Watch and wait or see a GP?

[NameChangeNumpty]

Due to nhs being stretched I don’t like to bother our GP unless totally necessary so after advice on if it’s needed in this instance.

My 11 year old son has suddenly (within last week - 10 days) started saying he’s cold all the time. To the point he has goosebumps and needs a dressing gown / fleece blanket when the rest of us are in T-shirt’s. Also sleeping 12 - 13 hours a night when it used to be about 8. Plus he’s always hungry and can’t seem to get enough food.

My first instinct was virus but having been over a week I was a bit

He looks a bit “eye-ee” if you know what I mean, kind of glasses eyed tired.

I want you my cheeky happy chap back. He’s even too tired to do football training or go on the trampoline.

Gp.

Yep I agree. Could be growth spurt but being cold could be a fever, and that would explain fatigue. Check it out.

GP. Has he been ill recently? Check against the symptoms for sepsis.

Has he been weeing more than normal? Weight loss?

Or could be thyroid?

perhaps iron, how is the red under his eyes?

No other signs of illness drinking a bit more but he barely used to drink so it’s not a lot, just more than he did before. Pink under eyes as usual too. He’s usually such a bundle of energy. I thought the tiredness could be due to starting high school but that wouldn’t explain the feeling cold and hunger.

I’ll take him on Monday and see what they say.

Thanks everyone

@NameChangeNumpty I'm concerned he's showing some symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes. Please don't leave it until Monday. Out of hours GP or ED if possible.

I’ve got to work today but my husband will take him to the urgent care centre. Thanks all for the advice

Just to update.

He’s not diabetic thank goodness but he was really dehydrated bless him which was why he was very tired

Oh poor boy,

What caused the dehydration op? Did they do bloods?? How is he??

Not drinking enough at school?

I can remember when I started at senior school always being thirsty.

No bloods done but urine dip tests etc which is how they ruled out diabetes as he didn’t have sugar in his urine. They said he has a UTI which can go hand in hand with dehydration. No idea how or where he got that but he’s got some medicine and is a bit brighter now. Still tired but not excessively so

Just realised I haven’t changed my name from name change post sorry if there is any confusion

A Urine dip is not particularly sensitive and won't pick up anomalies in the early stages of Type 1. If you're still concerned or he is still not right, please pop to your GP and ask for a blood glucose test (done with a tiny fingerprick).

Please watch out for the following red flag symptoms...

The 4Ts of type 1 diabetes are:
• Toilet. The need to go to the toilet more frequently.
• Thirsty. Excessive thirst which results in increased fluid intake.
• Tired. Feeling extra tired, lethargic or having fatigue.
• Thinner. An increased appetite that is not satisfied by eating more.

Thought I’d give an update here.

DS is still feeling poorly even though he’s finished his medicine. I stuck him on the scales and found he’s lost 3lbs in a month despite shoving the food in. Got the doctors at tonight’s evening clinic and insisting on a blood test to rule out diabetes.

Really worried for him now. He’s usually such a healthy, active lad so to see him so lethargic is sad and worrying.

You're doing the right thing. Hope all goes well and you start to get some answers.

I hope you got some answers.

Thanks for the update. Let us know how you get on x