I don’t want to live anymore. My life is an endless series of chest infections and a&e trips.

[Bunnyflop7]

Me and ds are so sickly. We spent the entire summer with the flu- him for 3 weeks then me for 3 weeks I was in hospital twice unable to breathe. Then another one. Now here we are again. I’m trying to get through to 111. Ds feels like shit. Antibiotics, steroids, recovery and then round we go again. It’s to the point now where I’m actually not wanting to meet up with other people in case they have a cold, because catching a cold means this nightmare again for us. Other people just don’t get it.

im exhausted and on my knees. I can’t do this anymore.

Have you had blood tests? You should be having them every year if you’re both ill all the time for years. Are you both a healthy weight. Being underweight or not eating enough nutrients can cause a shitty immune system.

My child with complex needs takes cefalexin every night as a prophylactic measure and we keep co amoxiclav in at all times to jump on any issues as soon as they start. It really helps to prevent multiple admissions

Whilst awaiting investigations (which you absolutely both need by the sounds of it), if I were you I would get you both on high strength vitamin D, a decent probiotic (I like Biokult) and any fermented foods you like eg live yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut etc, low to no sugar, lots of garlic in your food. Since you've had lots of antibiotics I would also take a high strength B complex and magnesium.

I recommend gargling with warm salt water daily and using either a saline nasal spray or saline nasal flush system. The only way the bugs get in is through your nose and throat so clean them frequently! Be religious about hand hygiene and not touching your face unless you've washed your hands. Nasal breathing not mouth breathing. If you can manage it a short brisk walk daily should help open your lungs and help them move secretions up and out.

Really prioritise your sleep as best as you are able to get the best from your immune system.

I take oregano oil whenever I feel anything brewing as it's a very potent natural antibiotic and hopefully helps knock anything on the head before it gets a toe hold.

As much spice, garlic, ginger, chilli, turmeric, herbs etc as you can manage.

Keep badgering the medics. This isn't right.

Don't buy fizzy vitamins- they are absolutely shite.
Follow Ryan Martin on Facebook - and improve your diet. Your health starts in your gut and also by managing your stress levels as you'll not be able to absorb vitamins properly if your stress levels are so high.
Good luck. If you want to get well you will have to put some work into it. Xx

I’m a chronic asthmatic, I have a rescue pack that is prescribed by my doctor that I use at the first sign that my regime of drugs is not keeping my asthma under control. My consultant is great, and I can ring directly to the respiratory unit if needed. I do know what you are going through as have been there myself before I was an emergency admission to hospital. Hope this all gets sorted, push for a referral !

Also if you are taking high dose oral steroids regularly maybe worth asking for a short synthecin test just to check they haven’t messed up the adrenal system. Ds has secondary adrenal insufficiency due to his steroid use so has to take regular antihistamine because his body can’t produce enough cortisone to keep him well

DS also developed this as a child, the first indication we got was him going into ketoacidosis when he had a stomach bug. DS's was related to very high dose inhaled steroids not oral ones.

So sorry to hear this, OP - it sounds awful for you and DS. Have either of you had covid at all in the last couple of years?

I only ask because I know quite a few people who are struggling to fight off illnesses now, who previously didn't have this issue, after one or more covid infections.

Yes we have both had covid. The problem pre-dates that though.

Op you are very pointedly ignoring whether the school is following up his huge absences.

Your primary concern really must be what your son is missing out on in terms of his education and indeed forming relationships with friends.

isnhis school involved? What is he doing on all these days off? In bed? TV? Gaming?

Probably because it’s none of your business. This is about illness, not attendance - so stop going on and on about it.

I understand how you feel.

A few years ago I ended up in A&E and then on a ward like clockwork every month for about 6 months. I was sick all the time, taking so many meds that they stopped working after a while. This cycle only ended after a big operation. I had to fight to get a proper diagnosis and treatment and then surgery.

I would say that you really need to push and push to get to the bottom of what is happening to you both and why you are constantly unwell. I know this is the last thing you want to do when you are tired and fed up but there has to be ways to improve the current situation.

Health comes before everything

Both mental and physical health

If he’s too unwell for school then he’s too unwell for school, so I’m not sure what point you’re trying to make here? I’m sure the OP isn’t keeping him off for fun.

If you’re an attendance officers at a school, I do hope you’re more empathetic than you appear here. I can think of any other reason that might explain why you’re so interested in someone you don’t know. It’s also pretty insulting and patronising to the OP who is obviously worried about her and her DC’s health.

Atm this 12 year old boy is repeatedly sick, 1/4 off school, a mother who is repeatedly sick and feeling suicidal, he has food issues and is suffering from acute anxiety.

my question is… is the school involved

this boy risks falling through the net in terms of his education and his mental health.

I agree that I hope the OP and her son are being supported by the school. I can’t imagine that any school would ignore 25% absence, so I hope they are offering support to the OP and her child.

@thewayround the 25% off year was about 4 years ago. He hasn’t had that much time off since-nothing like it.

the school is aware of his anxiety and is helping with it.