Elijah finally has a diagnosis

[Sharon7]

My sweetest boy has been sick for over a month with mysterious symptoms. Saturday we finally got an answer and it's not great. He has disseminated (systemic) histoplasmosis - a fungal infection. This is uncommon in our area but apparently according to the Internal Medicine vet, we are seeing more of it due to climate change. It is found in soil contaminated by bird or bat droppings. I have no idea where he could have inhaled these friggin' spores.

He's had intermittent fevers, a very sore back, stopped eating several times, panting a lot, losing weight and subdued. It took a special fungal blood culture to nail down a diagnosis, but it completely fits his symptoms so when it came back positive at least we had an answer. He has to be on an antifungal drug for many months. Apparently it takes a week for the drug to be at therapeutic levels in his blood. I'm having to feed him a canned food slurry via syringe because he turns his nose up at almost all food. And believe me I've tried everything.

It's breaking my heart to see him so down; he looks at me with sad eyes like he's saying "help me". On top of suddenly losing my husband in August it's been just a brutal time. So those who can, say a little prayer for my Elijah.

 

[Calliesmom]

glad to hear that there is a diagnosis. now that he's getting the right treatment, he should feel better and be back to his old self

 

[Ann]

It's a relief that you finally know the cause, and that it can be treated. But another gut punch that puts you and Eli through the wringer. I sure hope things improve soon. Prayers for both of you continue.

 

[Margi]

Ok thats good news basically, even if a really long hard row to hoe. The not knowing is a killer (three years experience with that one).
I know he has the best care possible with you!

 

[Sharon7]

Not good news. He spiked a fever today and seemed in such distress - walking very slowly and stiffly and panting like crazy. Took him in and his back is very painful. It appears he has discospondylitis from the fungal infection, causing bone/nerve pain. This is a very serious thing and I am now crying my eyes out thinking I might lose him. He's so healthy otherwise and I can't believe some bizarre rare infection is causing such havoc in my boy. Please say another prayer for him. I am absolutely at the end of my rope trying to manage it all.

 

[Caro]

Oh Sharon, just one thing after the other. Poor boy. I've never heard of this before. I'll be saying prayers for you and Elijah.