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Original poster

Chickenpox, really worried. Am I being dramatic.

71 replies

mommal20 · 29/12/2021 23:59

1yo son has been poorly for a few days. Really really high fever, I'm covid positive so thought maybe he'd caught that. Then this morning he was so bad I phoned an ambulance. Really really drowsy, cold hands & feet and a rash developing that wouldn't fade under a glass. My thoughts were sepsis/meningitis.

They came straight out and took him straight in. Hours later discharged with chickenpox. No blood tests or anything like that were ran.

Now ever since he really doesn't seem himself, he's slept pretty much 80% of the time, he doesn't want to play, eat or even watch TV. He doesn't want to be touched by myself or his dad. His fever is up and down and his heartbeat seems way faster than usual.

Am I being dramatic to be concerned? I didn't think the chickenpox was this bad. He's really not himself Sad I don't want to bother the NHS again if it's only chickenpox but it's not sitting right with me Hmm

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Original poster
mommal20 · 30/12/2021 00:00

Too add he is drinking plenty like milk, water squash. Just gone to change him though thinking he'd be wet through but dry as a bone which is off. The rest of the day his wee & poo has been okay but I wouldn't expect a dry nappy at this time.

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Riddlediddle · 30/12/2021 00:02

Has an LFT test been done on him? When my son had covid he was exactly as you described yours - almost in a trance-like state just staring into space and not wanting to be touched (usually a very loving boy). His heart was also racing but this was due to a very high temp that we struggled to get down. As you're positive it would be worth doing a LFT on him too if he hasn't already had one. Poor thing really hope he's on the med soon

Riddlediddle · 30/12/2021 00:03

*mend

OppsUpsSide · 30/12/2021 00:04

I think if you feel something is off you should push it further

TheDuckSaysMoo · 30/12/2021 00:04

Chicken pox can be really grim. However, with a 1yo a doctor would always prefer you to err on the side of caution. If you are worried then definitely call 111. I hope your little one feels better soon.

Original poster
mommal20 · 30/12/2021 00:04

@Riddlediddle I've tried but it's getting him so worked up, only being 1 it's really hard to do. Even tried when he's asleep and can't get it. I tested with what I did get and negative but I definitely don't think the test was done right.

Even the hospital said maybe had covid but they wouldn't test him either, probs too awkward to do. Sad

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Original poster
mommal20 · 30/12/2021 00:06

I'll give the GP a call in the morning. I'm so worried he really doesn't seem right. It's hard to know what's normal Sad

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rrhuth · 30/12/2021 00:06

If you have any concerns take him back, or at least call 111.

Really sorry to hear you are worried. You are never wasting time when you ask for advice about a baby.

INeedNewShoes · 30/12/2021 00:06

My GP always said that dry nappies are a concern. If he doesn’t wee in the next few hours I would phone 111 and see if you can at least see an OOH doctor.

Sycamoretrees · 30/12/2021 00:07

Give 111 a call, that's what they're there for. He doesn't sound well, and they are best placed to advise you if further help is required. Hope you all feel better soon.

ElinorOliphant · 30/12/2021 00:08

Yes call 111/out of hours Dr.

Some children are hospitalised with Chicken Pox,it can make them very ill. Make a list of all your concerns so you don’t forget anything.

Original poster
mommal20 · 30/12/2021 00:08

I will set an alarm for in a couple hours time and check if he's done a wee. I managed to wake him to give him a drink about an hour ago so I'm sure he should have done a wee by then. If not I'll ring 111. Thanks all Sad

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Xmasiscancelledagain · 30/12/2021 00:09

I get really annoyed with the whole 'only chicken pox' thing. My DS1 was really ill with it and it can be fatal.

If you're not happy with the doctor's response, take him back to hospital.

rrhuth · 30/12/2021 00:09

I would read up on the following pages too and check when to phone 111/GP and when to get urgent help:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-children/
www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/

If you just feel very worried, even if not certain, it is OK to ask for medical help.

ArnoldBee · 30/12/2021 00:09

Chicken pox can vary. My Dad nearly ended up in hospital after catching it off my son even though he had it as a child. Your child could have covid and chicken pox. Chicken pox is tiring.

Original poster
mommal20 · 30/12/2021 00:12

@Xmasiscancelledagain

I get really annoyed with the whole 'only chicken pox' thing. My DS1 was really ill with it and it can be fatal.

If you're not happy with the doctor's response, take him back to hospital.

Honestly I wish there was more awareness for it. I myself thought 'only' chickenpox I didn't think it could be like this. I thought it was a rash for a week and that's that. Like people have parties to catch it!? Why!? Shock
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Original poster
mommal20 · 30/12/2021 00:14

@rrhuth

Thanks, that's what I read this morning and why I called 999 due to him having a few things on that list Sad if it was like Sepsis/Meningitis they'd have caught it surely? Blush

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Lennon80 · 30/12/2021 00:17

Hard to call with little ones as they do get very I’ll very quickly and bounce back quickly too. Mine have all been different from chicken pox but it can make them quite poorly. If you are really concerned I’d personally call again. I presume they’d not have discharged if they felt it was serious - What tests did they do?

Original poster
mommal20 · 30/12/2021 00:19

@Lennon80

They checked his temp/heart rate and tested his wee. No other tests. My partner had to go with my being covid positive. He slept basically the whole time there, in a room on their own. Was given a drink, they said he needs to drink 10ml every 10 mins do a wee and then they let him go. No bloods or pinpricks or anything

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Original poster
mommal20 · 30/12/2021 00:20

When the ambulance crew took him his temp was 39.5, went down to about 38 after calpol. Just given him another dose cause it's creeping back up again

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rrhuth · 30/12/2021 00:20

[quote mommal20]@rrhuth

Thanks, that's what I read this morning and why I called 999 due to him having a few things on that list Sad if it was like Sepsis/Meningitis they'd have caught it surely? Blush[/quote]
I would just start again from scratch, try to look at him now, irrespective of the fact he was checked before - what do you think now?

If it was sepsis (I am not saying it is!) - that could start now, or tomorrow. So try to look now with fresh eyes.

Does he have the things on the list now?

loloballlolo · 30/12/2021 00:21

just give 111 a call sooner rather than later to put your mind at rest if nothing else. hugs.

rrhuth · 30/12/2021 00:23

All I am trying to say is - don't let the fact you already went once put you off going again if you feel you are concerned.

I am not trying to persuade you it is serious!

maltravers · 30/12/2021 00:23

I would take him back to a&e. He sounds quite unwell and there can be rare but dangerous complications with chickenpox which is why some countries vaccinate against it.

Original poster
mommal20 · 30/12/2021 00:23

@rrhuth

I don't think he's as bad as he was when I called 999 this morning, but still enough to be worried but I don't think it's a 999 situation right now.

His hands and feet have warmed up, he's been sleeping on and off for the past 7 hours now but he can be woken and will wake for a drink or nappy change. Breathing absolutely fine too.

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