Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2 3

Original poster

To have completely lost confidence in my GP?

51 replies

LittleRed53 · 20/08/2020 13:12

(Sorry for the long post but didn't want to end up dripfeeding)

My 2yo DD has been suffering with a mystery condition for 2 months now. It started with one tiny sore spot on her head, with a crust on it, and swollen lymph nodes. It didn't get better and she developed a couple more crusts, so we took her to our GP; unfortunately he was on holiday and we got an intern, who gave us an antiseptic and said it was 'Nothing to worry about.'

I was concerned by her dismissal of it, and after over a week of treating it as prescribed and it only getting worse, we went back, and got our GP this time. He wasn't completely sure what it was (according to my husband who has handled all the appointments- we have an EBF 2 month old and we're always in the waiting room for an hour or more so agreed it makes sense for him to take DD), but prescribed an antibiotic (Amoxicillin) and more antiseptic.

DD did NOT like the antibiotic, but using a variety of tricks and methods we got through the 6 day course, but her condition did not improve. She has also had diarrhea from day 1 from the antiobiotic.

Went back to the GP again, he said he thought it was a staph infection; prescribed another course of the same antibiotic, more antiseptic and a special skin treatment to do on her scalp each day.

DD was pretty well fed up of the antibiotic, and I really did not like the thought of giving 2 courses to such a young child, but DH said GP knows what he's talking about, and we just had to do it. So again, every trick in the book was employed, we overcame plenty of tears and got through the 6 days again. Again, no improvement.

Took her back to the GP, and he then said it is impetigo, prescribed the EXACT same thing as on the second visit- so now we're 2 days into a THIRD course of the same antibiotic, and I can't see any change for now. DD is now getting so upset by having to take the medicine that she is starting to scream and cry as soon as mealtime approaches (and she has always been a wonderful eater). She is consistently gagging and spitting out at least a part of the dose since we started this third course- and I can't blame her, she hated it from day 1 and has now been on it for almost 3 weeks

I'm out of tricks, out of motivation as I don't see why it would work now after 2 failures, and so stressed at how it's affecting DD (not only making her hate mealtimes, but I dread to think what it has done to her digestive system). I don't even see the point in continuing with it now, and I don't want to take her back to the GP again, as I've now lost all trust in him as a doctor. Seriously, 3 rounds of antibiotics for a 2 year old, without running a single test or anything to even confirm what it's supposed to be treating? He's been our GP for over 10 years and I've always had a very good opinion of him, but this has ruined that.

DH has a high opinion of our GP and while he's not really thrilled, he thinks we should just do what he says. It already ended up in a big argument when he got back from the last appointment and I was so unhappy with the prescription.

I'm going to ask DH if we can at least take DD to a naturopath or homeopath, to at least get a second opinion and something other than more antibiotics!

I'm at my wits end and so disappointed with our GP!

YABU- I would stick with the GP
YANBU- I would be looking for another opinion

OP posts:

Hellbentwellwent · 20/08/2020 13:16

Ugh, is it that yellow liquid antibiotic in a bottle? My ds has it prescribed a few times in his first couple of years and I remember calling the gp in tears that I couldn’t get him to take it. It’s bloody awful stuff and he still remembers it and talks about it.
No help sorry... just sympathising!

Original poster

LittleRed53 · 20/08/2020 13:22

I appreciate the sympathy, HellBent!

It's the white chalky looking stuff. As soon as I opened the first bottle, the smell brought back my own childhood memories of the horrible stuff!

OP posts:

RiteAid · 20/08/2020 13:26

FFS don’t take her to a naturopath or homeopath - that is NOT real medicine and will categorically not help her.

But I do think you should seek a second opinion from another GP. Is there another one at your surgery?

Eslteacher06 · 20/08/2020 13:27

I'd ring the GP and ask to try another one. My daughter had one that smells of orange peel when she was a year old. Absolutely awful stuff. They changed it to one that smelt of strawberries and it was much better. We found out after the orange stuff she was allergic to penicillin though.

There are others available though

PicsInRed · 20/08/2020 13:28

It does sound like impetigo, but I would ask them to culture it to test for antibiotic susceptibility. In order words, to ensure it isn't resistant to the antibiotics you are being prescribed.

YorkshireTeaIsTheBest · 20/08/2020 13:33

I'd go back to the GP and explain that after now three course of antibiotics -there is no improvement and could you please be referred to a dermatologist or a culture taken. Impetigo can be resistant to antibiotics. It should take about 3 weeks for an improvement. 2 months is too long.

Are you keeping her sores covered? Is she scratching? As you can re-infect yourself etc.

worriedmama1980 · 20/08/2020 13:34

Honestly it took three courses of the same antibiotic at Christmas to make a skin infection go away on my then-15 month old, so I don't think its necessarily a crazy idea she might need more. How much is she spitting out? Because that could be a factor too. Though I think we got a stronger dose rather than just the same dose again.

I've had to hold down a screaming fighting child to get antibiotics into them, I know its unfortunate, but I think you just need to keep going with the GP. Maybe see another one next time for the comfort of a second opinion but in all honesty you're most likely to get a different antibiotic if this one still isn't taking rather than tests. Do NOT go to a homeopath, honestly, we had cellulitis and skin infections can become quite dangerous, and hard to shake: it can take a while to get the right antibiotic but its most likely what she needs.

We have had trips to GP, children's hospital, GP again for a few ailments and have had far more antibiotics than I'm happy with but sometimes they're necessary. I'd recommend talking to the pharmacist about probiotics, and maybe even ideas to get it into her or alternative but similar antibiotics that might be easier to tolerate/hide. We were hugely relived to be proscribed the berry flavour one you can hide in porridge instead of the bright yellow one she spat up everywhere, for instance.

MilleniumHallsWalledGarden · 20/08/2020 13:35

I'm going to ask DH if we can at least take DD to a naturopath or homeopath, to at least get a second opinion

Yep, yabvu. Neither would be at all qualified to offer an opinion on a medical issue. If you want a second opinion then see another doctor.

YorkshireTeaIsTheBest · 20/08/2020 13:35

You might want to try a lolly - numbs the mouth slightly, before you give her meds and mix it with fruit flavoured yogurt -that might help too.

Imworthit · 20/08/2020 13:36

To long didn't read. Sorry!

but my old doctor thought my mum was a hypochondriac, we were just really sickly kids. Change Gps

worriedmama1980 · 20/08/2020 13:36

Also: you said she's had two 6-day courses and is now on day 2 but its been going on for two months, so were there gaps between the courses? If she's only had 2 weeks in total (14 days) of antibiotics that doesn't seem crazy to me it might take more, but if they've been spread out over two months that makes it even less likely. I'd say you'd want to go back or at least ring up a day before the course is due to end if no improvement and make sure you're clear on what to do next.

YorkshireTeaIsTheBest · 20/08/2020 13:38

Here has some tips. Taste buds are at the back - I would suggest mixing it with yogurt and honey for example - www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/11990Pmedicine.pdf

TinyTornado · 20/08/2020 13:39

Infections are funny things and don’t always respond to first course of treatment. It takes 2 or 3 goes sometimes so in that sense YABU. However there may be a different antibiotic that it might respond better too, did you ask your Dr about changing it?
Could he prescribe a topical antibiotic instead.
There is a pretty decent non prescription one I get on Amazon ‘Brulidene’ that seems to do a good job of clearing up minor skin infections. It’s about £3. Might be worth a go?
Have you had a google of impetigo, does it look like it? If not perhaps see what it does look like and discuss this on next visit to GP.
A naturopath/homeopathic is unlikely to be much help I suspect (these probably only have placebo effect at best)

Ozgirl75 · 20/08/2020 13:39

My son had impetigo, a few little sores on his face and hands but after about 24 hours on antibiotics it had gone. We also had to do a skin wash, I forget exactly what it was but it was to get rid of staph on the skin as apparently they keep reinfecting themselves. Also had to do a cream up the nostrils as that was where one of the sores was.
Did they give you the antibiotic wash and cream too? Our Dr was very clear that we needed to do all three to get rid of it.

Imworthit · 20/08/2020 13:39

@MilleniumHallsWalledGarden

I'm going to ask DH if we can at least take DD to a naturopath or homeopath, to at least get a second opinion

Yep, yabvu. Neither would be at all qualified to offer an opinion on a medical issue. If you want a second opinion then see another doctor.

Homeopathy Isn't real. It's a con for desparate people. Please see a qualified doctor

Allnightlong2016 · 20/08/2020 13:40

Can you post a photo of it? We went through something similar and required a dermatology referral to get a diagnosis.

Ozgirl75 · 20/08/2020 13:42

Get a second opinion though, but from a proper Dr, not a homeopath. They can do a swab and figure out what it is. It’s not molluscum is it? Google that too. That doesn’t respond to antibiotics as it’s a virus.

endofthelinefinally · 20/08/2020 13:42

Don't waste your money on a naturopath or homeopath.
If you are planning to spend money see a paediatrician.

parietal · 20/08/2020 13:44

homeopathy or naturopathy won't do anything. it is not medicine, just woo.

do get an appointment with a different GP

12309845653ghydrvj · 20/08/2020 13:49

What are you thinking??? I was originally going to vote YANBU, thinking it might be a good idea of this third course doesn’t work, but YABVVU to end an antibiotic course part way through—when your doctor is telling you she has a hard to shift infection, so not a shocker it takes 3 courses, and YABU (extremely) to decide a quack can help?!??

Follow the third course. Make sure it is taken properly. If no improvement, straight back to GP and ask for appointment with specialist.

You’ve already tried homeopathy, as presumably your daughter drinks water most days.

Spam88 · 20/08/2020 13:52

I'd stick with the GP. Overpriced water from a homeopath isn't going to do anything.

You can speak to the dr or pharmacist about getting a different antibiotic/different flavour if she really won't tolerate it.

ColdToesHere · 20/08/2020 13:55

Ask the GP for a different flavour antibiotic. And only see properly qualifed medical staff. Anything else is a con

Amimissingsomethinghere · 20/08/2020 13:56

My son who is 2.5 has had multiple courses of antibiotics due to ear infections. My foolproof way is to dispense some in either a squeezy yoghurt pouch or fruit pouch (which is loves)! I take a little out of the pouch so there is room then carefully dispense the right amount in and give it a good mix squeezing the pouch with the lid back on. He is none the wiser and it works.

arethereanyleftatall · 20/08/2020 13:59

Is the impetigo hurting her in any way? If it's not, I think I'd just leave it.

Ozgirl75 · 20/08/2020 14:00

@arethereanyleftatall

Is the impetigo hurting her in any way? If it's not, I think I'd just leave it.

I think it continues to spread if you leave it. I left it because I thought it was mozzie bites initially but more and more kept coming up. So I dont think you can just leave it.

Flip

1 2 3