Dear mum
Thank you for being a retired school nurse who in all your years of experience knew instantly within 5 minutes of checking your grandson he had measles.
On the phone to mum b4 doctors appointment on monday- It sounds like measles you must see the gp
Go to said appointment
1st gp words were: Ow I've never seen a rash like that b4 - its a virus but he needs some antibiotics for his tonsilitus as he has pus at the back of his mouth (sorry TMI) and spots across his mouth ( signs of measles )
Told mum over the phone about spots in his mouth- she says 'Its measles
Up all night rash getting worse go back to c gp a different one
2nd gp- ' is he allergic to antibiotics ( no doc I say, the rash appeared b4) mmmmm its a virus has he had his mmr - Yes doctor-
Well lets keep an eye on him
Mum arrives pronto - gives him the once over, looks in his mouth and yes shouts at me 'Its bloody measles '
Go back the next day see the oldest dinosaur of a doctor going - 'Good Lord he's got measles '
He's had the mmr ( this is not about the debate between having it or not)
However after the week we've had I am grateful for 2 things: my good old fashioned mum that sometimes I take for granted
And that my son had his mmr
So next time I roll my eyes when my mum preaches to me about the latest health warning or symptoms I shall listen a bit more attentively (