SHARK TEETH

And here we go.

Luckily - or maybe not - we've managed to stay out of the doctor's office for the last several years.  Sure, my kids have had snotty noses and dry coughs from time to time, but I can count on one hand (probably half of one hand!) the number of times we've needed a round of antibiotics in our family.  However, I always had a feeling that once Kindergarten started we'd be making up for our years of health. 

I'm right again.

Sunday night JP woke up with a sore throat.  He never wakes up in the middle of the night, so I knew something was wrong.  In the morning he was afebrile and didn't complain, so I sent him to school.  When he hopped off the bus yesterday, he commented that there were "shark teeth" stuck in the back of his throat.  Although we never learned this descriptor in PA school, I was certain that there was only one reason for those shark teeth:  Strep Throat.  I quickly called the clinic and was offered the last appointment "in fifteen minutes - please don't be late."  I rounded up the three kids and off we went.

After being interrogated by the nurse (Has he ever had strep throat?  no.  Is there anyone in the family with strep throat?  no.  Is there anyone at school with strep throat? no.  Did you know that the most common cause of a sore throat is from a virus and not a bacteria?  yes.), JP had a throat swab and a phone call several hours later confirmed the shark teeth.  Positive.  Strep Throat.  Antibiotics for ten days.  No school for at least 24 hours.  So long for the Perfect Attendance Award.  

Since the positive results didn't come in until after hours last night, I sent Ms. Jeffre to the Target pharmacy this morning to pick up JP's penicillin.  Despite her questioning, they incorrectly gave JP the pill form of this antibiotic to which it was recommend that she "smash the pill and mix with pudding."  To which she did, and to which JP then puked all over.  This prompted a second trip for Ms. Jeffre to the pharmacy (after a few phone calls on my behalf to determine where the error occurred).  While picking up the new liquid antibiotic, the Pharmacist came over to JP, apologized for the error, and asked if JP was thirsty.  After obtaining permission from Ms. Jeffre, the pharmacist walked JP over to the food court and bought him a slushy.  I guess this makes up for the inconvenience.

When I came home from work today - after two doses of antibiotics - JP looked great and had enough energy to bike The Neighborhood Loop.  I think he'll be okay. 

I just hope those shark teeth stay away from the rest of the family.