I had it twice myself! The first time was the worst, because my feet, legs and hands were all red, and swollen. I felt so weak, and at some point I was afraid my life would slip away from me. Every time I had to go to the toilet I was shaking all over, and I could hardly walk. A nurse would push my IV, and support me at the same time.
My orphanage didn’t exist yet, I was still a preschool teacher at the Dutch school. It took a while before I had all my strength back.
So imagine my scare when a few years later I recognized the pain in my head, and behind my eyes. The same tiredness fell over me, and I knew I had dengue again before the doctor confirmed it.
Then recently, Lisa and Memey had it. I felt so sorry for them, they must have felt awful. The first one to be diagnosed was Lisa. The doctor said it was not so bad that had to be admitted in hospital, but she just had to rest and drink a lot. Soon Memey joined her and I was taking care of two sick girls in my bed, and didn’t feel right. So I called the doctor and asked if they could be taken care of in the hospital. Next day they were both on IV, in a proper hospital bed, both in the same room.
Now the wait was for their recovery, and my task was to encourage them to drink, and eat.
Every morning someone from the laboratory came in to take a sample of their blood. The result would be ready about one hour later. So I used to go to the nurses desk to ask what happened with the trombosites. Everyday they were lower, even going under 100.
I became very worried, and it was heartbreaking to see them so weak and lethargic. The more sick they felt, the less they wanted to drink and eat, which was so important for their recovery! Until one day Lisa’s teacher came for a visit. It was around lunch time, and Lisa’s tray was still untouched, but would soon change. Her teacher took the spoon, told Lisa to open her mouth, and quickly the broccoli, chicken and rice disappeared from the plate into Lisa’s tummy. Sometimes it takes another person than the mom to get things done with the kids.
Not long after that visit, when I walked to the nurses’ desk again, to ask about the results, some good news came our way. The values had finally gone up for both girls! Next day they could go home!!