Fifth's Disease!

With all the head bashing and such going on, I never did blog about Fifth's disease. Apparently that is what Jack and I got. It's a nasty looking rash that is basically harmless to kids. For me it was another story. It's fairly rare for adults to get because most people have had it before even if they never had symptoms. Apparently once you've had it, you become immune to it. So I guess I never had it before and got it now. I thought I was dying because I was having pretty severe joint pain. It was lucky for me that I brought Jack in to my doctor's appointment. Adults typically do not get the rash, but as you can see, children do. I picked the kids up early from school because there was a chance I wouldn't be back when they got home. When I first saw Jack I noticed that his cheeks were red, but thought it was from running outside. When we entered the doctor's office I looked closer and realized that it was a rash. The doctor was so thrilled (and she apologized for being so), because when she heard of my complaints and looked at his face, she realized that's what we both had and was so excited to have linked the two so solidly. Had I not brought him in with me, she would have run me through all sorts of costly and annoying blood tests! Sometimes things just work out right. In adults, Fifth's disease can cause arthritic symptoms, and let me tell you, it sucks! But they gave me some prescription strength Aleve and a few days later, I feel great. Now Jack just continues to look terrible and it's kind of embarrassing to go out in public with him...the kid has a patch on his forehead and splotches all over his body...the boy is falling to pieces I tell you! I suspect the rash should be gone in a few more days...I can't wait!