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Original poster

Raging temperature but told to wait it out!

29 replies

AlwaysFlappable · 14/12/2022 20:35

I'm looking to be talked down, I know I'm spiralling and falling down a Google rabbit hole.
My 6 y/o has complained of tummy ache when he got up. His temperature was 38.8 which came down slightly but shot up to 39.6 this afternoon.
I rang 111 and received a call back a couple of hours later. Was very impressed because I know they're busy.
The doctor I spoke to wasn't overly concerned and said it was more than likely viral. He said to give it 24/48 hours if he's the same then contact my own GP, if he's worse then go to the walk in centre... my son was a asleep when I spoke to him. Rousable but very reluctant. His temp came down to 38.6 but has since gone back up to 39.1.

I feel so out of my depth tonight. I'm obviously worried about strep A but also possible appendicitis. The doctor did say if it was that then nothing would be done straight away anyway...??

I'm just looking for reassurance from others in the same boat. He's having calpol and nurofen but I don't know what else to do.

OP posts:
UnicornZebra · 14/12/2022 20:54

Two of my dc have had temperatures in the 39s yesterday and today - dds went very near 40 and she vomited but she is feeling better now 48hrs after it started. I think if it was appendicitis he would be in very bad pain - not just a tummy ache?

Sameshitdifferentdayx · 14/12/2022 20:54

How severe is the tummy pain? Is he in tears with it, or just the odd mention? Still playing etc?
No other symptoms than tummy ache and a temp? X

wibblewobbleball · 14/12/2022 20:56

Does the temp come down with ibuprofen or paracetamol? Has he had plenty of fluids, and is he passing urine?

Blondlashes · 14/12/2022 21:01

Maybe this is useful www.what0-18.nhs.uk
useful twitter thread about fever in children. twitter.com/apsmunro/status/1602726632862715904?s=46&t=MLy0UQMQKKzO3HPyPdHAnw

serenghetti2011 · 14/12/2022 21:11

your poor wee man op, I’m sure he’ll be ok,
With the tummy pain try a pain scale - 1-10 if he can or smiley faces - Google.

Does paracetamol or ibuprofen bring down his temp?

is he managing fluids or diet or both
is he passing urine

can he watch tv or play or is he lethargic and sleepy, or complaining of increasing pain grumbling and unsettled etc

I always look at my child and think of these things rather than looking at a number on a thermometer etc usually settles me down and gives me perspective. Would they do anything different in hospital than you could do at home?. You know him best and if you’re worried absolutely get him seen. It’s hard not to worry just now with the strep A going about though.

frampan6 · 14/12/2022 21:21

When my daughter had this it was a UTI she had a high temp and complained of tummy pain plus vomiting. I don't know how common they are in boys though? I'm guessing less so. I'd be tempted to go to the GP in the morning if he still has tummy pain.

Fleur405 · 14/12/2022 21:24

I found this YouTube vid I very useful (they are both doctors). I know it’s worrying snd definitely right to keep a close eye but a fever itself is not usually anything to panic about.

Fleur405 · 14/12/2022 21:25

Basically what serenghetti2011 said!

Itisbetter · 14/12/2022 21:27

Is he drinking/eating/peeing?

Original poster
AlwaysFlappable · 14/12/2022 21:27

Thank you all for the replies. I felt so silly for posting. Its the odd mention of a tummy pain - for the last couple of days before he's been leaving bits of food saying he's full (very unlike him). I forgot to mention that I gave him lactulose earlier as I thought he might be constipated as I haven't seen his poo in the toilet for a few days (forgetful flusher, TMI). He did manage to pass a poo which looked quite constipated. So, I'm hoping this is the cause.

He's had a few cold symptoms (sneezing, snotty nose) no sore throat or rashes.

He's normally on the go constantly but he's barely moved today. He's been lying on the sofa. His temperature is 39.4 at the moment. He had calpol at 6:30 - it's had very little effect. I'll give him nurofen now.

As I said I'm panicking. I've been in tears to my mum because I just don't know what else to do.

OP posts:
Original poster
AlwaysFlappable · 14/12/2022 21:29

@Itisbetter he is drinking. I'm very pushy. I bought him fruit shoots as I know he won't refuse them! He did have a bit of soup for lunch with some bread but refused dinner.

OP posts:
WorldLeaderPretend · 14/12/2022 21:31

Sore throats are often experienced as tummy pain in children. Take a look at his throat with a torch.

Appendicitis doesn't tend to present with high fever in the early stages. My child had intussuception (telescoped bowel) and never had a fever. Severe pain, nausea, vomiting, pain on release of a press in the area.

Itisbetter · 14/12/2022 21:54

Keep pushing the juice. Ice lollies and jelly are good too. Soft familiar food in small portions. Change bedding and a gentle warm bath if he feels a bit better. It’s really hard looking after sick littles.

hopskijump · 14/12/2022 22:06

What is your main concern? The fever or appendicitis?

For appendicitis I think you have to watch and wait but agree the pain would be pretty bad if it is.

There are lots of glands in the tummy which is why kids who have viruses often say they have tummy pain,

For the fever treat the child not the number, regular meds, push fluids and rest! Having a fever is not in itself concerning it's the bodies natural defence

MithrilCostsMore · 14/12/2022 22:10

The fever isn't good but it's not THAT bad. My god daughter currently has a temp of 41° that comes down with calpol but goes back up again. GP saw her and prescribed antibiotics.as long as he is drinking and passing urine I wouldn't be too concerned although personally I'd be setting my alarm to check them every hour of the night.

alittleadvicepls · 14/12/2022 22:11

Both my boys (6 yrs and 11 months) had temperatures of 39.5+ for a solid 48 hours. It would only come down to mid 38s with paracetamol and then would climb back up. On day 3 their temperatures came down to 38+ and stayed there for another 24 hours. Eventually on day 4 it dropped to 37+ and they perked up a bit. I just assumed it was something viral, lots of rest and I woke them up during the night for sips of water, temperature checks and paracetamol. Kids are so resilient! Good luck!

alittleadvicepls · 14/12/2022 22:13

Just saw your update that he’s eating. That’s great! Mine didn’t eat anything at all! I was starting to freak out but just focused on water. As long as he’s in ok form I wouldn’t focus so much on his temperature 😊

Original poster
AlwaysFlappable · 15/12/2022 02:39

@hopskijump main concern is his temperature. It always points to something underlying.

His temps at 39 now. I have him here where I can keep an eye on him. I will be calling my GP first thing - if I can get through!

OP posts:
Original poster
AlwaysFlappable · 16/12/2022 05:00

Good morning all! Just wanted to update about my boy. I took him to A&E yesterday morning. His temperature had come down but panic mode clicked in when I noticed a rash on his back (fine and red) and a hives type rash on his legs.
He was examined and the doctor said that she was sure it's just viral. Soft tummy with no pain of examination. And the rash could be a reaction to the virus or something else!
He's up this up this morning and he's absolutely covered in an itchy hives type rash. Now panicking about other things (when does it end???). Is it something I've given him. I keep wondering if it's the nurofen, is it the calpol??
His temperature has come right down to between 37.6 and 36.6. He's bright and (super) chatty at 4am!! But this rash looks horrendous. I'm taking comfort in the fact it's a mild reaction compared to some. I've given him piriton and put some calamine lotion on his feet (as that's the only place he'd let me put it)
Any advice? Part of me wants to take him back or at least to the walk in centre. It's pointless even trying to contact my GP surgery unless it's an online form that will be dealt with ASAP but can take as long as 3 days!

Sorry for the long waffly post but I feel like I'm second guessing myself or im missing something. I won't be giving him nurofen - im not sure why but something tells me it's this!

OP posts:
Blackeyesbluetears · 16/12/2022 05:20

Viruses can be scary. As long as he isn't lethargic and is drinking then chances are he will recover. X

Blackeyesbluetears · 16/12/2022 05:21

That should say recover without any medication etc

FangedFrisbee · 16/12/2022 05:59

Does the rash feel like sandpaper? Because that's indicative of scarlet fever

Herejustforthisone · 16/12/2022 09:53

Viral rashes are really normal. His temperature has come right down, suggesting his body has combatted whatever the issue was. keep on top of his analgesics and the rash will fade. He’s bright and chatty, that’s the best sign.

Don’t be afraid of fevers, they’re not dangerous in themselves, they just make them feel like crap. And it’s a great sign that their body is responding correctly to a pathogen and is trying to beat it.

Original poster
AlwaysFlappable · 16/12/2022 10:22

@FangedFrisbee the rash isn't sandpapery. It's hives. It's patches of what looks like nettle stings which then become red and flat.

Just when one area has cleared another pops up. And it's so very itchy. He's fine in himself and I can tell he feels generally better because now he's refusing my constant checking!!

Thank you so much for all of your advice

OP posts:
WorldLeaderPretend · 16/12/2022 23:46

Ok, so hives reactions are very common to viruses in toddlers. Basically the immune system gets a bit over enthusiastic. It's not an allergy (very probably), it's an immune system over reaction to the virus he has had. 3 of my kids had similar reactions to viruses as toddlers. The hives went all around their bodies (except face) twice, then disappeared. It's not a worry.