Future Dr. Kate!

This winter the Clemens' household dealt with 6 bouts of strep throat, 4 bouts of stomach flu, 2 ear infections, painful diaper rash and countless other viruses! What next you ask...bring on Fifth's Disease! Yes, that is actually the name of a spring virus commonly seen in children during the spring months.

After a fun trip to the zoo on Saturday (pics soon to be posted!), we thought Katelin and Annie had some sun/wind burn on their cheeks. Well Annie's seemed to go away but Kate's just got worse. At daycare on Monday the teacher said she thought she had Fifth's Disease (Slapped Cheek). It is a virus that has cold or flu-like symptoms (or no symptoms) and the bodies way of reacting is to break out in a rash. It starts with a bright red blotchy rash on the cheeks that can then spread to the entire body and can last for weeks! Unfortunately you are contagious before you know you have it...once the rash appears you are no longer contagious.

So...I took Kate in the to the doc on Monday. She was so brave! First they made her do a strep test cuz her throat was red. The little peanut got scared for a minute and then just opened her mouth and had no tears...I guess after 4 tests this winter she is getting used to it! The doctor couldn't confirm it just by looking at her cheeks so she decided to do a blood test and a CBC so off to the lab we went! Of course inside I was thinking "This is not gonna be a fun experience" since Kate has never had blood drawn from her arm. I told her what she could expect and she said she was ready to go! All I can say is Kate definitely does not take after her mom as I cried during college when I had to get a shot and I used to pass out with the needle in my arm so they made me lie in a chair from then on out! Kate on the other hand, sat on my lap, watched the needle go in and was amazed at all of her blood coming out! Never a peep of fear from her!

The nurse told Kate she could get a sticker for being so good but Kate said she already got one upstairs so she didn't need another one! When the nurse told Kate someday she might be a doctor because she did such a good job, Kate said "Yes I might be a doctor"! This would be good news since a number of people in our family are hypocondriacs and we could use some good medical advice!

Go Kate! :)

Oh....we are still awaiting the results of the test but Annie too now is starting to get a little rash. If it isn't this, then back to the doc for further evaluation!