Once, Twice, Three Times a Pink Eye

Triple ugh. In 24hrs we've managed to contract 3 cases of conjunctivitis...otherwise known as, the dreaded Pink Eye.

Yesterday, it was just Daphne, and while I tried awful hard to keep the germs contained- we are just at a stage of life where germs are rampant and shared freely.

So, this morning when Dylan woke up with that funky hue in his eyes, and a little crud around the edges- I knew what it was.

He was trying to play it cool. "I guess I'll just have to go downstairs, be on the sofa, and watch TV all day. I know I have to not give it to my sissies." Hard to hide the smile in that.

"Ah, bad news kiddo. Having Pink Eye is like having a cold, and there's no reason not to go to school."

"Oh."

I had to pull on all my reserves to get him to the bus on time. I had a very rough night with Daphne, who for some reason, is now terrified of the crack between her bed and the wall. It made her shudder when she finally pointed out the source of her fear. I ended up sleeping on the crack to keep her safe and afford us a few hours of cramped sleep. Unfortunately, sister Andrea thought she might be scared, too, and came to join us. Add to that-- a new case of Pink Eye brewing in Andrea's eyes- and I'm sharing pillow space with them and they're grabbing my face and coughing on me-- well, let's just say I'm a little tired this morning.

I was home cheering my small triumph. I got Dylan to the bus stop in time and I could go back to the house and deal with my shrieking girls. (one fit rolling into another rolling into another-- it was LOUD)

When about 15 minutes later-- I'm guessing about 30 seconds after the teacher read the note I sent-- ("Dylan has Pink Eye, but it's viral, so nothing to be done. Call me if needed") the phone rang. It was the school.

"Dylan told me his sister has Pink Eye, too?"

"Yes."

"Then he's contagious and we can't have him at school. He'll need to be under a doctor's care and/or medication to return to school."

"His dad's a doctor. He says it's viral. He doesn't need antibiotics."

Silence.

"He can't be here. Not when he's contagious. You'll have to wait until his symptoms clear before he can come back, unless he's under a doctor's care. School policy."

I sigh. Actually, I'd read over the handbook again this morning and nothing is stated about that. I also consulted several websites which indicated there was no reason to keep him home (just have him be careful to wash his hands a lot). Clearly, his own father's medical degree, the facts about how viruses work as opposed to bacterial infections, and the fact that he could miss weeks if we wait for the symptoms to clear- isn't getting through.

"Okay. I'll come pick him up then."

It was cordial-enough when I picked him up, and if I didn't have the girls with me, I might have sat down with the nurse to discuss the finer points. But I didn't. Probably better that way.

So, we're home now. Anticipating an early lunch and nap.

Daddy will bring home an official note stating what I'd already told the nurse, but with his official MD signature on the line.

There are times in life when I feel completely unheard and impotent. This was one. But what bothers me more is how this is affecting families in the school.

How many other parents have been called for the same thing? How many parents understand the difference between viral and bacterial Pink Eye? How many had to cut out of work early, losing a piece of their paychecks, to pick up a child that didn't need to be picked up? How many felt like they had to make a doctor's appointment? How many ended up with a prescription for an antibiotic because that's what the doctor assumed they were seeking- or because the parents felt this is what the school was saying? (can't come to school unless taking medicine for it)

It's sad and it makes me mad.

Alas. We're sending Dylan back to school tomorrow with an official "doctor's" note.

Has this happened to you? Have any of you been able to convince the school that your child really is well enough to stay? Any brilliant ideas for keeping this from happening again?

Hoping your families are healthy and happy.

Lynn

For more information on conjunctivitis/Pink Eye see: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1191370-overview

FYI: Adenovirus is the same virus that can cause the comon cold, for which children are not mandated to stay out of school.