Taking DP to OOH

[QueenNefertitty]

When they're so busy already?

He's had a temp of 38.5 for 24 hrs. It barely comes down with calpol and ibuprofen (to 38ish and that's it).

He's got no appetite, is pale and whingy- but no other symptoms. I suspect ears are infected (again) but no idea really.

I'm hyper cautious because last year we had a 4 month run of ill health, during which he had 4 separate bouts of bacterial tonsillitis (it was just chronic tonsillitis, really by the end), bronchiolitis, hand foot and mouth, croup, 2 ear infections, 2 generic colds and a stomach bug- one after another, and some simultaneously. We ended up at A&E with frightening temps, rashes and awful symptoms (bloody stools?!) more times than I can count, because he red flagged for sepsis.

I'm a LP (although ExDP here this weekend) and can't take any more time off work (I almost lost my job last time I had to for his ill health)- so getting him well fast is absolute priority for me - for himself, yes, but also for our sake more broadly.

AIBU or overreacting using the OOH service during a winter crisis?

[QueenNefertitty]

Oh and he's 18 mo

[QueenNefertitty]

And DS not DP as in title..... For gods sake.

[Tattybogle89]

Take him. Never risk your child’s health for fear of getting in the way or being a problem to doctors etc

[LostMyBaubles]

Take him.

[ghostyslovesheets]

can you try your local pharmacy first

[Tattybogle89]

And in my experience they are always happy to see a child so young. And if it is ear infections again they are very painful and best caught quick if antibiotics are necessary

[Fairylea]

Take him. The fever alone would worry me if it’s not coming down with calpol etc.

[Quartz2208]

No of course you are not you should take him

DS has enlarged tonsils which in one instance did lead to sepsis. The feeling now is the best course to take is when he has symptoms I take him to the GP (at weekend either the weekend practice or OOH service). They check him over. It’s either straight to antibiotics or given a script to see how he fairs (sometimes it is viral). That way we can nip it at the start and prevent him clogging up A&E. The time I didn’t it was an ambulance and straight to A&E with signs of sepsis again so it’s the best option for everyone

[QueenNefertitty]

I suspect I should. I'll call 111 and see if they can book an appointment for him- also guess they can gauge if hes a priority or not. Bloody winter! Very ready for some good weather and better health!

[LostMyBaubles]

My ds temp went to 38.6 when he had meningitis

Not worth waiting.

[GiddyGardner]

Take him, trust your instinct, you know him best. You are concerned enough to post on here, so even if it's nothing, it will put your mind at rest. They are busy, but it is a service you pay for, and given the history I would be ultra cautious too. If it helps put it into context, if my dog didn't have an appetite, a trip to the vets would be booked.

[QueenNefertitty]

That was quick!

OOH Gp at the hospital at 3.15...

I'd usually not think twice, but he was a bit poorly a month ago and the locum we saw gave me a telling off for bringing him "not sick enough- he looks fine". Changed her tune when she saw his eardrums were swollen enough to burst, but it still made me wonder if I'm "one of those mothers"

[swingofthings]

I've never taken my children to the doctor for a temperature of 38.5. This is normal temperature for a child fighting a virus. What matters is whether symptoms get worse and temp increases. The only time I contemplated taking DD was when her temp went over 40.5, but even then, she settled at home in the end.

A temp of 38.5 after only 24h is not in anyway indication that antibiotics are required, but if you are anxious and won't settle unless you to OOH then do so.

[GiddyGardner]

They are busy, but that's not your problem, better to be over cautious. I hope your LO is ok, has a speedy recovery and you get some peace and relaxation this weekend.

[Piffpaffpoff]

Go. I found my local GP/OOH would somehow always manage to see me when I had ill under-5s. Better safe than sorry. I think if you think he needs checked over, then get him checked. Maternal instinct is not often wrong,

[QueenNefertitty]

@swing

I agree- DS often has high temps (41+) - it's not the fever that worries me. It's that it's not responding to antipyretic medication, and he's droopy/ not eating.

[TeddyIsaHe]

Droopy and not eating is an always take in in my book. No point risking it for the sake of possibly annoying someone.

[Quartz2208]

@swing but as you yourself say your daughter settled at 40.5 until you have been through the horrible anxiety of seeing doctors go into hyperdrive to get an iv drip in it stays with you.

OP I felt the same until the second time it happened and the ambulance came and he had the warning signs again. Now I go to the GP because I know his warning signs and I know how quickly it can go bad from them

A non responsive fever and those signs should be seen when read with his jistory

[QueenNefertitty]

He's teething... I'm not being an utter knob and mistaking teething for illness... am I!?

[MaverickSnoopy]

Well you could be BUT you say he's droopy and not eating. Not eating goes hand in hand with teething, but droopy? Also his temperature isn't coming down with medicine which again doesn't sound like teething.

You are not a medical professional and you're not expected to know what's wrong with him, but you do know he isn't right. I would absolutely take him in your shoes.

[QueenNefertitty]

Temp still at 38.5, only had calpol 3 hrs ago and ibuprofen 6 hrs since. I'm taking him- I don't like that it's not budging.

Thanks all- will let you know how we get on

[DisgraceToTheYChromosome]

Our practice, OOH, and a&e are all emphatic: better an over anxious mother than a dead baby.

[QueenNefertitty]

Glad I went.... start of tonsillitis again. Assumed bacterial due to history, unresponsive fever and presence of yellow pus. 10 days erythromycin and a return to the ENT specialist if it becomes chronic again.

Thank you all for your support

[TheFaerieQueene]

Oh poor sausage. I hope he feels better soon.

[GiddyGardner]

@Queen remember to look after yourself too. And check out your rights RE: off work due to dependants, I know most places have a sickness policy, but I am sure they cannot sack you if it is genuine. Please read up on your rights, you are contributing and bringing up a future tax payer, you should not have the extra worry to cope with if you are off because your dependant is sick.