Latent tb expectations

[Viky_213]

Hello everyone!

My son is 5 and he just got diagnosed with Latent tb.Im terrified, he has to be on medication for 9 months.

Anyone who's been through this,please help. What are the side effects, what can i expect?

Please help!

[hottchoc]

Hi Vicky, How frightening for you. Side effects vary between everyone, and he may not experience anything. The most important thing when taking them though is the worry to the liver so will need regular blood checks. For you although scary he must not miss a single dose. Many children / family’s go through this and they do manage and I am sure you will too. You have many friends on here to keep you going and hold onto the thought that your not alone in this we are here for you xxx

[Viky_213 in reply to hottchoc]

Thank you so much, That is my worry ,his liver and only being 5 ,how will it affect him in general.

I appreciate your response and thank you for support.I feel lost because I don't know much about tb , I'm just in shock.

[Deniseelk]

So sorry to hear this and I can completely understand your worry. I was diagnosed a few years ago ( during standard blood tests to check for underlying infections before I started a new drug for Rheumatoid Arthritis) so all a complete shock to me. I was on Rifinah for 3 months plus a vitamin supplement too. For me, my wee turned bright orange ( poo too, sorry) but this was specific for that drug. I had to take the antibiotic on an empty stomach so I decided to take it just as getting into bed. I also thought that if it did produce a headache / nausea I would sleep it off. I am very happy to say I really had no side effects. Maybe you could set up a diary sheet for your son to tick off each days achievement of taking the tablets with a wonderful treat for him at the end??? I hope this has put your mind at rest a little. I would also say try not to let him see your concerns as you will not wish to stress him at this time. He will be under great care of his TB team and they are available to contact, at any time!

[Viky_213 in reply to Deniseelk]

Thank you for your response.Im hoping and wishing on very little side effects,he will have a variety of treats to keep him going,it will be difficult but it will be done.Keep my family in prayer please

And thank you again

[HelenC Partner TB Alert in reply to Viky_213]

Hi Viky_213,

I see you have already had some useful advice and support here. I hope it has helped you and your poor young son. I cannot say that the latent TB treatment will be easy, but it will not necessarily be hard. What counts in your son's favour is in fact his age, as he will be at least risk from any of the medication's most concerning side effects. Nonetheless, he will be closely monitored to reduce any risk from the treatment and he can be prescribed further medication to help with any side effects if needed.

I think the idea of some sort of motivational aid is a great one - a sweet in a jar for each tablet taken for example, which can then be opened once the nine months are over.

Best wishes,

Helen

[Viky_213 in reply to HelenC]

Thank you for the kind words, I really can use them at this time.

I will be sharing our journey as we go . Keep us in prayer please

[Dw3832]

I’m so sorry your son is having to take treatment. I’ve been recovered for 18 months and can tell you that through my team of care givers I came to know that many in my own city were young children taking their meds. A real struggle was that as the kids started to feel better some of the Mothers chose to stop administering the drugs. Please don’t do that. If he has pills to take I also learned that mixing a little apple juice or cranberry juice with your water helps get them down! Additionally if he loses his appetite try the chocolate milk made by Fair Life. There were days where I just could not eat more than a bit or two of actual food. But a friend recommended that chocolate milk and I learned I could drink that and keep it down. It’s full of protein.

Finally, one of the biggest hurdles many of us face/faced was the lack of understanding about TB and the fear associated with it for those that have never had to deal with it. I was told regularly to NOT share with anyone that I have TB due to the stigma. I took that advice. But for you as a Mom the same applies right? Be sure you are getting the support you need. It’s crucial for you emotionally

[Deniseelk]

Hello there, am just checking in to see if your son has started his medication and how he ( and you) are doing?

[Viky_213 in reply to Deniseelk]

Hi All! He has been on his medication for 1 week now,so far he seems ok,he complaints of a tummy ache and feeling woozy but thats all so far Thank God.

My family is staying strong and supportive, anything to help my son get through this.

Thank you for checking up ,everyone's response and great advice has been great help!

[Deniseelk in reply to Viky_213]

How is your son coping on the antibiotics now? Hope all is well and you are looking forward to the end of treatment for him.

[Deniseelk]

Well that sounds very encouraging.... I chose to have mine just before bed to sleep off any headaches / sickness feelings. I think as the weeks go by he will not find the routine so “scary”.... brave little man. I am sure all the support you are giving him helps too.