Obsessed with checking temperature of my 6y/o

[AlwaysFlappable]

So, my little boy has been unwell recently. He's had a fever ranging from 38.3 to 39.9. He started on Amoxicillin last Friday and on that night his temperature dipped to 35. Can honestly say ive been more scared! I saw a doctor at out of hours urgent care on saturday following a call to 111. Who said his drop was probably from sweating and not to worry. As of yesterday (boxing day) he's had what I consider a low temperature (35.9 - 36.3 ear).

I know this is within normal range but anything under 36.5 seems really low. Should I still be concerned? I can't seem to put the thermometers down and have started checking both orally and armpit!!

I'm just looking for reassurance. I do suffer from health anxiety.

I think anyone would be scared if their lo had a temp of 39.9- it’s great it’s come down. Please try not to worry, give 111 a call to ease your mind.

Is he better in himself? Eating/drinking/playing or a little lethargic? he’s probably shattered bless him.

Thank you for replying @Suzi888

He's so much better in himself. He's eating now and drinking plenty and he's been on the go all afternoon. I just can't leave him alone. I'm constantly looking at him and expecting him to suddenly become poorly. I absolutely hate feeling like this x

DD’s temperature usually bounces around and goes a bit low when she’s recovering from a high one, it’s like the body trying to reset itself. Unless his symptoms get worse I wouldn’t worry too much. The first few times it happened I was very freaked out as well!

I’ve got 3 types of thermometer and they give - sometimes very - different results so perhaps it’s not even accurate. Especially the forehead scan one. About as accurate as a horoscope.

You need to stop before you give the poor child health anxiety too. Get a grip

@Cuppasoupmonster yes it's really freaking me out. My OH keeps telling me to leave him alone because I'll know when he's poorly again.

@FloorWipes I usually just stick to the Braun ear one but today I've duck out my other Braun digital one to check orally and under the arm.

Nhs webpage say 36.4 is the normal for most children.

I have suffered from health anxiety so I understand.

Your checking of the temperature is fueling your anxiety. It's like a feedback loop.

I'm not going to say stop doing that because I know it's not that simple. But how about we compromise and say that you will only check his temperature once every two hours during the day and one more time before you go to sleep?

It's also worth remembering that fever by itself is not a cause for concern. Fever is your body's immune system doing what it needs to fight off the infection / virus.

Your child's presentation is a far more important indicator of how unwell they are.

What I do (I’m not medically trained by the way this is just mum experience):
Check the colour of her finger and toenails - if they’re pink, that’s good
Get into bed with her to act as a hot water bottle and wrap her in extra blankets - she usually warms up a bit within an hour

Please also remember that body temperature fluctuates naturally over the course of the day peaking between 9pm and midnight after which it drops before rising again later in the day. (That's why you often feel better in the morning and then feel much worse in the evening.) So by taking his temperature a lot you are going to get many different readings. If little one appears OK and not out of sorts then please give him a break!

@DontFeatureMeOnSocialMedia it's horrible isn't it. You're just waiting for the worst thing to happen.

He's gone to bed. I havent checked again. E says he feels "super" and i believe him. I've put the thermometers away and I'll leave them downstairs tonight. He finishes his antibiotic tomorrow. Thanks for all replies. Yes, I know I need to get a grip! And I will. I've actually been doing so much better lately but this last couple of weeks has had both myself and my two boys poorly. The youngest one has just taken its toll on my anxiety levels a bit.

What strategies do you use to help with the anxiety OP? Go back to those.

@Wolfiefan I will go back to my coping strategies. I usually lean into my anxieties a little (they're usually centred around my health/what would happen to my boys if something happened to me) so I used to keep a journal of any symptoms etc. I usually keep extremely busy throughout my day, I get out for a walk, avoid caffeine, limit social media and do lots of reading. Plus Sertraline helps!
As I said with all 3 of us being poorly for the last couple of weeks and the usual stress of the festive period my focus has been (a little too much) on the boys.

It’s always useful to just check in and make sure you’re doing what you need to. Anxiety sucks.

As a PP said. Go with how the child is within themselves. The fact he also says he's fine, that's reassuring. It's good the high temp has infact come down.
My eldest temp normally day to day sits around 35.9-36.3. And that's his normal and its perfectly fine! Don't panic and stress yourself more. I know it's easier said than done as I also have health anxiety triggered my traumatic experiences health wise. I sometimes get worried when it reads 35.9 for example but it is literally just his normal range. He's fine within himself. X

I was like this two weeks back with my toddler.also have severe health anxiety. Try to wean yourself off the thermometer, now he’s better, just use the back of your hand and go by how he is acting and behaving.