[aartcreations]

Hi,

My son just yesterday came up with a positive tb test. He has been home for a year and a half and was given the tb test when he first came home but it was negative. He did have a small reaction to the first test but the red mark on his arm was not large enough to test positive. Just recently we moved to a new area and our new ped. retested at his 2 year check up. So my question is, how common is it for it to test positive after a negative first test? And what can I expect from here as far as medicine is concerned? He had a chest xray which came back negative for the most part (I say most part because he may have to have it redone- he was crying so much during the xray that they had a hard time getting a clear image.) I have heard the meds. taste bad, any advice on how to get my ds to take it? Any advice would be great. What a day yesterday. I though the peds. office would check his arm and send us on our way- instead we spent from 11 to 4 at the doctor and hospital with my crying son. Very scary
for us and my poor baby.

[greytpaws]

I'm no expert other than having had a positive skin test and subsequent meds. The doctor said to never have another skin test as the reaction will only get more severe each time. So possibly you son had the reaction the 1st time, but didn't quite meet the size criteria but when tested again caused the larger reaction and then qualified for whatever mm they count as "positive". Someone medical may be better qualified to answer...

Sorry, no advice on the med-taking front. It kicked my butt (I was early 30s) I know quite a few kids on here have had to take it so I'm sure you'll get advice. Good luck and sorry you had such a stressful day!!!

[Hymarianne]

Our daugther tested positive and we researched and researched before we finally had to give in and let her take the meds. They weren't bad really. She actually didn't mind them. We had them favored in cherry, orange, grape etc and she was fine. She took them each evening before she went to bed and was so good at taking it she would lay down and open her mouth. Once you get in a routine your son we'll be fine. Just start them so you can finish....it's really a hassel more than anything else. Everyday for 9 months seems forever but....this to shall pass. By Valentine's day your little sweetheart will be done. If you have any questions, please email me at eaglesfans.eagles@verizon.net

Good Luck!

Marianne

[cjrogers]

This is fairly common and likely a reaction to the BCG vaccine. It can also be from exposure to TB which is common in some countries. Our son has a positive TB test and is being treated with INH or isozianid.

after our test was read we were sent to an emergency clinic for an xray. it came back negative.

There are pros and cons to treating with INH. The likelihood of them developing TB is some wayy odd statistic, like .005% or something like that... but we are treating as daycare, ECI,and later school, camps, etc., will need proof of this.

He gets fussy after he takes the INH. I hate it. If I give at night, I might as well start drinking caffeine at 10pm, because he'll scream all night. If we give in the a.m, he is cranky all day and won't eat.

I cannot wait until it is over and we have 8 months to go on the INH.

[cjrogers]

Also, you cannot take another PPD test if they test positive!! Your physician should know this but it will not be reliable and can cause a reaction.

[blminter]

it depends on how big-how many milimeters induration it is as to whether the health dept will recommend treatment. sometimes, diarrhea is a side effect of the medication.

[foxey13]

Check what the world health organization is saying regarding positive TB tests with negative chest x-rays. I test positive after living in Ecuador and dating an Ecuadorian surgeon - and spent a lot of time in the campo at his medical facility that treated mestizo patients almost exclusively. I did go through the medicine process, but when I returned to Ecuador for a visit he asked why they prescribed meds. In Ecuador they don't treat unless you are showing active TB, because so many people have been exposed and have the antibodies - which is what the skin test tests for. I would consult someone who has a background in international/adoption medicine. Why medicate your child when you may not need to.

In regards to future skin tests, I do not get them. Because they are testing for an allergic reaction, you can run the risk of a pretty severe reaction. When I worked in a residential treatment facility, that required yearly TB tests, I would get a chest x-ray to show there was not active TB. I think after a few years they stopped making me get the x-rays.

I guess long story short, many people have positive TB tests without having active TB, and there are different protocols regarding a positive skin test. Before treating - because the antibiotics can be pretty rough - I'd see what else is out there.

good luck!
Shannon

[aartcreations]

Thanks everyone!

[CurlysGirly]

There have been several threads over here on the postive PPD, the size of the mark and INH. I would suggest doing a search to read what was said.

We just finished our daughter's course of INH. We gave her the pill crushed in 2 tiny spoons of applesauce around 4pm. We also gave her Culturelle, which is a probiotic to compensate for any good bacteria that the INH got rid of. It also helped ease her stomach discomfort and gas.

My best to you. It isn't awful but I must say that I am thankful that she is done.

I also heard that someone with a positive PPD shouldn't be tested again.

[amyfk]

((((Alison))))> From what I have read, a large percentage of the population(and nonadopted too) have latent TB. I hope the course of medication works well.
Amy K NJ

[jrhn22]

Our son tested positive for TB with a negative chest x-ray also. We first started giving the meds to him at night mixed with oatmeal. He had a hard time sleeping. We switched to the am with applesauce and he gobbled it up. I will tell you the gas is awful and his diapers were no treat either. My DR said to mix with food that will help them with an upset stomach. Good luck 9 months feels like forever but you will make it through..