R’fontein boy develops rare deadly condition
Mother: My son was dying in front of my eyes.
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A Randfontein mother has come forward about her son’s condition and would like to warn mothers of the dangers of allergic reactions to medication.
Shahida Dollie, a Randfontein mother, explained that her son Raveen, 4, is currently in recovery at a local hospital after it was discovered that had he developed Steven Johnson Syndrome.
“My son had a drowning accident in 2013 and sustained severe brain damage. As a result he began having seizures and was put on medication to control them,” she said.
Dollie explained that her son’s seizures recently got worse and their pediatrician decided to add another medication to Raveen’s prescription.
“We woke up three weeks ago and my 4-year-old son was covered in blisters and his eyes were swollen,” she said.
Dollie’s son was rushed to a local private hospital where his condition deteriorated because doctors initially had no idea what was wrong with him.
My son was dying in front of my eyes. His body was burning from the inside out.
“They did several blood tests and the results showed he had Steven Johnson Syndrome, a rare deadly disease,” Dollie said.
She explained that the condition was as a result of an allergic reaction to his new medication.
“I did some research, and found out that any medication can cause this – antibiotics and even some over the counter medications like pain killers. I feel that people should know the danger of taking medication from anyone. They should educate themselves. I almost lost my son but with the grace of God he made it,”
Her son was in the hospital for three weeks but still has a long recovery period ahead.
Dollie said, “As a mother, I have to warn other parents and adults before it happens to them.”
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