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Original poster

Baby in hospital on holiday, hand hold needed

83 replies

glassofbrancott · 21/06/2026 21:09

Background - DS was born at full term, he didn’t cry/cough/take a deep breath when he was born and SATS were quite low so he was taken to resus table (never resuscitated) for some oxygen for 45 mins then we were discharged as normal the following day. Milk intolerance like DD who is 3 and grew out of it by 15 months.

I had the RSV jab in pregnancy, it hadn’t been rolled out when pregnant with DD. DD has had RSV/bronchiolitis twice in 3 years, hospitalised once.

DS who is 9 months has been hospitalised 4 out of the 6 times he’s had it. Sometimes for a few days of oxygen/nebulisers and observations.

We’ve been in Majorca since last week, 2 days ago, DD & DS started with snotty nose, little coughs, DD complaining of feeling achy, been giving calpol and nurofen when needed.

Last night, DS started the pattern that usually ends up with him in hosp. Awake every hour, coughing so much he vomits any milk, water or food he’s had. By this afternoon, he hadn’t even managed to keep down 20% of his usual intake of fluids. Seen by on call hotel dr who did full exam, COVID and influenza swabs which were negative. DS sucking in at ribs so he said he wanted to call an ambulance. DH gone with DS, I just stood in reception crying as I watched them leave. I hate this.

DD asleep and I’m sat on the balcony sick with worry, he’s had steroids in a syringe and rectal paracetamol for his temp, also inhaler and he’s now started grunting too.

I’ve asked so many times to be seen at home by the Paediatric Respiratory Team but they refuse saying he just catches it off DD from nursery (DD comes home with a snotty nose and mild cough she gets over in a couple of days). The GP finally gave me an inhaler for him a few weeks ago but couldn’t test for or diagnose asthma until 3 years old.

What do I do now? I am so worried that something bigger is underlying and it’s being missed. He’s never had any blood tests during these hosp stays just swabs and treatment such as oxygen/nebulisers/antibiotics when it turned into lower respiratory infections.

We are supposed to be flying home Wednesday. I feel so
sorry for him, even today as he was pulling in at the ribs he was smiling and clapping at the dr examining him.

Anyone ever attended Porto Cristo hospital?

Really struggling with anxiety.

Posting in AIBU for traffic.

OP posts:
BusMumsHoliday · 21/06/2026 21:20

Poor DS. And poor you. Illness is massively stressful at the best of times, but worse on holiday. But it sounds like the on call dr did all the right things and he's under good care now.

If this is any help, some friends of ours had a DS (also second child) who got RSV at around 3 months and fell into a v similar pattern. Caught every cold, all of them turned into chest infections, constantly ill and grumpy, hospitalized a few times. They eventually saw a private paed who said that this is not uncommon, and most kids eventually grow out of it (I think around 2-3). It's not something underlying but just that their lungs never totally recover before getting the next infection. But that dr gave a course of steroids and that did seem to break the cycle a bit. Might be something to investigate. I hope DS is well and back with you soon.

EverybodyLTB · 21/06/2026 21:19

I’m sorry I don’t have good advice, but if your insurance covers it I’d be asking for every test under the sun. I was diagnosed with something years ago on holiday thanks to being in a private hospital and having insurance, they were so thorough that I finally got answers to years long problems. I would push for this saying until you know what it is you won’t be able to leave and fly etc etc which would cost the insurance more in the long run.

I feel for you and can only say I’m so sorry you’re going through this, and your poor boy keeping having these attacks is definitely not something they should keep dismissing. When you get him home I’d be looking into whatever it’s called where you have the right to choose where you’re treated on the NHS and who by. It’s outrageous that they’re fobbing you off and not doing full testing.

PancakeCloud · 21/06/2026 21:16

This sounds awful, very reasonable to feel anxious. I don’t know the hospital but have had good experiences with hospitals in Spain generally, so am sure DS will be in excellent hands.

WonderingWanda · 21/06/2026 21:16

That sounds so stressful. I think some babies and small children are much more prone to chest related problems but it doesn't mean there is something sinister behind it. Dn was hospitalised numerous times with chest issues. As she got older it improved as her immunity grew.

Sesquioxides · 21/06/2026 21:15

Our DS was constantly in and out of hospital with breathing difficulties, it lasted from babyhood until he was 5. They just kept fobbing us off. We eventually got an allergy test and found out he is allergic to black mould and our house (shitty rental) was riven with it in sneaky places like behind furniture. He was on inhalers and steroids. It got better when we moved. I hope you get to the bottom of it and that your LO is ok!

Randomchat · 21/06/2026 21:14

Ds broke his elbow on holiday and was treated in that hospital. They were lovely. Really professional and efficient. Made sure we understood what was happening and got a nurse with fluent english for some complicated discussions about surgery. I hope that reassures you a tiny bit.

Your poor ds. I hope he feels better soon

BEAchDays2 · 21/06/2026 21:14

Sweet lad. Sending a handhold. He’ll be okay I’m sure ❤️

HollyGolightly4 · 21/06/2026 21:11

Can't offer any advice, but big handhold and sending love 💐