Hi mimi_c, welcome to the forum.

I moved your post from this thread so people would have a chance to greet you without posting off topic in that thread.

[hawke86]

Welcome to forum mimi.

[brain]

Blossom

Welcome to CWE! And sorry to hear about your
nephew going through all of this. You have our
((( hugs ))) and encouragement. Feel free to
make yourself a home here and browse around
and learn much from here and meet lots of
friendly folks here!

[skillefer]

Hi Blossom! Welcome to CWE. This is a great site full of friendly people. So feel free to ask any questions that you might have. Wow....dengue fever! I admire your patience in taking care of your nephew.

[mimi_c]

Thank you for your warm welcome. Although we are miles apart and may never be able to meet face to face (but who knows?), it is very consoling to know that we are "one" in this quest - facing life with gratitude and courage despite the sufferings we have to endure.

Taking care of my nephew has given me joy but it is not easy...the best and the worst in me... I have a lot to learn from him, though. Considering the many challenges he has to hurdle each day, which for us are just the basic tasks of living, he has not lost his sense of wonderment and humor.

Let us pray for each other for the grace of fortitude, the strength to love and the joy of living.

[BuckeyeFan]

Welcome to our home. I hope you can find this as both a place to relax and learn. I usually have a hot cup of coffee/cocoa/tea waiting for all who pass through the door.

[speber]

You've found a great group of people willing to help each other out here!

Make yourself at home.

Peace
Speber

[hawke86]

How's your nephew doing?