-
Date of Birth
The patient was born in 1996 in Milwaukee, WI. He is the second oldest child. He lived with both parents until around age six. His mother was the head of the household and occasionally received help from her sister to meet the demands of a large family and ease the burden of single parenthood. -
Father Departs
As previously mentioned, the patient's father left him when he was only six years old. The patient metioned how this had a negative impact on him and his family. Growing up without a father left a significant void in the patient's life. The patient felt that he had missed out on what he considered the typical father-son relationship. Yet, despite his father's departure, the patient now expresses gratitude towards his mother for raising him and his siblings during his childhood. -
High School
The patient began high school in the Fall of 2010. The patient explained how this was a major adjustment in his life. School work became considerably more difficult than previously, and his resources to get help were limited, considering how busy his mother was. Without sufficient support from his parents, the patient's first couple of years of high school were difficult. -
Problems in School
As high school went on, the patient reported that he had behavioral problems. This became a more persistent problem, and as a result, the patient's mother sent him to an alternative school. This put a strain on his relationship with his mother. He felt that she had given up on him. -
Living with Aunt
Tension grew tight between the patient's mother and himself, so he moved in with his aunt, who was living by herself. Removing himself from the stressful home environment helped the patient cope better. Because of this living arrangement, his aunt became his primary caregiver and legal guardian. The patient expressed how he and his aunt are close and feels that he can go to her whenever he needs help. -
Improved relationship
The patient explained that time away from his mother and siblings was beneficial to him. Despite this improved relationsohip, however, the patient felt that it was best to continue to live with his aunt. He was fearful of transitioning back home and felt that he was not ready for any potential stress at that time. -
Insect Bite
While sleeping, the patient awoke with an unusual bite mark on his hand. At first, he did not think anything of it. Eventually, the bite started to form into an abcess, and the patient started to become more concerned. His aunt decided to take him to the hospital to have a better look at the bite. -
Hospitalization
The patient remained hospitalized for a couple of days so that the cause of the bite could be determined. Additionally, proper abscess care and antibiotic treatment techniques were taught. The patient expressed concern about whether he could keep up with the dressing changings and felt that having his aunt should also learn the proper dressing technique. He explained that if she knew the steps, she would ensure that regular dressing changes would be practiced. -
Support While in Hospital
While in the hospital, the patient's sister, mother, and aunt all visited. They all expressed concern over the insect bite, especially considering the fact that the offending bug was difficult to identify. All three were interested in offering support to the patient and were eager to learn about what they could do to help him. At least one family member stayed by the patient's side throughout his stay, so as to have a good understanding of what treatment was being offered to the patient. -
Discharge
During the discharge process, it was clear that the patient and his family were relieved that the treatment process was starting to work. The patient's pain had gone down considerably. The patient's mother and aunt arrived to formally discharge the patient and agreed to listen in on a teaching session about maintaining dressing changes and antibiotic treatment management, resolving any previous concerns the patient had. The patient and his family left the hospital, all feeling well informed.
