She's just not getting better...

My daughter Anneliese is 5.5 months old (3 months corrected) and has managed to catch the flu from Daycare. It just started off with her being cranky, abit of a temp (around mid 38's) and that hacking cough, she's now vomiting mucous after EVERY feed (and everything that she just drank, she's still wetting nappies for the moment though) whether i give her formula or breastfeed her. When she had bronchiolitis, she had this pitiful cry (as she was so exhausted, it was more like a miow) and her cry has started going like that again. IM scared, i dont want her to go back to hospital, but i just want her to get better (oh, and she also had conjunctivitis, also courtesey of daycare!!) Please help??

TIA, Simone xx

I would at least take her to a GP if it were me.

Im definately going to take her, i just cant get there, i lent my car to XH today, and am carless until he brings it back this evening, and i have no other way of getting her in (no pub transport around her, and Xander is sick too). I've just noticed alot of wax coming out of her right ear as well, and theres a lot inside that i couldnt get to with the baby cotton buds. I've given her some panadol, and she;s still throwing herself around, miowing. She didnt throw up her last feed.

What about MCHN -- can you go there and see what she thinks?

Oh Simone, I hope you can get her to the dr asap. Glad she kept her last feed down tho. Maybe she's turned a corner.

I'd definitely be finding a way to get her to a dr tho, or call up the local clinic or something.

If she has an infection then its really important the she gets onto some AB's straight away.
If she's as sick as you say she is then its really important that you get into see a Dr ASAP. Whether it be a GP or the hospital.
Can you ring Ryan and ask for the car back? Can you get a lift with someone? Can you get someone to watch the boys whilst you find your way to the Dr's with her? Can you call a home visiting Dr?

I might give my MCHN a call, thats a really good idea rach, never thought of calling her before!! THe prob where we live is there's nothing but houses around, and no public transport (that a 3km walk away, and a pain to get on with a pram (trams grrr....) and my drs is 5kms away. To far for Xander to walk, as he's sick too...

Ambah - the local drs only home visits within a 3km radius, we're 5kms away. And they wont budge on that. Im going to try the MCHN and ask her to come out and have a look at her. DH cant bring the car back until tonight. If nothing else i will try MIL. BUt i think she's at work today...

Anneliese is sort of asleep (still moving around a bit, but not crying. I think she's exhausted herself...

DAMN spoke to soon. Ok she's awake again...

Simone are there any Drs that are closer to you? If you tell them you have a sick infant they will always make time to see you...

Thats the closest drs surgery to me. Im about to call my MIL and ask if she can walk the boys... Its not a bad walk if i put her rugged up in the pram, i just cant make Xander walk that distance being sick witht eh flu and it raining too... And luckily the kids GP is a paediatrician (a very good one) so hopefully i can acutally get into him... im not going to call them, im just going to turn up. Then they cant turn us away, even if we have to wait 2 hours, we will still get to see a dr...

My FIL's going to come around and take me and Anneliese down to the drs in 1/2 hour, give us time to all get out of our pj's :) Thanks for your support ladies, ill let you know what happens...

Liz - she's fine with her breathing, she's just exhausted and very hoarse, so her cries are very quiet, even if she's trying to scream. SHe's been screaming for 2 nights and this is the second day, but yesterday she should settle with some panadol and a cuddle. Today she wont.

Simone,

I think the general rule is if you're concerned enough to post in here, then it's a big enough concern that you should be seeing a Dr asap. I'm glad you've found a way to get to there. Good luck.

Got a drs appointment at 12.40

thanks everyone...

Good luck Simone.

I agree with Shannon, Simone you need to not delay in getting medical attention for your kids...

I know of a family who's teenager son died due to the school ignoring his hacking cough & poor breathing pattern, when he finally walked in from school, grey & bbarely breathing his parents deliberated about a hospital trip, a Dr's or calling an ambulance after 2 or so hours they drove their son to the hospital fr him to die in the car park!

It was pneumonia that went undoiagnosed for a few days & gradually got worse til he couldnt breathe & actually died!

I always hate going to the hospital with sick kids too, sitting around & waiting feels like forever, but whenever I think I dont have time, I make time, I'd rather be late doing something than burying my baby!

I spent years in & out of Hospital with Asthma, Pneumonia, Bronchitis etc, it aint fun but I thank my parents beacuse for them taking me I am alive today!!!!

I know it's a little OTT, but if all of this is going on I think she sounds like she's pretty unwell...

Next time just call an ambulance!

Just so everyone knows, i wasnt "delaying" in getting my kids medical attention, because im a selfish mum who cant be bothered, i was just looking for some help as i wasnt able to get my precious daughter to the hosptial or drs right this second. AS i do have 2 other children who are sick as well at the moment.

There has been many a time i have waited for hours in the hospital only to be told my child is ok, and go home, sometimes they have been admitted. Either way, i never delay. I didnt call an ambulance as she's not dying or that badly in need. She just needs to see a dr. I just wanted to know if someone from the support panel could tell me if they knew what she might have, not have people tell me im irresponsible for not calling an ambulance. I do have 2 other children to think about, and i dont always have a car. I also dont have much family over here (none from my side only IL's) so i have very little help.

Thanks to those who offered support.

Simone

I don't think anyone was saying you are an selfish mother Simone. I think everyone here has offered support.

My Paris had an asthma attack lat year, and if it weren't for the fact I called my MIL I would have just thought she had a bit of a chesty cold and a wheeze. I then found out that she'd probably had asthma for a while and I hadn't noticed. You can imagine how I felt about that.

I think people were sharing their stories so that you can understand that it *could* be serious. And when it comes to little bubbas we just can't take risks. Everyone here means well, and I'm glad you are getting in to see a Dr soon.

Please don't take offence people here only want whats best for you and bubs.

*hugs*
Cailin

I agree with Cai...

WRT the professional support panel, I honestly don't think any professional legally can or would offer a diagnosis of a very sick child without seeing them IRL, and without being a Dr themselves. Which is why I think people have been pressing the urgency that you can get to see a Dr ASAP.

I hope the Dr you see is a good help, and that Anneleise starts to feel better soon.

Hope the appt goes OK Simone. It sucks having a sick child, specially with everything that is going on with you at the mo.
I hate seeming paranoid too about Jenna, but I have to say I'd rather see the dr asap then worry about it. I would just like a month without an appt..... Says she who just made another appt to see the dr about a bump that wont go down on her head.

Anyway - hope everything is OK.

Simone, Hope the appointment went well and that Anneliese is feeling much better soon :hug:

Nic

Moving out of the support panel to General baby discussion.

The following is a quote from BellyBelly with regards to the Support Panel. The full post can be found HERE

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While the information published on this site is believed to be accurate at the time of writing, it is not guaranteed to be accurate nor is it intended in any way as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by your own medical carers. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the physical or mental health of yourself or your baby, please seek assistance from your qualified healthcare provider.

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Love

Anneliese has a inner ear infection (like Declan) plus conjunctivitis. Plus all that gunk blocking up her head has caused a bacterial overgrowth in her sinuses. Is now on strong AB's, panadol, ear and eyes drops, so hopefully things will settle.

I apologise for snapping, but i've had 3 sick kids for 2 weeks, very little sleep (or even a break - the joys of being a single parent) and i just wanted some help...

Poor little thing.

Hope everyone's better soon.

Simone am glad to hear that Annaleise has been given some AB's and hopefully will now be on the mend for you. No need to apologise, I think considering the circumstances that you have done FANTASTICALLY well.

Wish I was closer to try and help you out instead of stuck on the other side of the country! I know what it is like tho to be somewhere with no family support. All mine like yours are in Perth and I have used my neighbours before (but they moved last week boohoo) when I have been in need. Maybe you can strike up a friendship with some of your neighbours so that if it happens again you have someone to turn to in a hurry?

:hug:

Thanks Jillian,

Once again, i apologise. I am just overtired and did feel like i was being judged for not calling 000. I have had sick children since i had Xander (he had bronchiolitis 3 times in his first 6 months) and if i had bad judgement i wouldnt have him here now.

I agree with Jillian.. If I couldnt get an ill child that 'had a high temp, hacking cough, vomitting, was making miowing sounds ' to a Dr I'd call an ambulance, after all I pay my Membership & thats what they are there for...

:

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Simone wrote: I didnt call an ambulance as she's not dying or that badly in need.

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Simone please dont take this the wrong way, but from personal experience it is honestly not worth waiting for a child to be almost dying & then calling an ambulance?

I passed out as a young child on numerous occasions unable to breath from Asthma & all that goes along with it, to the point of unconciousness, my parents had called the Ambulance & they revived me a few times...
This happened to me as a 19 yr old too & I am glad my friends managed to call an ambulance in time....


So please dont think we are attacking you, maybe we have just experienced something & if it can prevent you or your kids from or anyone & their kids from having to go through something similar then I will speak up for what I think is the best interest of a child...

Big hugs to you Simone. I hope your kids get better soon. You must be exhausted for them all being sick at the same time :hug:

Thanks kirsty. Im going crazy looking after them. I feel like i havent slept in days (prolly cause i havent lol) and just need a little me time.. Have told DH to take the kids to his place tonight, just so i can have some time to catch up on some sleep...

Simone, good to hear that you got Anneliese to the Dr's hun and that she has got the med's that she needs.

Hope she and Declan get better for you soon.

SIm darl,
Even though DHS organised the break with the kids at day care, I think it is about time for you to have a word to the daycare center.
Liz was in the daycare centre here in town and Ipulled her out because she was infected with a staph infection that could of killed Patrick. Talk to them and explain what has happened and let them now about the serious infections that the kids have had.

Hugs and kisses

Next time dont delay. If its as serious as that, dont even bother posting on here, just get the kids straight to a doctor. doesnt matter how you get there, just do it.

There is nothing more important than your children and obviously their health is a number 1 priority. Dont mess with things like that, its too risky.

Simone,
When Eliza was waiting for a bed in casualty the amount of kids brought in by mums in an ambulance was amazing. Alot of them had no transport or were home by themselves at night and didn't want to put the child in a restraint without someone watching them. Hugs I know the Childcare issues..we were hospitalised thru illness caught at daycare and its not nice
Bec

Simone ,
I too think next time you should go straight to the hospital - On here we all can suggest things , but at the end of the day nothing is better than a professionals opinion , a professional who has seen your child and analysed her condition..
If there is no way of getting to the hospital - I'd call an ambulance , rather safe than sorry..

Having said that , I hope your little girl gets better soon !..
and you get some rest ! Raising kids isnt easy , let alone 3 little sick ones :)

Simone, i dont think anyone was attacking you either, just showing their concern for the health of your daughter. She was a prem baby and has had some medical problems in the past, no one was doubting your parenting, just giving advice.

I do agree with what Shannon said about maybe because she was prem daycare isnt for her yet?? I understand you may need time off or something, but day care can do everything in their power to stop cross contamination and it doesn't stop things being passed on. Its something you have to accept when putting your child in there. If its not okay, then take them out. yes the conjunctivitis is probable from day care, but the ear infection isn't.

Maybe consider family day care or something where there are less children??

Just a suggestion, I hope your little girl is on the mend now

I don't think its very fair that your XH couldn't get your car back to you considering it was about your childs health. Sure people work, but family should be put before work :|

take care of yourself and the kids

Simone, I don't think you are irresponsible. Please remember there are people here who support you!! I know what it is like to be isolated without transport.


All the best with your doctor's appointment and I hope that he/shecan fix your little one quickly.

Lots of Love and hugs

:)

To the ladies who mean well. Please be mindful of how things can look. Honestly, re reading some of these entries some did seem a little critical.

Spreckemily,
We simply replied with the knowledge we have had & helping as much as we can, if we have been in situations that turnedout worse than initially thought maybe we are a little over cautious now... But better to be over cautious than to experience a worse case scenario...
Well IMHO anyways!???

Here's MHO too!

Simone you must be totally buggered, you have lots on your plate but can you have just the boys in daycare? when DD started daycare she came home with every available cough/cold/virus every invented. Really, she had a snotty nose for about a year, but never got sick again after that. The only things is with Annaliese being so prem, she probably (I never had a premmie though) can't take that sort of assault on her little immune system.
I have Mitch in daycare 2 days a week ( I work from home) and I am not afraid to admit I really get to spend some terrific time with Elizabeth when he is not around chucking his toys all over the place. It's like having a flashback to the "quiet" times when I only had one!

Hi Simone and everyone!

I am glad you were able to get family help to get to the doctors and get Annaleise the required attention. I know you've been through hell lately.

My mum used to put money aside when I was a kid (she doesn't drive) as Dad was often away or at a friend's place (don't ask) and I was sick a lot. She used to ask neighbours, take a taxi etc as we had no family close by.

If ever you're stuck please email me and I am happy to help out (monetary if necessary) so you can get a taxi or if you need medication. I haven't met you in person but I feel for you. There's plenty of advice out there but at the end of the day you do what's best for you and your family with your limited resources. We both know what its like when things get "out of hand" in a chat room but I think everyone was just trying to be helpful. If you move down the track try to be closer to public transport or family so you can get more help. I went through hell as a kid when my dad was away and I was sick. When I was 10 and needed to be rushed to my doc's surgery at 10pm (by taxi) with an asthma attack the doc asked "Where is her dad?" and when mum said "playing football in another town" he nearly had an asthma attack too!

I also agree that maybe Annaleise could have a spell from daycare until she gets stronger - the trouble is though that germs/viruses are everywhere and if your other kids get sick then there's no stopping them spreading it in your house unless your family quarrantine's them for you!

Anyway hope you have better news soon, pm or email me - I think its time for another present to come your way! :D

Take care!

Thanks neeny :) you always know how to make me smile ...

Hey Simone you poor thing. Kids are a worry arent they! I know myself every little tiny thing even if its a completely normal thing, like Jesse's hormone rash (his face was litterally covered!), i dont know whether to take him to see the doc and will turn out looking like a twit or if im worrying about nothing.
I think its nice to have this forum to throw thoughts and concerns out there to hear other people's opinions what they think you should do and if theyve had that experience. By the sounds of it are a great mum, because you were concerned enough to come on here and do just that, ask what to do and i think you got the answer that yes perhaps you should take her to see the doc, which you did. So dont take what some have said to heart ok, just give that lil chicken a kiss on her head and she will be all better soon :)

simone what an ordeal hun i hope your kids are feeling better soon and you are able to get some rest , i wish i was closer i would come and watch them 4 u so u can get some much needed rest too . . .
((hugs)) to you and your family i hope you are all feeling better soon