would you send your Child to school?

[wobblymum1]

7 years old, recurrent tonsillitis (monthly since may,I’ll every 3 weeks with it. She came down on Friday with awful cold/ cough and running fever of 38.5. Ok in herself. Dr thinks it’s viral and not tonsillitis (yet)
she’s been back at school for only 2 days ☹️☹️☹️Last year her attendance was awful due to recurrent tonsillitis. She is on wait list for ENT but it’s months away.
shes still awake now as uncomfortable despite calpol and nurofen but it’s “just” a bad cold / cough (so far)
wpikd you send her in on calpol and let teacher know to keep an eye on her? Or keep her home and have her first absence of this year so soon?
i feel I’m close to losing my mind over her mission so much school and me having to take so many days off Work eahcm to look after her ☹️☹️

I would keep her home; I couldn’t send my child to school knowing they would be more comfortable at home. Also, I don’t think the school would be too happy having to watch your child like a hawk in case she deteriorates. Keep her home, hydrated and comfortable. I was in the same position last year and had a letter from the school because my DC had surgery (2 days off school) and also covid. I would perhaps call ENT and tell them how her tonsils are interfering with her school attendance and see if you can get a cancellation appointment. I hope she feels better soon

Thank you 💞I think you’re right. She’s lying next to me feeling hot/ cold/
hot and it’s nearly 10:30. doesn’t feel right to send her in when she’s clearly unwell even if it is “just” a
virus. I think I’m just so stressed we only got over the last round of tonisllitis 2 weeks ago, we had 2 nice weeks and she’s been back at school 2
days and now she’ll be off again ☹️I feel miserable
for her and worried about how to manage yet more time off work ☹️

Personally I’d never send my child to school feeling like that. They need to rest at home with a carer. Poor thing, I hope she gets better soon. Have you looked into boosting her immunity? Some elderberry syrup or some vitamins?

also have you tested for covid? Symptoms sound very similar…

Oh I haven’t tested for
covid actually, I’ve been too obsessed with tonsillitis. Good thinking!

Thank you 💞yes I’ve tried everything to boost her immunity to no avail ☹️

Look into zinc tablets. I don't know if kids can have them. But when I was getting recurrent tonsillitis aged 18/19 they hugely helped.

Covid test is negative.
she can’t sleep, temp down to 38 on calpol+ nurofen. it’s going to be a long night ☹️

Thank you I’ll look into them

No advice, just sympathy - DD had recurrent (almost constant) tonsillitis from Christmas right up until April this year when she got them out. 11 different courses of antibiotics over 4 months! It was awful, she constantly felt rubbish, was missing out on school and activities and I was missing work. We are lucky to have private health insurance so DD was able to see an ENT consultant and have her surgery quickly. Not a pleasant recovery but she’s nearly 5 months post op and only 1 sore throat since, definitely worth it. Is it possible to even take her privately just for an initial consultation? I’ve heard lots of parents near us doing the same and then asking to be transferred over to the consultant’s NHS list for surgery. Often it speeds things up a lot so maybe something worth thinking about? Really hope your DD feels better soon, I never appreciated how rough tonsillitis could be until our experience of it! X

Thank you so much and I’m so sorry you had to go through this too ☹️I’m still up with her now as she Simply can’t sleep. I feel we can’t plan anything as she always seems to be ill it’s so miserable for us all especially her☹️I could afford a private consultation (nothing more) but didn’t know you could then asked to be transferred onto their list so that’s really helpful, thank you. I’m so glad your dd is feeling better now xx

I can see you've already decided to keep her home but just to add that I wouldn't send in with a fever, even if it's 'just' a cold so I think you are making the right decision

Thanks so much. She’s sleeping now while I attempt some work emails - think she finally fell asleep at 5 after more calpol. I keep doubting myself with it all and feel so worried about her missing school after her poor attendance last year but I know I just need to ride it out ☹️

@wobblymum1 poor you. So hard when your child is sick. You sound like you’re doing the absolute best you can for her so don’t beat yourself up. As a pp said definitely worth getting a second opinion and doing it privately if you can. How is she today?

You’re so kind. I don’t feel I’m doing a good job at all ☹️Her autistic brother is so upset I spend what feels to him (rightly) looking after her and I feel like a failure that she keeps getting ill despite me trying
to keep them healthy. Work are also getting frustrated with my
time
off
and lack of productivity ☹️I just feel I’m losing on all fronts so it’s so kind of you to say this.
shes no worse today, still hot so glad I kept her home but she’s not
too bad xxx

Thing is kids will get sick no matter how healthy we keep them so please don’t feel bad. Must be so hard for you with her brother and work too. My only advice is work will have to suck it up! Health comes first and being a mum x

That’s so kind, thank you. Going to take this advice! X

Thank you for all your excellent advice to keep her home- she spiked a fever of 39 degrees at 3 and had a headache and she‘d
still have been in school at that point ☹️Not sure yet what it is but hoping for some
More rest tonight x

@wobblymum1 how is your DD today? I hope she’s on the mend ❤️‍🩹

You’re so kind to ask.
she’s no worse, slept better but is still a bit hot and low on energy, has a wicked chesty cough. I’ve been attempting and failing to do work calls all day!

@wobblymum1 poor thing. You must be so worried. Have you tested for covid?
I hope she feels better soon x