Being a parent is sometimes a very scary thing, and it's no different for Backstreet Boys star Brian Littrell and his wife, Leighanne. Their 6-year-old son Baylee has given them quite a few scares.
It's only been a few months since Baylee was hospitalized with high fever, swollen lymphnodes, and throat-coating blisters. Brian says, "We didn't know what we were dealing with until we found his coronary artery three times the size it should be."
After two weeks of chewing fingernails, the doctors ruled out strep, allergies, and hand, foot, and mouth disease. They finally got a diagnosis for little Baylee: atypical Kawasaki Disease. Kawasaki is an inflammation of the blood vessels that can lead to aneurysms and even death.
Leighanne, 39, recalls Baylee hating the needles and tests, and yet he remained a happy boy. "He got a sponge bath," Leighanne says, "and he goes, 'This is the life!'" (Which is pretty much what I say when a pretty nurse gives me a sponge bath.)
"I knew there was something really wrong," she goes on. She spent quite a bit of time online researching Baylee's symptoms.
What ultimately solved the medical mystery was an echocardiogram - an ultrasound for the heart - which Brian and Leighanne insisted upon. Once diagnosed, Baylee was home 2 days later after an IV treatment designed to reduce his arterial inflammation.
Now Baylee is expected to make a full recovery, thank God. For now, that includes his home schooling, karate lessons (hello, Mr. 6-year-old Orange Belt), and other fun kiddie activities.
The Littrells say to other parents, "Never give up. Doctors are not always right, but they are there to help. Be an advocate for your child."
Glad to hear that Baylee is going to be okay.
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