Help needed please - not happy with Dr Diagnosis

[Jaycee]

Hi everyone

DS has not been well the last couple of days but his symptoms are very strange.
He will wake up fine in the morning and stay that way the majority of the day but come 4pm he starts to get quite lethargic and seems generally unwell. He gets a high temperature around 38 and sometimes thrashes around like he's in pain, other times he just lays still and kind of wimpers. He's also had diarreah (sp?) but not a great deal.

I took him to the doctor yesterday afternoon after this happened for the second time and he said it was gastro. I am not happy with this diagnosis as I didn't think you got a fever with gastro, well I never have anyway, and also why is he fine during the day but starts to go downhill late afternoon, wouldn't gastro be a constant thing?

He seemed fine again this morning so he's with mum at the moment while I'm at work but I'm worried it's going to happen again this afternoon.

Can anyone shed any light on what this might be? Do you think it is gastro?

[diannescruffy]

I don't think it sounds like gastro either. Go with your gut feeling, only you know your child and seek a second opinion. Really hope he gets better soon.

Regards,
Dianne

[Eenee]

true gastro has to have a fever associated with it. But yes if was gastro I think he would be sick more constantly then he is. Could it be an intolerance to a food he is eating? (that's if he is old enough to eat- forgot to check how old he is).

not sure what it could be, sorry not very helpful, just hope he gets better soon.

[*charmalea*]

it could be anything i would see a second doc and urge them for a full blood test .. poor lil man i hope you find out soon

[Softy]

Sorry not much idea from me?? My DD hasn't had gastro I don't think just your usual colds and viruses. Maybe he's going down hill later in the afternoon as he gets tired?? He may not be sleeping during his naps as solidly as he's sick?? Other than that all I can say is if you're not happy with the diagnosis go to another doc....he's your bub and even if you're told the same thing it'll put your instincts and your mind at rest. Good luck

[Fleur]

My kids have had quite high temps with gastro in the past, but it is usually as you say a more constant thing.
I wouldn't say it couldn't be gastro, but it can't hurt to have a second opinion, especially if your intuition is saying something different.
Hope he feels better soon

[Junglemum]

We have had a similar thing here for 2 weeks. ok some days, then a temp again on and off, but just in the evenings. She would vomit, but only at night in her bed, and not every night. We're finally over it but it was pretty random, as you describe. I think there are a few funny viruses going around.

If you are concerned you can always go and get a second opinion. Hope he is feeling better soon, it's horrible when they are sick.

[Pandora]

My kids have had quite high temps with gastro in the past, but it is usually as you say a more constant thing.
I wouldn't say it couldn't be gastro, but it can't hurt to have a second opinion, especially if your intuition is saying something different.
Hope he feels better soon

I agree.
It could be gastro as he has diarrhea and a temp, but then if you arent convinced go back and get a sceond opinion.
IT does seem strange that its worse at certain times of day - DS1 has had gastro a few times and its always been relatively constant - unless he has a milk drink or dairy product at that time of day, as gastro can cause temporary lactose intolerance.

If you can, see a different doctor and see what they have to say.
Good Luck

[AnyDream]

Get a poo sample tested (viral and bacterial) and that might help shed some light on things. Gastro can be caused by a number of germs - viruses (which you'd expect there to be a temp with), germs in food (salmonella etc) or even gear in their drinking water (like giarrdhea). So it could be something simple or something that needs further treatment.

I had an infection that held on for ages - I would usually feel well in the mornings (after sleep had restored my body) but as the day wore on I felt more tired, sore, slight temp, etc. Could be his little body is rallying after a big sleep but then as the day wears on it gets worse, kwim?

The rule is, if you're still concerned, either go back to the dr (if you trust them) or see another doctor. Keep going back until you're happy that your little one is recovering.

[Jaycee]

Thank you all so much for your replies, I really appreciate it!
I will see how he is this afternoon, if he's going back downhill again I will take him for a second opinion.
I hate it so much when my little man isn't well, I feel so helpless!
Thanks again everyone!

[me83]

Just a random thought - if it doesn't improve maybe do can check for an ear or throat infection? My neice had an ear infection as well as the symptoms you described and they only worked it out later when her ear leaked. She had been given anti-biotics the day before the eardrum perforation and she got better quickly after that, but there were no other obvious signs of infection besides the temp.

[Me+him+bub]

it sounds like what some of the others have said, perhaps an infection. maybe a UTI? perhaps check his little boy parts over. perhaps low blood suger? with him becoming lethargic by the end of the day, perhaps ask to get his urine tested and his blood glucose levels to rule things out.

[Jaycee]

Thanks everyone!
He seems fine now, apart from now having conjunctavitis! (sp?)
Haven't been having a good run of late, back at the doctors last night and got some drops for him, seems to be a lot better this morning.
Thanks again for your replies