The bumps on Dale's arms and legs became troublesome and painful. They grew in new places and the discomfort and pain increased. Off to the ER we go. The ER physician that remembers us was just leaving but came in to see us anyway. He looked at the bumps and made a diagnosis he shared with the incoming ER physician, who added in more information, and then called Huntsman Hospital's hematologist for further care. Huntsman said, "Come on in!" After all, Dale has had issues for several weeks and there have not been answers.
Dale was given a room in the BMT (bone marrow transplant) wing which gave me the indication that he needed a sterile room. When the University sent the infectious disease doctor in, tuberculosis was being ruled out. He has many of the same symptoms. With his compromised immune system, Dale is susceptible to infections most of us are vaccinated for.
There were teams of doctors and doctors-in-the-making checking on Dale, as erythema nodosum is rare. His stay was less than 24 hours, but they found the answer. Another biopsy of one the larger bumps on his elbow was taken. It is likely to be the same as the lung biopsy mass was, just on his shins, ankles, and forearms.
When they took the biopsies in the lungs, the erythema nodosum began to develop, a side affect. No treatment, just occasional ibuprofen. Dale will have painful joints, fevers, and will feel sick for 2 to 8 weeks. Weakness and other flu-like symptoms will continue.
An answer to the last several weeks.
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| 2:45 AM Room window view, when Dale was admitted. |
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