recent viral troubles

We had a couple of trying weeks not long ago, which partly explains the blog silence (but not fully), with the Bean contracting a viral infection that led to a bacterial one.

That meant what I thought was just a gunky runny nose (that lasted nearly 4 weeks) became something more serious when she began throwing up and having very high fevers (at one point reaching over 39 degrees celsius).

The GP was consulted. Apparently all babies and young children throw up when they get too hot. It is their bodies's natural reaction, to cool down by expelling liquids. The doc also said that the Bean may become constipated because of the loss of fluids and appetite. She suggested that I try watermelon or a sweet fruit before trying her on her usual meals. The sweetness will whet her appetite. We were given a prescription for antibiotics but told not to administer this for a few days till the Bean's situation worsens or if she doesn't get better.

So we waited an excruciating 2-3 more days before finally giving the Bean the antibiotic mixture. Thankfully, and sensibly, this particular antibiotic mixture is actually sweet and doesn't have a nasty bitter aftertaste (unlike the concoction prescribed by a doc in S'pore which was most foul). The Bean took to the medicine very well - it tastes like a banana/fruit shake - and so nearly did the hub unit, who did most of the administering. He really does have a deft way with giving the Bean medicine. It involves pretending to feed her toys, himself and mummy, the medicine before offering a dose to the bub. It usually works a treat. But of course, it helps that this medicine tasted good.

But one nasty effect from the Bean being ill was that she was mainly pooping into her nappies. It was disgusting as alternating with constipation was runny poo - an outcome of eating very very little and drinking mainly water. Her poo was also sticky and dark - gross.

She was even off breastfeeding for around 2-3 days, which was most worrisome. I had counted on nourishing her with breastmilk as was the usual practice whenever she got ill, so this unexpected outcome was troubling. However, it was probably because she had a sore throat. She had passed her illness to me and I also had a sore throat for a few days but I got over it quickly with herbal gargle mixtures and sucking lots of herbal throat lozenges.

Anyhow, she has recovered fully now and it is so wonderful to see her appetite come back. It was terrible to be able to see her ribs and a single chin; I was so used to my chubby girl. But she is putting some flesh back on again, so I am relieved.