4th in a year

In the early morning of 13 Feb 2015, Matt went into febrile fit. He was running a fever at that time, we had been vigilant in staying up at night to watch over his temperature, yet it still happened. I was devastated. He was 12 hours away from the initial critical 48 hours and his brain just couldn't hold it up. I cried, outwardly and inwardly. I just kept asking him why why why… why did it still happen.

Get Well Card from CWK teachers

Much appreciated

came with this balloon too

Our PD felt the recurrence was too much for Matt and referred us to a paediatric neurologist. I was devastated again. 4th within a year since he had the first episode of fit. There was a fit-free period of almost 7 months. He had fever episode and we managed well to keep the fit from occurring. Why did it have to happen again.

On the way to the neurologist

The appointment with the paediatric neurologist was a day before CNY eve. I didn't know what to expect but I was glad I have friends who shared my burden. Dr Phuah Huan Kee, his clinic was at Paragon. We went in the morning and Matt had already recovered from his fever. Dr Phuah observed Matt by asking him to do some puzzles, stacking objects, playing with a ball. He didn't say out he was doing his assessment but I could sense despite his subtleness. 

Then the doc got Matt distracted with toys while he spoke to us. He spoke very calmly, very clearly and confidently. He explained what's a febrile fit, what are the factors that contribute to a febrile fit. Is a febrile fit even fatal? What is the worst case scenario?

So we learnt. 3 factors that could trigger a febrile fit. Fever, Genetics and Viral Strain. Out of 3, we could only try to manage fever, the other 2 factors, are not what we could control. Why did a fit still come, despite the parents' effort to contain the fever spike? Some virus just irritate the brain so much that the brain momentarily went "misfired". It's not fatal and for Matt's case, he didn't even think a electroencephalography (EEG) is needed because there would be nothing to conclude.

good info to share

Because Matt was what the medical professional termed as a complex febrile fit, he has 5% of evolving to an epilepsy, meaning seizure without reason. That 5% seized my heart, I asked about any remedy or prevention. There was none. But Dr Phuah said why focus on the 5%. He has 95% chance of not evolving to epilepsy. Yes, the doc is right. We needed to look on the bright side and think positively.

We left the consultation after 15-20 minutes with a clear understanding, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Matt, not with his brain, not with his development and not with his immune system. This is how Mother Nature works through him, the fever spike and all will be outgrown. 

Before we left, I asked about putting Matt in a childcare, will it make matter worse? He was thoughtful for a moment. His reply was simple. We shouldn't shy him away from other children his age. Matt needs to socialise and falling sick, though inevitable, is a phase that will pass.

my Matt @ CNY Day 2

The consultancy fee was not cheap, cost like half a Gucci wallet? But it gave us assurance and comfort. 

I will remember, not the 5% but the 95% good news.