strange behavior in toddler following illness

[stephanie75]

my 3 yr old son was quite sick for a week with a stomach virus. he had a high fever (range 102-104), was lethargic, had awful diarrhea. after about 4 days, he developed a rash. after a few more days, the rash started to change and looked quite scary. my husband and i took him to the e.r. and he was diagnosed with erythema multiforme. it is now a few days later, the rash has all but faded completely, but he is acting like a maniac. he has been unbearable for the last few days. everything and anything sends him flying into a tantrum. at first i thought that maybe a week of my husband and i (mostly me, as i'm home with him) waiting on him hand and foot had gotten into his head and we basically created a monster. but we're starting to wonder if the illness could have created a chemical imbalance. he spent the majority of yesterday either crying, whining, or screaming, one of the three. he's doing things like biting, which he has never done before. he's throwing things at me. i can't take him out in public, his tantrums are so loud and extreme. after being home for a week due to the illness, i now feel like i'm imprisoned here forever due to his behavior. my husband and i both cried last night, asking each other, "what happened to our sweet little boy?" he has always been spirited and high-maintenance, but never aggressive or unhappy. he just seems utterly miserable.

[RockRose]

Stephanie,  this comes up pretty regularly on this board.  It seems sort of common - I tried to google "tantrums after illness" and "personality change after ilness" but didn't come up with anything worthwhile.

Have you talked to his doctor about this?  

[rilbrianne]

I agree, speak to his pediatrician about it.  Maybe his tummy is still bothering him.  Maybe he has been stuck in the house being sick all this time that a trip to the park would be a good way to get out some energy and have a little fun.  

[cazmum24]

my 2 year old did exactly the same, keep an i out for frequent urinating and thirst. my son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. please dont let this scare you just maybe be aware of diabetes. carly. hope he is well soon.x