Toddler constantly ill - this is normal isn't it? [paranoid emoticon]

[artifarti]

DS is 15 months. In his first year I could count on one hand the number of times he was ill. Since starting p/t at a CM 4 months ago and going to playgroups, it feels like he is constantly ill - tummy bugs, ear infections, colds, coughs, rashes. And on top of it all, probably teething some molars.

I am averaging three visits a month to the doctor, his vaccinations are two months late as I have to keep cancelling them because he's ill and I just feel so miserable and frustrated at trying to work out what's wrong with him (tonight, in his cot, really upset, and I'm not sure if it's the cough he's got or his teeth or his ear...)

Is this just what happens? Have I got years of it in store?!

[AvadaKedavra]

It's what happens when they start school/preschool/Cm/Nursery etc. it's a good thing though in a way, helping his immune system build up

[MrsJamin]

yeah, it is really normal. I think the year from 1 til 2 is the worst as they are out and about more and haven't built up their immunity. My doctor always tells me how it's good for DS in the long run, like AK said, but it's really annoying, isn't it, especially when you have to take time off - I've used up nearly all my annual leave just on looking after DS.

[santaschristmascakeywakey]

I really feel for you artifarti. My DD only had one cold in her first year, then went to nursery. It was a good job I only work part-time because otherwise I would have been off work with DD nearly every week!

We had colds, ear infections, recurring conjunctivitis and a lovely case of chicken pox just in time for Christmas. We were months behind with her later vaccinations, and I practically had my own chair at my local surgery.

After her first term there, it all settled down and she's been right as rain since. The old little bug or cold here and there, but nothing in comparison. It will settle down, it's just that time of year as well. Hope your DS gets well soon.

[cookiemonstress]

yes, just to echo what others have said, it's perfectly normal. With mine, it took a good year. There was a nine month stretch where there was literally something each week.
It does get better.

[AvadaKedavra]

if it's any consolation the staff tend to suffer too with everything going, well I certainly do! on my second cold in two weeks with only a few days break in between

[artifarti]

Thanks everyone. I think I knew it was normal but I just needed some reassurance - I feel like I am constantly smeared with vomit/diarrhoea/snot and we only have to get in sight of the doctor's surgery now and DS starts to howl as he's been poked and prodded there so many times! He also gets in a foul mood when ill and throws bricks at me/tries to slap me/pull my hair etc. which gets quite trying when you're trying to do your best lovely mummy Florence Nightingale act!

[WingedVictory]

I posted last night on another thread (hi, artifarti!), about our latest illness, and hope the reaction from my MIL will help put things in perspective.

DS is 19mo, and never got ill when he was younger (apart from some wheezing when he was 6mo). He has been having colds notably since going to nursery. Just recently a cough turned into wheezing, and we were admitted to hospital so he could have nebulisers (medicine aerosolised with air from a giant canister) to open his lungs, and have his lungs listened to every few hours. His temperature went away fairly early, and when the wheezing subsided, he seemed to be feeling quite cheerful. Because of the fever and breathing problems, DS was swabbed for swine 'flu and was offered Tamiflu (we took it). Mind you, given that DS's temperature went away before the respitory problems, we can't really see how it can be swine 'flu.

However, MIL has been worrying about swine 'flu for months, convinced that every cough is swine 'flu, AND hates nurseries (she had a bad experience with DS2), so she seemed to take this as a chance to press us again to take DS out of nursery (though "only" for the winter), at least "until he is older and doesn't get ill any more."

I do feel sorry for MIL for her endless worries (as she gets worked up and loses sleep) and for DS, being ill. However, there is no way in hell I (and, thankfully, DH) think taking DS out of nursery will make him better in the long run.

My parents took me to Nigeria for a year when I was about 1, and I attribute my excellent immune system to the challenges it faced there . I really want the same for DS. The more they are exposed to now, the more adaptable and robust their immune systems will be. This has been proven again and again.

This is not to say we shouldn't observe our DCs' health and keep track of anything which appears to be becoming chronic (e.g. breathing difficulties, rashes, ear infections, etc.).

Get well soon, all!

[ninedragons]

Yep, completely normal.

DD was covered in snot from about 14 months to about 18 months, but is now very robust.