Sleep deprivation - Need help urgently but no GP?

[honeyisfunny]

I moved to a different area and old GP won't have us anymore. Out of catchment etc

Anyway, I am now really struggling beyond belief with sleep deprivation and wondered if GP could help at all. I know they can't prescribe meds (for DS), so they'd need to refer to whoever is the equivalent of my old area's special needs paediatric team.

Can't get a surgery to take us though Ones I've tried say full

Does anyone know what I can do before walking out the door and running in front of a car in the hope it kills me?! Semi light hearted. I'm desperate

I get about 1 hours sleep a night now. Been like it for a few months. DS is almost 4, autistic and doesn't sleep. Plus needs constant supervision when awake - Even if you cleared the room of all stuff, he'd hurt himself for example by running into the door at full speed

Does anyone know what medications I could request? We haven't had the chance to try melatonin yet, old team said he was too young

So tough.

Before DS was finally prescribed melatonin I had around 3 hours sleep a night.
I once gave him piriton for a rash/reaction & discovered that he slept like a log.
Not going to lie, there were times when I was so desperate that he, occasionally, had piriton when he didn’t have a rash.

I hope you find a GP who can do a referral soon op.

@Whentheydontmeanwhattheysay Thank you sorry you've been through it - It's miserable

I've tried Piriton out of shameless desperation and it made him hyper

phenergan - over the counter for travel sickness but completely knocks me out for the full night

You can get in liquid for kids

You have to be allowed to register with a GP in your new area. It’s rare for a GP to be allowed to close their books and there have to be very exceptional circumstances. If they are all really telling you this then approach the local CCG and explain you can’t get registered and they will help sort it out for you.

@Kyliealwayshadthebestdisco

You have to be allowed to register with a GP in your new area. It’s rare for a GP to be allowed to close their books and there have to be very exceptional circumstances. If they are all really telling you this then approach the local CCG and explain you can’t get registered and they will help sort it out for you.

This. Local CCG, speak to PALS. They will know where does or doesn't have a closed list.

NHS24 on 111 if it’s urgent and you can’t get a gp.

They should be able to offer advice. I would hope. As it’s not your fault you can’t register with a GP.

The fact you’re at your wits end and losing the plot must surely be taken into consideration.

Looking after dc like yours must be extremely exhausting. I hope you get support soon.

phenergan - over the counter for travel sickness but completely knocks me out for the full night

My SIL in Australia recommended this once but I didnt know it was available here

Op I don't have any great words of wisdom but huge, sympathy , you poor, poor thing. One of my dc didnt sleep for 4 years , no sn but bad reflux for years and i often averaged one or two hours a night. It was absolutley horrendous and no one would help me, all my family knew no one came p help. I didn't have a good gp at the time. The lack of sleep was just devastating.
Do you have a dp? If so can you swap over at night?
You must feel awful. You need help, call and call your gp, you need to push for help as you can't go on like this. Melatonian can be perscribed or piriton maybe but you would really need to check it out with a medical professional.
Op I hope you get help op

In my area they wont diagnose ahead until ten! I must admit I have bought and used melatonin from the USA. I had to work out the dose but I was desperate.

Last time I tried to get phenergan over the counter for DS’s travel sickness I was told it’s prescription only now. I bought it from an online pharmacy instead.

@MinnieMountain

Last time I tried to get phenergan over the counter for DS’s travel sickness I was told it’s prescription only now. I bought it from an online pharmacy instead.

You can still buy it otc but it's a medicine that requires a yes or no from the pharmacist.

Maybe because it was the liquid then? Or the assistant at Boots got it wrong.

@MinnieMountain

Last time I tried to get phenergan over the counter for DS’s travel sickness I was told it’s prescription only now. I bought it from an online pharmacy instead.

Tell them you have a long car journey and they get travel sick. I know it's lying but if you're desperate

Sending lots of sympathy. My 4.5YO DS takes prolonged release melatonin and Phenergan. I appreciate the desperation but please don't medicate him without a prescription- you don't know the dose or whether there will be any adverse effects.

We had to see his paediatrician for a prescription - the GP would not prescribe without a paediatrician's input. You can also get it via the community / developmental paediatrician.

If your DS has a diagnosis I presume he is already under a paediatrician's care? You can ring their secretary or email to explain where things are for you and that you need an urgent review.

It may be worth also contacting your local social services (disability not child protection) and see if they can get things moving.

Good luck

I don't know if financially it is a possibility (and you may be able to get funding from a local charity or social services), but the Safe Spaces beds/rooms are so useful for children (and also adults). It's a lot of money up front, but then the child or adult can safely be left in there, and they are designed to be calming places, where they feel secure.
www.safespaces.co.uk/safespace/