Almost 2 weeks ago, William started to experience body aches and fevers. These symptoms were very similar to his bout of malaria last year, so we decided to start treatment for malaria right away. After the treatment had finished, the fevers returned and we knew he was suffering from something else. Last Monday, he had severe headaches, persistent fever and began to vomit. Thankfully our friend, Dr. Peter Van Dingenen was visiting for the week. Together, we diagnosed William with Typhoid fever and began treatment with IV antibiotics and IV fluids. Thankfully, we were able to set this all up in the comfort of our own home. By Wednesday, the fever finally broke and the vomiting stopped, but he was extremely weak. In addition to generalized fatigue, he has experienced some neurological deficits (tremors, uncoordinated walking and involuntary eye muscle movements). Thankfully, we have found in the medical literature that although these extra symptoms are rare, patients who have experienced the same show complete resolution. Each day, we are seeing improvement, but the road to full recovery will be long.
In the same week, William’s younger, disabled brother was hospitalized (and remains in the hospital), Heidi’s grandfather passed away and Trey started showing early signs of Typhoid. We thank God for giving William’s parents strength and his brother’s doctors wisdom to determine the cause of his illness and the appropriate treatment. We praise God that my grandfather died peacefully, surrounded by family and is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior. We also thank God that Trey’s fever and rash miraculously healed very quickly and he has fully recovered. Finally, we thank God for the health and strength he has given me and our unborn daughter as I care for William.
Please pray for continued resolution of William’s symptoms and complete recovery of strength. Thankfully, he is eating well and gaining strength little by little every day. I have been clinging to the promises that God gives us in the Bible. He has given us strength and peace during such a trying time.
Thank you all,
Heidi, William, Trey and Baby