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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask you opinion on what to do

13 replies

hmrcwoes · 20/02/2023 20:04

Yes I'm a first time mum!

DS is 3 1/2 and had a cold that came on last Sunday (not covid). Spiked a temperature on last Tuesday night.

On Friday he said his ear hurt and his temp was 39. We went to the docs who said she couldn't really see anything but couldn't be sure. Then gave us penicillin based antibiotic and said if he continues to complain of his ear give it to him on Sunday.

He hasn't mentioned his ear since even when directly asked, yesterday and today up till 3:30pm his temp was basically gone and he was back to normal. Come 3:30 he spiked again at 38.4 but was fine in himself and still is. Running about, chatting etc

What would you do? I'm really really really reluctant to give him the antibiotics because the whole family (3 generations) are badly allergic to penicillin. When I asked the doctor for an alternative given the history I was told to stop being a first time mum and get on with it. It sounds petty but we have big things coming up this weekend and I don't want a bad reaction to the antibiotics to spoil it for him (seeing family who he only gets to see a few times a year).

Would I be unreasonable given the circumstances to call the doctor tomorrow and ask for an alternative again? I know he may not be allergic but given myself, his dad, my siblings, his siblings, our parents and my grandparents are all varying degrees of allergic I feel within my rights to be cautious.

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 20/02/2023 20:06

If he hasn't complained about his ear again, I wouldn't give him the penicillin and I wouldn't ask for another antibiotic. It doesn't sound as though he needs one.

Ptemple · 20/02/2023 20:07

If he feels fine I wouldn't give him anything.

IsItBedtimeYetNope · 20/02/2023 20:07

I wouldn't ignore medical advice and I personally wouldn't have withheld the antibiotic for three days, your kid could end up with permanent hearing loss! And I say that as someone managing anaphylaxis allergies in my kids and my mum had a penicillin allergy.

Original poster
hmrcwoes · 20/02/2023 20:08

Aquamarine1029 · 20/02/2023 20:06

If he hasn't complained about his ear again, I wouldn't give him the penicillin and I wouldn't ask for another antibiotic. It doesn't sound as though he needs one.

See I'm not convinced it is an ear infection. She said one ear was red but only in a very small area which would be unusual for it to be an infection.

He's not pulling at it, complaining about it, it doesn't look red etc.

But then he doesn't feel overly feverish just that's what the reading is coming out as (tested on other family members and showing as normal)

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 20/02/2023 20:08

IsItBedtimeYetNope · 20/02/2023 20:07

I wouldn't ignore medical advice and I personally wouldn't have withheld the antibiotic for three days, your kid could end up with permanent hearing loss! And I say that as someone managing anaphylaxis allergies in my kids and my mum had a penicillin allergy.

She hasn't ignored medical advice, at all. She's done exactly what they said.

Original poster
hmrcwoes · 20/02/2023 20:08

IsItBedtimeYetNope · 20/02/2023 20:07

I wouldn't ignore medical advice and I personally wouldn't have withheld the antibiotic for three days, your kid could end up with permanent hearing loss! And I say that as someone managing anaphylaxis allergies in my kids and my mum had a penicillin allergy.

She said not to give unless he complained. She specifically said don't give before Sunday regardless!

I haven't withheld I've followed her guidance. It is only since 3:30 today his temp has gone back up

OP posts:
WhichOneOfYasHasHadAShit · 20/02/2023 20:10

My son had an ear infection at 3, he never complained at all we only knew from his temp spiking.

I would ask for other AB giving family history

Wasywasydoodah · 20/02/2023 20:10

I wouldn’t give anything either. It sounds like he’s on the mend. It’s normal to get the odd temp spike, but so long as overall there is improvement, then you’re ok to carry on as you are. Even if it is an ear infection, it’s perfectly possible for the body to fight it without antibiotics.

Blueey · 20/02/2023 20:14

I wouldn't give antibiotics at all. It hasn't got worse, and ear infections can be viral anyway. My 5yo had ear pain for a week, quite bad - just gave him calpol when it was hurting and it went away by itself. If he is in pain or hot again, then I'd go to a pharmacist and have a chat with them about the risks. This may give you back up if you do need to go to the doctor to ask for different ones.

Original poster
hmrcwoes · 20/02/2023 20:14

He's currently running about playing quite happily and refusing to go to bed. It's really strange.

Until 3:30 he was sat at 37.3 so slightly high for him but nothing we were worried about. Since then it's been up to 38.4/5 but then when you take the reading again it's 38.1 so somewhere between them!

OP posts:
Blueey · 20/02/2023 20:16

I should say as well that even a bacterial infection doesn't necessarily need antibiotics. He sounds like he's getting better. And remember a temperature isn't a problem either - it means his body is working to fight whatever it is off. I'd see how he goes 🙂

Blueey · 20/02/2023 20:17

Sorry cross posted. 38.4 isn't that high. Main thing is if he's drinking and seems OK in himself really

Original poster
hmrcwoes · 20/02/2023 20:18

Blueey · 20/02/2023 20:17

Sorry cross posted. 38.4 isn't that high. Main thing is if he's drinking and seems OK in himself really

Drinking absolutely fine. Didn't really want dinner today but ate breakfast, lunch and a packet of cookies so can't be feeling that bad! It's not ultra unusual for him to refuse dinner especially if it's something he doesn't fancy!

Weeing and pooing as normal too

OP posts:
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