Hi all I was just wondering if anyone has had to deal with the stress of having one or any of your children diagnosed with a serious illness? This winter has been an awful time for my son--he has gotten sick every other week--not a little sick like a cold or a flue but sick enough to be hospitalized .On my son's last hospitalization the doctors started doing test to find out the source of knee pain my child had suddenly developed. After 3 or 4 specialist coming into the hospital room and performing their "evaluations", my pediatrician informed me that he thought my son had Leukemia. After the shock and stress of dealing with that possibility, I was relieved to discover taht it "probably" was not Leukemia but Rhematoid Arthritis. O.k. I thought I can deal with that diagnosis rather than Leukemia. My pediatrician referred me to a Rhematologist, and I brought my son to him yesterday. Today I received a phone call from the Rhematologist telling me that I had to get my son to the hospital immediately and have further labs drawn because my son was severly anemic and probably needed a blood transfusion tonight. He then informed me that my son needed an emergency appointment with the Oncologist/Hemotologist tommarow. I asked him if he thought my son had Leukemia he said that he didn't think he did, but he thought my son has an Autoimmune disorder. I've researched information about Autoimmune disorders and I'm I little freaked out because they can be very serious and deadly. The last month of my life has been the most stressful time in my entire life. The thought of my child being very sick scares me more than words can describe. I know that children survive things everyday but who wants and enjoys putting their child through terrible tests and treatments?.My child is only 2 and 1/2 and he doesn't understand what is going on-it breaks my heart. My emotions have been a constant roller coaster this month; first thinking that my son was sick, then getting relief of him not being "that" sick, then the stress again of finding out that he may be very sick. I know I have to stay positive, but the worst case scenerio comes into my mind and I freak out and worry about my childs future. I feel guilty about complaining about how tough life gets as a single mom--but believe me I'd rather go through a million trillion tough times with my child than go through my life with out him. I know this is going to sound crazy but I feel I'm being punished for complaining about the tough times raising a child and being a single mom. I know in my heart God doesn't punish but he also doesn't like when people (like me) don't appreciate the beautiful gifts that he gives (babies)-so I fear that he'll take my child away because I haven't always appreciated the beautiful gift that my child is. Anyway, I know I 'm just really scared (again) and fear taht I'll hear the worst tommarow. To all that have children hug them and kiss them and take the time to appreciate them-- I know times are hectic as single parents, but really try to imagine what your life would be with out them. For anyone that has gone through what I am I would love to hear your stories and what has helped you get though all these tests and more docters and more tests and how to deal with finally getting a definative diagnosis. Thanks for listening to me vent I think I needed to.

Bless your heart. My eyes come to tears as I read this. I do not know what you are going through, my son is not sick but to imagine what you and your son are going through must be hell. I dont know what I would do if I had to watch my son go through that, but the best thing you can do is stay strong, do not panic in front of him, smile and act as if what is going on will pass. DO NOT think you are being punished for complaining b/c god knows that you love and can not live without your son. We all go through those moments...me its days in the week! But serisously, the worst case the best case just do not lose it infront of him. Do not let him be induced with more fear. I pray that it is not bad news, but even the littlest wait until you get home and put your head in a pillow and scream and cry, just dont do it infront of him. I just pray that everything is ok. B/c even the simplest disorder is enough for a little man his age to go through anything like that. My son is alomst 2 and I am seriously streaming with tears right now just thinking about something like that. My heart goes out to you hun, please keep me posted, stay strong no matter what. Both of you will be in my prayers.

I, as well, can not truly understand how you are feeling as I have not been in your shoes. I can feel for you because you are going through one of every parents nightmares. You and your son have my thoughts and prayers.
Please do not feel as though this is a punishment from anyone, especially God. Get through this.... however you can .... empower yourself to know everything about the situation, care for your son, get help and say your prayers. All of us are here, someone is always here(lol) and if you need ... reach out!

I cannot say that I have experienced this, but I remember how my mother looked, that hollow look in the back of her eyes, as she took me from doctor to doctor and in and out of hospitals. I was a very sick child around the age of 11. I could only tell her that I didn't have energy and I couldn't hold down food for nearly 4 months at one point. My illness proved to be something called Epstein Barr, which in fact is a different version of Mono in a way.

My Mother always stood tall and strong and even with my Dad there with her she took the brunt of it. Mothers are like a rock sometimes with a squishy inner core. Be that rock for your son, and let all your emotions pour out here or somewhere so that you don't crumble from the inside out. My mother forgot to acknowledge the pain--you don't seem to be and good for you--and my mother hasn't been well since.

In my case, I'm still not the healthiest person, but I'm here and have 2 beautiful children. I will be praying that 10 years from now we are hearing you stress about how your little one won't shower regularly and is becoming a 'teenage monster'.

I will pray for you and your son.

Hi thanks for the support everyone. We are doing better today. the appointment on Friday was o.k.- The Hemotologist couldn't tell me anything but he said that my son doesn't have Leukemia or an Autoimmune disorder. He has to go back next Thursday and have his blood drawn again.Apparently he is making too many red blood cells and what I understand, that is what is causing him to be anemic. They don't know the cause of the increased red blood cells but promised they would "get to the bottom of the problem". I feel better again-but I won't really feel o.k. until the M.D.'s find out the source of the problem and what can do to fix it. Thanks again.

Lots of prayers sent out to you and your son. I know how hard it can be. Remember to breath when needed.
May God be with you.

Have you heard any more news about your son's health?

We brought my son to the Oncologist/Hemo and they ran some more tests -they think that my son had a virus after all and set everything wacked! Thank God it's been a very stressful month and hopefully the virus is all that it is. My son has a couple more appointments with both the Rhematologist and the Oncologist, but my gut feeling is that he just got a nasty virus that messed up his body. At the present time, my son seems happy and healthy--thanks for support from everyone.

That is a great bit of news.
Terrible that the virus struck so hard, but wonderful that some of those terrible fears have been relieved.