Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to tell DH he can shove being reasonable up his flaming chuff?

25 replies

NicNocJnr · 22/06/2012 03:24

I apologise in advance for any bad language but I am so angry.

I have just settled youngest DC to sleep after OOH GP visit.
Due to one DC being in hospital atm and DH looking after the others while trying to shuffle work hours the littlest went to stay overnight with my aunt (who is, for all intents and purposes my mother). I called at midnight by prior arrangement.
I hear DD crying, really distressed, in the background and of course ask what's up. Since late morning DD has had a temp, then been progressively ill and had pee problems and passed blood the last few times - not once was this mentioned to either me or DH when we called through the day, when I spoke to DD (2) was just told she felt a bit hot and then she was distracted telling me happily about lunch and playing with the dogs - as she sounded quite perked up by the end I put it down to rushing around like a mad thing with the dogs and needing her nap.

I was told how poorly she was so flippantly, like it was no big thing and she would sleep it off. Not only had we not been told (as 'No need to worry') but they hadn't taken her to the GP, walk-in centre - nothing. Not even a call to NHS direct even. She's had no pain relief at all either to try and get a handle on her temp and stop it hurting.
Fuck knows what they were going to do, if anything, as we weren't due to pick her up until this evening once other DC discharge had all been sorted.

So then I was in a position of either DH leaves the DCs at home and tries to find childcare at midnight or I leave the hospital and hope DC sleeps through which is unlikely. However he's safe there so I let the nurses know and off I go to try and sort out the baby. Get to GP, unsurprisingly she has a hooching uti, gets dosed up with calpol etc and first dose of abs then we get home and try to settle her down.

I didn't really say anything when I collected her as was a bit overwhelmed at their attitude but said would call in AM.

Now I'm just gobsmacked and fucking livid and can't express quite how I feel about it - I've got terrible guilt that my poor baby was so miserable for so fucking long and we weren't there and that my poor DS has probably woken and Mummy's nowhere to be fucking found. I'm probably disproportionately worried about DDs kidneys as she's pissing every 2 minutes but I have no idea how much fluid she had as she's been vomiting as well from a mixture of temperature, distress and infection Angry Sad Sad feel shit that I've put her in that position in the first place and want to tear strips off my aunt and uncle for leaving her in such a fucking state and not saying a fucking word.

To top it off DH is unhappy with what has happened but is counselling a bit of assiduous toungue holding until I've calmed down and then talking through what went on before making any rash decisions or saying any hasty words. How can he be so fucking sensible? I know IABU to want to bang their heads against the wall but I don't think IABU to ask wtfff they were fucking playing at.
I think I'm struggling with his view that family harmony is more important than wanting to know why our daughter has been left ill and in pain and wtf they think would have happened if I hadn't found out? She had a febrile convulsion in the surgery and we were poised to go to A&E if her temp hadn't come down so had to wait with a poorly child at the surgery to be re-assessed.
Fuck.

right, sorry it's so long and sweary, it does feel better to have got my rage written down but I am honestly baffled and at a loss as to what to do and still want to shake DH and shout 'why aren't you as angry as I am???' I'm back off to the hospital now so apologies for any delay in replies as busy day to come and DS is not a good sleeper. Thank you if you got this far. I assure you I'm not as terrible a parent as this makes me out to be!

OP posts:
stainesmassif · 22/06/2012 03:48

Yanbu to be livid, but your dh is nbu to want to discuss it calmly with your relatives. You are much more likely to get your point across effectively when in control of your emotions.

I hope your poor dcs get better soon.

Cynner · 22/06/2012 03:53

YANBU! I would be raging mad too. All I can reckon is that Auntie really did not want to bother you with what seemed to her as a minor illness. How long has it been since she last had lo's in her house? Perhaps she is also feeling unnerved by your other dc's hospitalisation, and just had a judgement lapse?
I just cannot fathom allowing a child under my care to pass blood, run a temp, and not contact the parents.
I do hope both your children are feeling better. You and dh are under a tremdous amount of stress. Xx

Homebird8 · 22/06/2012 03:54

You are not a terrible parent at all. You have done your absolutely best to make sure every one of your DCs is cared for and have someone they can trust with them. I don't think YABU to be angry at your aunt and uncle. She was obviously ill and pain relief is an easy measure, when the blood showed they should have sought medical advice. End of.
Cut your DH a bit of slack, he's probably feeling that he wasn't there for her either and taking time to choose what to say isn't such a bad thing. Maybe you have to decide together whether your aunt is a safe pair of hands for child care. Not an easy one.
So sorry that you've got so much on your plate. Be kind to yourself.

MrsHelsBels74 · 22/06/2012 03:59

Oh dear it does sound like you're having a terrible time, & you have every right to be angry.

However, I don't think talking to your aunt & uncle when you're this wound up is going to achieve anything & therefore it's a good thing that your husband is calmer.

If both of you went in guns blazing it could lead to a terrible row with things being said that can't be unsaid, and more guilt/pressure than now. Do you really want to fall out with them?

I realise you're probably just looking to vent rather than answers & I hope your children are better soon & you can relax x

ChasedByBees · 22/06/2012 04:55

Absolutely not a terrible parent, I'd be livid too. Hope all your DC are better soon, it sounds tough. :(

OneHandFlapping · 22/06/2012 05:25

I think it's best you get it off your chest here, and don't speak to your aunt until you're calmer.

You've really got your hands full atm. Hopefully your DCs will all be better soon.

ripsishere · 22/06/2012 07:25

IMO, everyone has said the same thing to you.
IIWY, I'd speak to them once I was calmer. You have every right to be furious, but your DD is being treated now.
Hopefully the ABX have started to take effect and she is comfortable.
You are clearly stressed (with every right to be) with sick children, hospitals and not being with her.
Be kind to yourself.

ledkr · 22/06/2012 07:37

Oh its awfull. My dh is always the calm voice of reason too and sometimes I wish he would just let rip! However he saves me from myself often as im a bit ott.

I remember when ds3 was born,I had just had a section,was bf a newborn,ds2 was in hospital and dh and ds1 had a terrible vomiting bug. I literally stayed awake for days as there was little point sleeping between doing it all.

I hope it all calms down soon for you and dc's get better.

gettingalifenow · 22/06/2012 07:46

You poor thing - its brining tears to my eyes just reading what you're going through. Of course you're hopping mad - I would be too. But I'd leave it for now - concentrae on getting your kids well then think about how you want to deal with your stupid relatives after that. Just focus on the DCs.

Hope today goes better for you.

NoComet · 22/06/2012 07:51

I'm assuming your Aunt didn't want to bother you with the other DC in hospital.
In the circumstances you wanted to be bothered.
Definitely wait until your calmer before speaking, your aunt was probably worry whether or not to ring too.

Liskey · 22/06/2012 07:59

That sounds horrible you poor things.

I'd be mad as anything too. Of course your Aunt didn't want to worry you but if your DD was that unwell she should have taken her to Doctos/A&E. Especially as UTI's can cause very high temperatures.

DD has also had UTI when 18months old - and it took 3 types of AB to treat it - She was in hospital for a week follwing febrile seizures and had to have a kidney scan - its not a good thing to get at any age but esepciallly when they are so young and don't understand why it hurts.

(Doctors thought DD's was caused by earlier constipation and then subsequent huge relief of constipation - so we have to watch out for that now).

BalloonSlayer · 22/06/2012 08:11

I don't blame you for being angry but I can imagine your aunt thought you had enough to worry about and that it would perhaps sort itself in time.

I have had cystitis a few times in my life and it has always cleared up fairly quickly. I would never underestimate it in a child but I can imagine why someone else could.

I would also cancel biting your tongue UNTIL this particular set of emergencies are over. You may need your Aunt to help you again. Hopefully by then you will be able to express your anger in a more focused way.

Gosh this sounds like I am siding with your Aunt doesn't it? Actually in your shoes I'd be raging. I just also counsel caution.

Hope they all feel better soon.

NicNocJnr · 22/06/2012 11:03

Thank you very much for your replies. I know IWBU to go and shake them or just shout but I think I was (am as haven't called yet) struggling with the way it was done.

If they didn't want to worry us I can accept that even though I would have liked to have been told I would understand. It's the fact they did nothing at all, not even giving her a dose of calpol from the brand new bottle I provided a while back when I thought she might be brewing an ear infection - she wasn't as it happens so it's right there in the cupboard unused.
I think I'm also just baffled as 1) I love them dearly, they are wonderful loving and attentive grandparents that are usually shit hot with everything 2) She was clearly not well - clearly. If it had been one of the others a little more prone to dramatics I could maybe, grudgingly accept they thought it was something out of nothing but she's as laid back as they come and can barely be arsed to get fussed about anything, she's a dream to look after eats/sleeps/plays merrily and without fuss. Tbh if she cries at all there's usually a good reason. She's one of the happiest souls I know. She was wringing wet, hot, shaky and the rest. Not even a drop of anything was given Sad

Ledkr I think you hit the nail on the head too - I know DH is right in what he says, that isn't really in question (as much as it sounds like it I don't want to needlessly hurt them) but I found (find) it quite hard to deal with his lack of reaction. He's not a seether and isn't very volatile, neither of us are that quick to anger really but this is different. I think I just wanted some solidarity and validation that near Hulk levels of rage were actually appropriate and the whole situation was bloody wrong and stupid and unfair - mostly on our tiny DD who had to endure such misery for hours. That he didn't think it was ok that she suffered. His only comment really was 'I'm not happy about it but..' and then moved on to all the reasons I wrong to be so bloody upset. It was just the 2 of us in our bedroom before I left again. It's not like they could hear us. Anyway if I was prone to top blowing I probably would have done so as I was scooping up my damp puddle of a toddler.

Hmm, looks like I'm still a wee bit more cross than I thought! My poor babies Sad

OP posts:
Cockwomble · 22/06/2012 11:08

NicNoc I hope all of your babies feel better soon. It's totally reasonable IMO to feel as angry and upset as you do, I'd be the same I think (I can only imagine as I have no LOs). Sad

I know me - I'd have torn strips off them, which wouldn't have helped, so very well done in keeping your temper.

NicNocJnr · 22/06/2012 11:29

Thank you Coc..um CW.

I have got to the point where everything is just seeming ridiculous! I'm so focussed on snatching even an hours sleep I'm not relishing sorting it all out

Ah well onwards and upwards Hmm

OP posts:
NicNocJnr · 22/06/2012 14:55

OMG (truely appropriate!) for the first time ever, ever, ever DS has been discharged promptly, slightly ahead of schedule even with all medications, notes and post-ops present and correct. My flabber, look at it it's ghasted!
I got to tuck him up and have him happy and settled so by the time the hoard get in and want to swarm all over him he's had a quick zuzz.

DD is feeling like shit though Sad. Temp under control now but will be prob another 12hrs before antibiotics start to do their thing. When we got home she was sleeping and pale as a sheet. She woke and is now crumpled asleep on my chest. Dh is having some father son time with DS and I can hear giggles which is...I need a bigger word than brilliant. Although I have just swapped one poorly child for another I've been desperate to come and hold my baby.

Now though I've got to try and work out what to say to the GPs...I'm still cross and upset but not ragingly so but the more I think about it the more I don't know what to say because 'wtf were you doing you flipping loony?' is a bit less diplomatic than I would normally go for. I just want the rubbish to be over so I can get a couple of hours in before a DC wakes me...I just feel out of steam and like I have nothing left. I'd happily just forget about it if it was anything else and less important. Apologies about posts, I'm on here trying to stay awake!

OP posts:
ripsishere · 22/06/2012 15:00

Why are you trying to stay awake?
Can you see if you can get your head down? even if it's just for 30 minutes or so.
Great news on your DS. I obviously don't know your back story, but discharge from hospital is to be celebrated.
Thanks for your DD.

Anniegetyourgun · 22/06/2012 15:04

"Look, I realise you didn't want to worry us, but if she's ever in a state like that again I want you to call me, all right? Honestly, I'd be much happier if you did."

Dropdeadfred · 22/06/2012 15:08

Do they have a thermometer there? What was their reaction when you collected her? We're they concerned about her or did they genuinely think nothing was wrong?
I would want to hear what their take on the situation was before I decided what to say to them

Dropdeadfred · 22/06/2012 15:08

Were not we're - stupid iphone

PropositionJoe · 22/06/2012 15:12

You're right to be upset and furious. But your DH is right that you should calm down and get some sleep before you speak to them. Because you obviously don't want to destroy your relationship with them but you need to make it very very clear that this must never happen again. Which will take diplomacy, rather than yelling. I'd be livid too, we all would. This isn't some little fever - and even one of those should have been given Calplol promptly in a two year old.

PropositionJoe · 22/06/2012 15:14

Of course, calm and rational consideration may lead you to the conclusion that only if you yell and cry (which sounds as though it would be out of character for you) will they realise the seriousness of the situation. In which case go right ahead!

CornflowerB · 22/06/2012 15:20

Can I ask how hold they are? I find my parents have really lost their sense judgement as they have got older to the extent that I don't honestly think they would be able to cope in an emergency. This is very difficult if you have been relying on them for childcare. If they are 50 rather than 70 there is no excuse. Sorry you have had such a terrible time.

FluffyJawsOfDoom · 22/06/2012 16:04

I think more important than having a go is finding some reassurance this wouldn't happen again? I wouldn't feel confident leaving my children with them until I was satisfied over the why's and wherefore's iykwim?

ChasedByBees · 23/06/2012 18:59

Glad your DS is feeling a lot better, hope your DD is feeling well now too.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page