[mirrormere]

SJS/TEN are very severe and potentially Fatal immune responses...

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is extremely rare (2.6-6.1 cases per million) and is thought to result from a disorder of the immune system. The condition causes the skin layers to separate and die off (epidermis sloughs off from dermis and loses blood supply and dies), the remaining skin forms massive scars, and looks similar to second-degree burns. In addition to the profound effects on the skin, it can also cause irrevocable damage to any body part containing mucous membranes. About 50% of SJS cases are medication-related, the others are caused by viruses or bacteria. Most TEN cases are medication-related

In March 2002, Kaitlyn Langstaff developed Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, a severe form of Stevens Johnson Syndrome after taking an over-the-counter pain/fever reliever.* She was hospitalized for 110 days. SJS/TEN left her blind, unable to speak, and caused permanent damage to her lungs and airway. She had a tracheotomy and required constant oxygen to breathe. She also could only eat small amounts and had a feeding tube to provide daily nutrition. She died about one year later. Certainly one of the worst cases I've ever seen.



*Remember medications are typically very safe, having undergone 20+ of research before approval. That being said, since drugs can't be tested in every individual, unexpected effects may occur. Vigilance and information are required when taking any substance into the body, especially when self-medicating with over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs. If you notice any significant effects that are not expected... contact your physician or pharmacist IMMEDIATELY.

Photos:
Inline:
1) 4 days (before)
2) Day 4
3) Day 10
4) Day 39
5) Day 69
6) Day 110

Attached:
1) 8th Birthday (before)
2) With her sister
3) Learning Braille
4) Last picture with sister

[Faline]

Poor girl

[souris]

cool

[sassieroses]

That is so sad! Great information though!

[**butterflylove**]

Oh man, that totally sucks! They should call it "Suck Johnson" Syndrome... No maybe not, kinda sounds like a bad porno

[DJK2011]

Wow...it gets so bad so fast. =(

[Shylock]

Damn

[Airbornemama]

WOW......This completely remind's me of how we lost our son.But our's happened in A matter of 3 day's as apposed to the longevity this poor family had to endure with their little Angel. I had no idea that there was an illness such as this because of over the counter med's! Our son had Meningitis,the result was the same,he went blind and had many of the same resulting problem's this poor little lady had,but went much quicker. And I don't know how I would have handled him being as sick as he was for such A long period of time. We had to decide to take him off of his ventilator. My heart goes out too this family.

[owlarch]

Sad to see kids suffer like this.

[mirrormere]

Originally Posted by Softballmama13 ↗

WOW......This completely remind's me of how we lost our son.But our's happened in A matter of 3 day's as apposed to the longevity this poor family had to endure with their little Angel. I had no idea that there was an illness such as this because of over the counter med's! Our son had Meningitis,the result was the same,he went blind and had many of the same resulting problem's this poor little lady had,but went much quicker. And I don't know how I would have handled him being as sick as he was for such A long period of time. We had to decide to take him off of his ventilator. My heart goes out too this family.

I'm very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your son's story.