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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Concerned Mum!

158 replies

LouBlue1507 · 02/01/2017 19:58

Hi Ladies

Not strictly AIBU but I don't know what to do Sad

My DD is 5 months and not very well. She's very teary and hot. She has a temp of 38.4C which hasn't gone done after 2 doses of calpol!

What do I do? She's hasn't been sick and there's no obvious illness e.g. Rash, ear pulling etc.

She's in a sleeping bag in bed now with just a long sleeve vest on underneath, no blanket. Is that too much? Too little?

I'm at a loss and feel like crying Sad

OP posts:
Original poster
LouBlue1507 · 02/01/2017 23:22

Hi all!

DD seems much better! She's just had another 3oz and a wet nappy. Temperature (underarm) is now 37.2C. I can tell she's feeling better because she was pinching my nose and giggling! Grin

Thanks for all your conern and advise! You mumsnetters are fab! Flowers

OP posts:
Sweets101 · 02/01/2017 23:33

Glad she's seeming better OP and thanks for the update. I was hoping you'do come back!

icelollycraving · 02/01/2017 23:36

Aww glad she's feeling better Smile

bumbleymummy · 02/01/2017 23:45

Glad she's feeling better.

A lot of advice was being given that doesn't tie in with current NICE guidelines for treating fever. This is worth a read

Just highlighting a few:

"Tepid sponging is not recommended for the treatment of fever. [2007]"

"1.6.3 Drug interventions to reduce body temperature

1.6.3.1 Consider using either paracetamol or ibuprofen in children with fever who appear distressed. [new 2013]

1.6.3.2 Do not use antipyretic agents with the sole aim of reducing body temperature in children with fever. [new 2013]

1.6.3.3 When using paracetamol or ibuprofen in children with fever:

continue only as long as the child appears distressed

consider changing to the other agent if the child's distress is not alleviated

do not give both agents simultaneously

only consider alternating these agents if the distress persists or recurs before the next dose is due. [new 2013]"

jinglestheelf · 02/01/2017 23:58

Would recommend getting an ear thermometer instead of underarm, they're a lot more accurate. Our GP and everyone we've seen is hospital uses them. Pleased she seems to have picked up.

BakeOffBiscuits · 03/01/2017 08:09

So pleased she's on the mend.Smile

Original poster
LouBlue1507 · 03/01/2017 22:16

So DD has been out of sorts all day again today Sad Temp was 38.8 before calpol at 8:30. Stripped down and temp came down to 37.9.

Phoned NHS Wales direct.. Told to wait for a nurse to call.. Nurse calls and tells me to ring out of hours.. Call out of hours and now waiting for another nurse to call in a 45 minute queue! Getting passed from pillar to post! Angry

OP posts:
icelollycraving · 03/01/2017 22:34

Oh dear. Is she in pain? The thing is, the temp is there for a reason. Calpol etc will help in managing it. Fingers crossed they call you soon.

Original poster
LouBlue1507 · 03/01/2017 22:58

They've called back and suggested making a gp appointment in the morning!
I'm glad they're not too worried about her! Mind at rest a bit

OP posts:
icelollycraving · 03/01/2017 23:01

Well that's good. Hopefully you'll all get some rest. It's horrible when they are teeny & unwell.

Temporaryname137 · 03/01/2017 23:03

Oh no Op, what a shame. Is she teething? Dd always seems to get a temp at night when there's teeth on the horizon.

jingles - I bought an expensive ear thermometer for this exact reason when we had the MMR jabs (which after all my panicking DD didn't even notice, apart from the initial pricks). Only noticed recently that it says on the box not to use ear thermometers for children under 5!! Do you have one that can be used on v young children - where did you get it? Thanks!

ScarlettDarling · 03/01/2017 23:05

Ah, sorry your poor little lamb is still feeling poorly. Glad you rang 111 and think it's good advice to get the gp to check her over tomorrow.

I'm not a medical professional and I can't see your dd, but what you're describing doesn't sound hugely concerning at this stage. It sounds like one of the many viruses that babies and children pick up so very regularly. It's horrible when they're tiny and can't tell you what's hurting or bothering them. All you can do is keep a close eye, keep up with the calpol and seek further advice if she gets worse.

Hopefully she'll be back to her usual self very soon.

acquiescence · 03/01/2017 23:08

If the temp does not come down after giving a dose of ibuprofen and calpol together and stripping her off call 111. If it does a little then don't worry at all and get her checked out at GP in the morning.

My 13mo LB gets temperatures of up to 39 when he is teething. Gp says it is unusual but not unheard of, it was v worrying to start with as he would go absolutely red hot, but no other symptoms and after a few days a tooth pops through. It first happened around 5 months. Lots of fluids and a bath may help.

cx5221 · 03/01/2017 23:08

Definately make an emergency appointment with the GP tomorrow but if you dd is unwell overnight tonight or if her temperature spikes take her to be seen in a&e.

It will always be taken seriously when a baby/child has a temperature but no obvious cause of infection.

IwillrunIwillfly · 03/01/2017 23:16

Hope your dd improves soon. Trust your instincts in terms of getting her seen. None of us can see her to tell how she is.

A temperature in a young child without a clear cause (like a cold or tummy bug etc) needs checking out to rule out more sinister cause. Most likely just a virus but if youre worried insist she is seen tonight. If all is well tonight and you go to the gp tomorrow, take a urine sample with you. No easy way to collect one is babies other than waiting with her nappy off and a sterile container and being ready to catch!

auntyemaily · 04/01/2017 19:45

How's she doing now op?

Original poster
LouBlue1507 · 05/01/2017 01:07

Hi! DD saw GP this morning and it's a viral infection. I've been prescribed ibuprofen which has brought DDs temperature down but she herself is worse. She hasn't fed properly once Sad She only has a few sips of milk or 1oz if I'm lucky. Her are dry and she won't sleep unless she's in my arms Sad So she's been in my arms all day and night, if I put her down its a piercing scream and I can't settle her unless I'm holding her.

I'm at a loss, I've never felt so useless Sad

OP posts:
Original poster
LouBlue1507 · 05/01/2017 01:07

*her nappies are dry.

OP posts:
cx5221 · 05/01/2017 01:12

If I were you I'd be tempted to take her up to a&e to be checked. She has deteriorated since this morning, inconsolable unless you're holding her and is showing signs of dehydration. I'm an ex a&e nurse and would advice you to come up to be checked if you phoned me with that history.

cx5221 · 05/01/2017 01:12

If her nappies are dry definitely a&e

GlitteryFluff · 05/01/2017 01:16

Oh poor thing
I'd at least call 111 again

londonrach · 05/01/2017 01:18

Take her in to a&e lou. Is her mouth dry. Wet nappies? Whats the soft spot on her head like. Personally id get in the car and take her in as id rather get her checked over and id be worried about that scream. I have dd similar age to your dd. Hope your dd is better soon x

cx5221 · 05/01/2017 01:20

Don't mess about with 111 op just go straight to a&e she sounds quite poorly. You could be waiting hours for 111 to call you back
I wouldn't hesitate

ALLthedinosaurs · 05/01/2017 01:24

My god do not ever cool bathe or tepid sponge a baby (or child or anyone really) she is so small that she'll lose body heat quickly and get a rebound temp. It's dangerous and outdated advice.

I know that's not what this thread is about but... just don't do it.

I hope DD is feeling better soon OP. It's a horrible feeling when they are tiny and poorly and a difficult call with regards when to get advice.

How long have her nappies been dry for? Have you spoken to 111?

Verticalvenetianblinds · 05/01/2017 01:26

its been a few days now. how is her temp?im afraid id do a and e if its still high. good luck!