Please help me get through the night

[MummySharkDooDooDooDoo]

I'm a single Mum. Me and both DCs have been unwell with a cold which has gone to DD2s chest. DD1 has an awful cough but is otherwise ok. I feel completely drained and just awful. DD2 has been waking frequently in the night so I've only been getting a few hours sleep each night. DD1 played up at bedtime and didn't settle down until 9pm. DD2 has just woken up. I haven't eaten. I just want to sleep. I'm so drained. I've been up since 4am and I've been at work all day which has made me feel worse. My mental health is suffering too. I'm stressed and my anxiety is ridiculously high. I'm worried about DD2. She keeps getting poorly. I text their Dad tonight to see if he could FaceTime DD1. He hasn't even replied to my message. I feel so alone and completely defeated. DD2 has had to go to the hospital a few times recently. If she has to go again tonight I don't know if I'm even well enough to take her. I feel weak and dizzy. But I'll have to be if that's what's needed. I just want to sleep.

Really sorry to hear this. Could you tell us what DD2s symptoms and age is? Big hugs xxx

DD2 is 2. She started off with a cold but the cold symptoms seem to have eased now. I took her to A&E last week as she was working very hard to breath and she had a fever. They treated her in A&E and she was discharged home with an inhaler and steroids. I took her to the GP this week and he is referring her to a paediatrician as this has happened a few times now. He also changed her inhaler. She keeps spiking a fever. It comes down with ibuprofen or Calpol. She's still a bit wheezy but not working too hard. She is otherwise completely fine in herself, just clingy when her temperature goes up. She's now asleep in my bed cuddled up to me. She feels a bit warm.

It’s so relentless when you’re on your own with little ones.
I’d like to say I remember it well but tbh, I’ve blanked a lot of out. Vague memories of horrible Norovirus weekend though.
I wish I had something helpful to add but it’s bloody grim when you and the DC are poorly and you’ve got no one to help.

Can you snuggle them all into bed/sofa with you? Lots of warm drinks and telly etc while you all doze and regroup?

Can you maybe open a window a crack just to let the tiniest bit of fresh air in and then settle dd1 and try and get some rest? And if DD2s wakens try and elevate her in some pillows if she’s ok? Are YOU ok? Have you eaten?

DD1 is asleep in her bed, thankfully, and should hopefully sleep through the night.

DD2 is now in my bed with me but asleep with my arm trapped under her. She feels warm and she's breathing a bit fast. If I can get my arm out I'll check her temperature.

Thank you for making me feel less alone.

I haven't eaten but I have no appetite. My whole body ached earlier but the painkillers have kicked in now so I don't feel quite as bad.

You know yourself if DD2 is ok or not ok as in if she will be ok through the night. If she’s hot give her something to lower the temp but obviously if she’s breathing too fast then reassess. But you will know. Mums know. Get shut eye. You need even a few hours! You are doing amazing - big hug to u

Good luck tonight x

Please make sure you are keeping your fluids up OP.

This will pass.

Sod everything other than meeting all your basic needs the three of you.

Please think about going sick tomorrow- something has to give and you need a cosy day resting 🌸

Oh god yeah I assumed you weren’t working tomorrow. Dont tell us you are thinking of working tomorrow?

I am working tomorrow and I took time off sick last week so I don't have much choice. But it's only a half day and it's working from home so it's manageable.

I woke DD2 up by moving my arm but I've been able to give her some ibuprofen (temp was 38.5) and she's having some milk so hopefully she'll go back to sleep and will be more comfortable once the fever starts to settle.

Are you working tomorrow? If you are can you call in sick and take a day on the soga with DDs all dozing together? Prepare a buffet of snacky things, make up big water/juice bottles and arm yourself all medicines with so you don't even need to get up to feed, was or medicate them. That would at least give you a little rest. I feel for you OP it's a shitty time, I've been there.

Ok then GO TO SLEEP ❤️(Please god!!) big hugs

I'm hoping I can sleep soon. DD2 is still awake. I'm going to let her sleep in my bed tonight. Hopefully we'll both get more sleep that way.

I’m trying to get to sleep now too so I’m sorry but I’m turning phone off but will check in in the morning and am sending good wishes and peaceful vibes to you from Ireland (unless you are in Ireland already 😉)

Sending you lots of love superwoman! You're doing amazing. Please consider a fay off tomorrow it will do the world of good. Hope you get some sleep tonight xxx

How did it go? X

Thank you all for the messages.

DD2 settled back to sleep in my bed and slept through the night. But I was up a lot. I feel much worse today. It feels like razor blades when I swallow, I'm a bit wheezy and my temp is 38.7. I feel rubbish.

Need to get sorted for the school run though.

Hope you are all ok x

I worked from home but fell asleep working, actually whilst working, and I slept too long and was late collecting DD1 from school. I feel like the worst parent.

You're poorly @MummySharkDooDooDooDoo .

Go gentle on yourself