Moho, M.D.
Mystery Illness On the Slopes
Issue date: 12/10/09 Section: Health & Science
With the chaos of the end of the semester looming above us, everyone's looking forward to spending some time around the table with family, friends, and a good meal. But what happens when a peaceful holiday season away from the books becomes more stressful than finals?
If anyone would know, it's Shannon Aud, a now sophomore at Virginia Tech University. After grueling midterms, Shannon was looking forward to spending a few days relaxing with her family in her central Virgina home, with a ski trip on the side. Right before she left school however, she came down with a severe sore throat. Not wanting to ruin her family vacation, she decided to grab some cough drops and head for the slopes.
Soon, her sore throat had transformed into a 104-degree fever that wouldn't quit. Accompanying the other symptoms were chills, and a large swollen mass on the side of her neck. Doctors first diagnosed her with a bad case of strep throat, and Shannon was given the anti-biotic augmentin, and sent home. The antibiotics did alleviate some of the swelling and high fever, but ultimately she was getting worse.
Susan Aud, Shannon's mother, brought in various doctors who performed several tests, asked several questions, and came up with the same answer: nothing. As Shannon's health was deteriorating, all they had been able to do was rule out diseases like Epstein-Barr and Lymphoma.
Finally, Shannon was transferred to Georgetown Medical Center and placed in the care of infectious disease specialist, Charlotte Barbey-Morel. More days of tests ensued until a doctor finally arrived with a diagnosis. They pin pointed two very telling symptoms, an infection in her jugular region and a rather large blood clot filled with bacteria.
What was this mystery illness? And what had had previous doctors so stumped? Stay tuned for the baffling answer.
If anyone would know, it's Shannon Aud, a now sophomore at Virginia Tech University. After grueling midterms, Shannon was looking forward to spending a few days relaxing with her family in her central Virgina home, with a ski trip on the side. Right before she left school however, she came down with a severe sore throat. Not wanting to ruin her family vacation, she decided to grab some cough drops and head for the slopes.
Soon, her sore throat had transformed into a 104-degree fever that wouldn't quit. Accompanying the other symptoms were chills, and a large swollen mass on the side of her neck. Doctors first diagnosed her with a bad case of strep throat, and Shannon was given the anti-biotic augmentin, and sent home. The antibiotics did alleviate some of the swelling and high fever, but ultimately she was getting worse.
Susan Aud, Shannon's mother, brought in various doctors who performed several tests, asked several questions, and came up with the same answer: nothing. As Shannon's health was deteriorating, all they had been able to do was rule out diseases like Epstein-Barr and Lymphoma.
Finally, Shannon was transferred to Georgetown Medical Center and placed in the care of infectious disease specialist, Charlotte Barbey-Morel. More days of tests ensued until a doctor finally arrived with a diagnosis. They pin pointed two very telling symptoms, an infection in her jugular region and a rather large blood clot filled with bacteria.
What was this mystery illness? And what had had previous doctors so stumped? Stay tuned for the baffling answer.