Can children get post-viral fatigue syndrome?

[TruthSweet]

DD2 (just turned 3y/o) had a tummy bug (sickness not t'other end) on 21st Nov. She then had a highish fever with hallucinations on Wed 24th and was diagnosed with chest infection as had blood oxy of 96% and lots of crackly chest sounds at local walk-in clinic. She was given amoxycillin anti-bs (then had loose stools which I know is normal).

By Friday she was going down hill and refusing to eat/drink. She started drifting in and out of consciousness/sleep and was delirious again so MIL took us to A&E. They said she was very dehydrated and prepped her for IV fluids, she then had a huge bf and perked up so when her blood sugar was done it was 6.

DD2 had a chest X-ray which was clear so no chest infection and a urine test was done as well so no bladder infection so were told it was a virus and to just wait it out.

DD2 is still sleepy - having naps when she hasn't had a nap in the day since 18m/o and going to bed really early all by herself (normal bed time is 6.30-7 been going up at 5ish). She's not eating anything apart from a bit of fruit (strawbs/grapes/pineapple) and the occasional bread/biscuit/crisps. She also keeps whining all the time about how tired she is, how much her legs hurt and how she can't walk very well because they hurt plus general whining about everything which is not like her as she very sunny natured normally.

Can young children get post-viral fatigue? I had this after having the flu one year and had no appetite, my joints hurt, I slept all the time and I had difficulty walking & sitting.

Any advice on what I should do or should I just wait it out (if so how long?)?

Well we took DD2 to the phlebotomists at the local hospital for her blood tests after putting on the EMLA cream - they can't find her veins so she has to go to the big hospital in the next county to the children's ward

Small problem, they haven't got a phlebotomist in the children's ward so the Drs are doing the bloods and can only see 4 children a day so she can't be seen until Tuesday (it could have been so much worse though so I'm not seriously upset) so DH is having to take a day off to take us (it's going to be horrendous journey on the bus).

rockinhippy - thanks for that. Interesting about the pernicious anaemia as I had that while pg with DD3 and I think it might be back again I might investigate if it's ok with my other meds.

I've got very wide hips anyway so don't actually need a hippychick seat (I grew my own) but find it awkward to push pram and have baby on hip. DD2 spent most of the day in the pram and my mum pushed her whilst I pushed DD3 so I definitely need to organise a double.

sorry, I just realised she did see GP, that will teach me for posting when stil half asleep..hope the tests go well.

still don't know how I missed your huge post

I blank out parts of my life too so don't worry Fanjo!

I think it might be the site fanjango it keeps happening to me too this last week, had it on about half a dozen threads now, some really short, so I'm certain it wasn't just "me"

& Truthsweet yes its FINE with ANY meds, as its a superfood supplement rather than Herbal Medicine etc, but you can probably double check on drugs.com for your own peace of mind :)

phew, glad it might not have been early senility then

wondered how things were going on? Did you get the blood tests done OK? Are you any further forward? Hope she's feeling better.

Thank you for thinking of DD2.

Got blood tests done at the big hospital - while DD3 was an in-patient in the ward over the way still DD3 is home now and much better (had baby version of an asthma attack). We will get the results in about 5 days time.

DD2 still isn't better unfortunately but no worse. We have twigged that sickness and tummy pain are part of it (or occurring at the same time but fr a different reason), she had complaining of it for some time but put it down to her sisters having a sick bug after Xmas and her wanting to join in.

I took her to the hospital canteen for some lunch when she had her tests and she had her skirt waist band pulled up over her tummy Simon Cowell style. I pulled it down (fussy mother alert) and she pulled it back up because it made her tummy hurt (skirt is loose around her waist so not too tight) and she felt sick. We've now worked out she asks for food and then won't eat as her tummy doesn't feel right/feels sick/hurts. Good knows what wrong with her

We got the blood test results back today and they were normal - iron was 9.6, white blood count was normal if on the low side, Vit D levels normal so not rickets everything else was ok. Although original Dr didn't ask for ESR, rheumetism factor and something else that was needed but GP doesn't want to get more blod tests done yet as he has done an urgent referral to Paeds. cons.

As of Thursday she has started shaking/trembling on occasion and had a red finger that she said was burning (not possible for her to have burnt it) and is now refusing to wear shoes as her toes hurt (had new shoes a month ago so not that).

At least we have had rickets, anaemia and cancer ruled out though so 3 down - 400,000 other illnesses to go.....

Could this be rheumatoid arthritis? I have this and my joints feel like they are burning ang go very red. Extreme fatigue is a major part of the condition. Push for the paed to refer to a rheumatologist if there is any doubt - if it is this the sooner she starts on meds the better.
Wishing you all the best.

She definitely needs to get inflammatory and autoimmune bloodwork done, but the paed consultant will almost certainly do that. AI conditions can be triggered by relatively mild illnesses.

Do not give any supplements beyond basic multivits until she's been tested. Immune boosting supplements can be harmful with AI conditions.

She's been having these recently or Bassetts children's vitamins but no Omega 3/6/9 or other supplements. We got a sample of the Omega gummies an they were like eating lemon fish fillets - blergh!

I'm going to push for the inflammatory & autoimmune tests when we see the paeds. as found out yesterday that one of my cousins has been diagnosed with arthritis and she's in her early 40's so there is autoimmune illnesses on both sides now (although the one I originally knew about is a lot closer than 2nd cousin).

I'm still hoping that it's something inoccuous (sp?) like post viral fatigue or may be a mass hallucination .

Update - DD2 has seen the paed. Arthritis specialist this morning after he called to arrange it last night.

She has been diagnosed with Arthritis (exact type to be confirmed), gastritis (from the ibuprofen she takes for her pain), hypermobile joints and an as yet un-named condition where her body produces antibodies to attack her eyes.

She's been referred to eye specialist for tests, physio and possibly specialist nurse depending on how she goes. She is miles better than she was though so am grateful for small mercies

All those symptoms put together look like one disease though: rheumatoid arthritis.
I have an ex-boyfriend who has it. He has all the symptoms you mention plus inability to walk sometimes, that why your post made me tick. It flares up from time to time, some period are worse than others in between completely normal gaps.

Your GP might not be familiar with it, it is not that common, talk about it with him or any of the specialist you will see (mention all the symptoms to all of them).
It good that you had the referrals, and I hope your DD diagnosed soon.
Good luck

Hi, I know it has been a long while but I would like to know how your daughter progressed after this? My daughter just had a viral and sleeps a lot, refuses to walk unless a few steps, gets tired easily and whines about tiredness a lot. Please do reply if you can.