ds is always ill - when to worry?

[snickersnack]

I know small children get ill a lot, but recently ds (2.5) has been getting sick (high temp, listless, no appetite) every fortnight. It lasts about 4 days and knocks him for six, and completely screws up his sleeping for about a week after.

He isn't even at nursery, due to start in March, though he could be picking things up from dd (5) or various playgroups and classes, I suppose.

He has a recurring tonsil problem but it isn't always diagnosed by the doctor as tonsillitis.

I just wonder at what point I should say to the GP that I don't think this is right and that it's something I'd like them to look in to. I don't want to be overly neurotic but he's spending yet another day today lying on me being sad and miserable and we were in this position only two weeks ago.

You know your child best, so if you feel there is something wrong then you are probably right. So refer to GP and if necessary seek a second opinion from another GP.

I agree with nannynick - if you feel he's ill enough to see the GP, take him and tell them your worries.

It does sound a lot to be ill, actually.

My son is similar, a bit younger but sick all the time. He has been as you describe your DS for the last month or so, it turned into an ear/chest infection which I think had been brewing for a while.

If he has recurring problems with his tonsils, he might ultimately need them out, my friend's DS just had his out at 4 1/2. He wasn't ill as such, but got very thin and pale and is a different child since. Not trying to worry you about it, just that something as simple as a tonsil problem can effect them so much. Don't worry about something more serious until you have ruled out the obvious.

Also meant to say, go with your insinct. I know when DS is ill and I know his particular symptoms, so I don't worry that doctors will think I am neurotic. They rely on us to decide when to ask for advice and I am almost always right.

Thanks everyone. We had a rough night so am going to take him to the out of hours GP today then will make an appt to see our GP and discuss it properly.