Is this just 'normal' baby illness?

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

Silly title. I'm quite anxious over DS's (9 months) health. He was 'failure to thrive' before Christmas and in hospital for a week with an NG tube following a d&v bug.

He had the cold/ cough generally nasty bug that the whole family had a few weeks ago. After about 10 days of that was given antibiotics for suspected throat infection as he wasn't really getting better. A week after stopping those, he was poorly again. Lethargic, high temp, vomiting. GP diagnosed a chest infection on Thursday and he's on antibiotics again.

Not lethargic anymore, but refusing most breastfeeds, all water, and most solids. He is vomiting after almost every feed and has revolting nappies (leaking, runny, frequent, pale and stinky).

He has dry lips, looking a little blistered. GP again tomorrow, or is this just how a poorly baby is?

[OpheliasWeepingWillow]

Please please check:

Has your LO milk intolerance? This sounds like my dd. Failure to thrive. Constant illness. Horrible.

Also - has your LO had IGA tested? This an indicate immune issues.

[OpheliasWeepingWillow]

(both fixable BTW so don't worry but trust your instincts. I had a year of doctors telling me my dd was 'fine' until she was hospitalized five times in five months and fell of the chart)

[OpheliasWeepingWillow]

And as for immediate issues I would go to A&E.

Good luck.

[breatheslowly]

Does your DH have any contacts who are paediatricians? The medics I know seem to use this informal network to be able to call on for specialist advice, even friend of a friend type contacts. If there is someone you could give a ring and chat it over with then give it a go.

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

Back to GP this afternoon. He's no better than when we went on Monday. Crying inconsolably most of the time. Hasn't smiled for days. Arches back when I try to cuddle him and pushes away, but wants to be picked up.

It's the same GP though. He'll think I'm neurotic. Oh well.

[narmada]

Never mind if he thinks you're neurotic. Him not wanting to be cuddled or held is not normal. Sick children usually want physical comfort - I don't think you're being neurotic, and I bet no-one else who is a mum (or dad) would think you were, either.

if there is any reflux- or allergy-related inflammation of his oesophagus, then a severe throat bug could be really painful for him. I know DS was really affected by these before he got onto the PPI drugs ....

It mightn't be that at all but it does sound like the little chap needs a thorough looking at.

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

He's been given antibiotics for the ear infection that was seen on Monday and assumed to be viral. Now assumed not to be. I suppose because it hasn't improved.

He's been a bit more cheerful this evening and enjoyed his bath. Hoping for a better night.

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

Thanks for all the advice. I will follow up on it once this particular episode has passed. I do wonder about CMPI and reflux. He's a terrible, terrible sleeper at the best of times. I have not had any period of more than 3 hours unbroken sleep since he was born. A normal night is two hourly wakings.