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Original poster

4mo baby with swollen head/neck

59 replies

Swaliswan · 03/09/2009 08:46

DD2 has not been well for over a week. She's been snuffly, hoarse and grumpy/tired. This morning she has a swollen area at the top of her neck/base of her head on both sides of her head. I'm not sure whether to bother the doctor.

Any ideas?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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winnybella · 04/09/2009 13:49

I would go to A&E.
Could be just mumps, but I would check it out at the hospital. They will not think that you are paranoid. I went in my DD when she had borderline temp. and they kept her for 36 hrs and run blood tests to make sure it's not some nasty infection. Admittedly, she was only 3 weeks, so it's a bit different in your DD's case, still...

Original poster
Swaliswan · 04/09/2009 14:01

GP is going to phone me...

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DesperateHousewifeToo · 04/09/2009 14:08

I would always choose gp over a and e personally. I always think fewer people in the surgery = fewer germs to be exposed to and to catch

Also, one of our gps is rather dishy, although sadly, is gay

Hope the gp calls soon. I'm sure they will advise hospital if necessary.

Original poster
Swaliswan · 04/09/2009 14:15

That's what I figured. She is a good GP and has already seen DD2 so will see changes. Plus we can skip A&E if hospital necessary.

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Original poster
Swaliswan · 04/09/2009 15:09
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rubyslippers · 04/09/2009 15:11

just seen this - i would maybe go straight to A & E

if you are waiting for a call from the GP they may wait until afternoon surgery is over

Northernlurker · 04/09/2009 15:36

When did she last feed? If she's dribbling a lot and not feeding and running a fever I would start to worry about her fluid levels - can you call the GP surgery again?

Original poster
Swaliswan · 04/09/2009 15:43

She's finally managed a feed and is asleep again. I thought that their fontanelle was supposed to dip when dehydrated but DD2's is more raised than normal. Not bulging but it's normally dipped and isn't now

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Original poster
Swaliswan · 04/09/2009 15:51

GP just phoned. Appointment at 5:20...

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Original poster
Swaliswan · 04/09/2009 16:54

Now she has a swollen arm too. I'm so worried.

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RumourOfAHurricane · 04/09/2009 17:05

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Harimosmummy · 04/09/2009 17:48

I have to agree with Shineoncrazydiamond.

Unless you feel VERY happy with the GP's conclusion, take her to A&E.

I hope she's OK, let us know what the Drs say.

Original poster
Swaliswan · 04/09/2009 17:49

Doc says it's just a bug as she has glands up. Keep going with calpol and don't be surprised if she gets worse over the weekend.

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Original poster
Swaliswan · 04/09/2009 17:52

BTW, I didn't take her to A&E as I knew that the GP would see her quicker and we could get straight up to paeds if necessary if the GP saw her.

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Harimosmummy · 04/09/2009 17:53

Not sure I'd buy that if it were my 4MO, TBH.

Esp. if she is still struggling to feed.

Original poster
Swaliswan · 04/09/2009 17:56

If I wasn't feeling so rough myself everytime I get up, I would be a lot more too but I figure she must be suffering more than me.

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RumourOfAHurricane · 04/09/2009 18:46

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Northernlurker · 04/09/2009 18:49

Ok I am not a doctor but what you have there is a child of a very young age whose body is obviously resisting an infection - hence the glands and temp. Liklihood is yes this is a self limiting illness but telling you not to be surprised if she gets worse just astonishes me to be frank! PLEASE TAKE HER TO A&E at once if she gets worse. DO NOT sit at home thinking it's just to be expected and you can ride it out. She is too young for that.

How many feeds has she taken today?

cocolepew · 04/09/2009 18:50

If there is ANY change I really would take her to A&E.

RumourOfAHurricane · 04/09/2009 18:52

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Original poster
Swaliswan · 04/09/2009 18:58

NL - she's managed 3 feeds.

No, you haven't imagined it, she did say that it was fluids not glands. Today she said that there are now glands up in her throat which weren't there yesterday.

I will be taking her to A&E if I think that she is deteriorating at all as our out-of-hours service is a bit rubbish but it's a nightmare going to A&E unless you have to.

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Northernlurker · 04/09/2009 19:00

So that's probably enough milk to keep her going isn't it but if she won't feed again then don't muck about, just get her seen.

Feierabend · 04/09/2009 20:06

Oh Swali you must be having a rough time. You and DD. I agree with the others here, I'd be in A&E if she got worse at all / didn't feed in the evening. Good luck.

DesperateHousewifeToo · 04/09/2009 21:22

Glad she was seen.

I agree with everyone else, if she gets worse, take her to be seen by someone again.

Hope you feel better too.

x

Northernlurker · 05/09/2009 20:02

How has she been today?