So, on Wednesday and Thursday nights when Derek had a fever, I knew it wasn't a good thing, but I didn't realize that it would result in one crazy day at the emergency room. 

Friday morning, Derek was grumpy, but still his active self, when at about 10am he went completely downhill.  My little guy that NEVER stops moving, wouldn't move.  He was lethargic, wouldn't eat or drink, and his fever had sky-rocketed – not to mention that he was having trouble breathing and would randomly convulse.  It was terrifying!!

I was quickly on the phone with the Doctor's office, but they were booked, and sent us to the urgent care instead.  By this time, even with having had some Motrin an hour before, his fever was 104, and he was getting even worse, and so the doctor sent us to the Emergency Room.   While there, they finally diagnosed him with croup.

Five hours later, my poor little guy was doing a little better, his fever went down to 101, and was able to go home, but it took quite a bit to get him to that point:

• A very painful antibiotic shot in his bum that left a terrible bruise.
• A throat swab to make sure he didn't have strep.
• 4 times of having his temperature taken in a place where nothing should ever be put – need I say more?
• Not only having an I.V. to rehydrate him, but having them stick him 3 different times before they got it to stick.  (There were 3 of us holding him down for it, and it completely broke my heart!!  I was sure he would never come to me again.
• A chest x-ray where he was completely pinned down.
• A breathing treatment, which he was very unhappy about, as it meant more time being held in place and a crazy thing being pushed over his mouth and nose.

He is still not completely worse, but at least we know what we are dealing with now, and what to watch for.  I am taking him back to the doctor today since his fever spiked again, but hopefully this will all be over soon.  I miss my happy wild little guy!

PS. Kevin took these depressing pictures with his phone: