SJS is a rare but life-threatening condition that presents as a rash that blisters over causing the skin to peel off in sheets and leaving the body prone to infection. Sara’s mother says half of her daughter’s skin was affected. SJS also can affect the mucus membranes, causing blisters to form on the eyes and mouth, leading to serious complications such as blindness and dehydration.

Hospitalized since March 10, Sara still has a long road of recovery ahead of her. During her hospital stay she was put into a drug-induced coma and treated as if she suffered from second-degree burns, according to her mother, Dena Ensley.

Sara will be staying at her uncle’s house where there are plenty of people to keep watch over her. They will administer medication for her pain and drops to her eyes.

“She has pain in her eyes and light sensitivity,” says Dena. The blisters from SJS damaged her corneas and made her vision blurry. Her voice is also very raspy. Despite her progress, her mother says Sara has a hard time looking in the mirror.

Visitors will be kept to just close friends and family, and she will make regular visits to Grand Rapids to visit her doctor until he gives her the “all clear.”

“She’s still sleeping a lot — taking lots and lots of naps,” Dena told the newspaper. “But she’s home.”

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Michigan girl released from hospital after battle with SJS

SJS is a rare but life-threatening condition that presents with a rash that blisters, causing skin to peel off in sheets. It also can affect the mucus membranes, causing blisters in the eyes and mouth. It is most often caused by a severe adverse reaction to common medication such as antibiotics and ibuprofen. Sara’s mother says she can’t recall what medication Sara may have taken that caused such a reaction.

Sara was admitted to the hospital and her mother and father kept a vigil at her bedside while doctors worked to stabilize her condition. About 50 percent of her skin peeled away, and she was put in a medically induced coma to help control pain as she recovered.

Sara beat the odds and pulled through. She is now in the pediatric unit at the hospital, out of her coma, and slowly regaining strength as her skin repairs. Her classmates have held fundraisers at school to help her family cover the mounting medical costs. To date, the school has raised more than $2,000, and more fundraisers are planned in the weeks to come.

Source:
Grand Haven Tribune

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Michigan girl recovers from SJS