Mom has Valley Fever.
Valley fever is caused by fungi in the soil. The fungi that cause valley fever can be stirred into the air by anything that disrupts the soil, such as farming, construction and wind. The fungi can then be breathed into the lungs. Valley fever is a form of coccidioidomycosis (kok-sid-e-oi-doh-mi-KOH-sis), or cocci (KOK-si) infection. It can cause fever, chest pain and coughing, among other signs and symptoms. More than half of those who inhale the valley fever fungi have few, if any, problems. But some, especially pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems (like my mom), and those of Asian, Hispanic and African descent, may develop a more serious and sometimes fatal form of coccidioidomycosis infection. If you do develop symptoms, especially severe ones, the course of the disease is highly variable. It can take from six months to a year to fully recover, and fatigue and joint aches can last even longer. The severity of the disease depends on several factors, including your overall health and the number of fungus spores you inhale.
Mom is still very weak, but out of the hospital. She has to be on oxygen and the meds are causing extreme nausea. She was rushed back to the hospital earlier this week because she wasn't able to eat or drink anything. The docs upped her nausea meds and sent her back home to my aunts. She seems to be doing a lot better and hopes to be able to fly home in a couple of weeks. Thank all of you for your prayers. I know they have helped.
