URGENT, I am preparing for the possibility that DD (16m) may be admitted for IV fluids, any tips/advice/what do I need to know?

[SlightlyMadSpider]

Due to her blistered mouth her fluid intake is too low, her nappies are getting drier. Have rung GP who wants to see her before surgery.

I am trying to prepare myself for the probability she will need IV fluids. Any tips? I assume she will be in overnight if she goes in tonight?

If there is a 2 visiters per bed rule will I get away with me and 2 6yos as I will have no choice?

Feeling v v v and DP is burying his head in hte sand so I could do with MN moral support.

Could you ring your surgery and ask the HV for advice or ring the hospital. So sorry to hear about this.
BTW Give DP a big kick. You need him. His DD needs him.

Why won't your DP be there ??

oooh poop. i don't know anything about the situation but am offering moral support-a-go-go. afaik the 2 visitors rule is to allow nurses to ask noisy people to leave more than something to be rigid about.

Message withdrawn

When we were in the children's ward earlier this year, they were very flexible about visitors - no limits to the amount of people allowed.

Also there was a play assistant who brought plenty of things to keep the children busy, as well as there being a well-stocked playroom.

Why is your DP burying his head in the sand? He needs to be there for his family.

DTDs wouldn't stay overnight. But DP has to work tomorrow morning. He has no choice.

Oh, sweetheart

Why's DD's mouth blistered? What have I missed?

If she does need IV fluids, they'll use anaesthetic cream so she won't feel the needle.

Has she got a favourite teddy or comforter? Make sure you remember it if she does!

When DS1 had to go in (as a day patient for a kidney scan), he was about this age - the nurses were so lovely to him, as paediatric nurses often are. I'm sure there'll be a play room and children's ward staff are used to seeing healthy siblings and sick children alike, so don't worry on that score.

Have a huge hug.

Speak to Hospital and explain you will need to bring your DTs with you. Just so they are aware and not suprised. Assume DP will have them at night so you can stay over with dd. They can go in playroom during day.
It is pretty boring in hospital. Esp. with a child because you can't just sit and read as you need to entertain/look after them.

Take a blanket.
Take dds teddy/comfort item of choice.
Take change for vending machines ( our hospitals childrens ward don't feed parents only patients)
Take drinks and snacks for yourself.

be strong, you and dd will be fine.
Hope your DPs head pops out of the sand soon!

The most likely cause is Oral herpes infection. Basically I have given her a cold sore .

Primary cold sore infections are can be a full blown systemic response, fever and diarrhoea have affected her. Most importantly she has at least 8-10 blisters inside her mouth. Upshot she won't eat or drink.

Playroom staff will be able to bring toys out of the playroom to your dd if she is stuck in bed due to IVs etc.
Don't be afraid to ask for what you need from the staff, who are usually very lovely.

I think he may stop being an ostrich if she actually goes in. ATM though I have just stood in kitchen sobbing when I finally admitted to myself I needed to call GP. He offered no support/consolation or hugs at all. He is not touchy feely but still .

TBH he did have the worst of it yesterday when I was at work and he spent all day fighting to get fluids into her and dealing with DTDs who we arguing hammer and tongue.

I suppose I had better go and put a bra on then

Hopefully the DTDs will rise to the occasion and realise that it's serious too when you go to hospital.

Chin up, lovely. Don't blame yourself and hospital's the right place for DD - they'll sort her out xxx

Oh , yes...be ready for it to be bloomin' hot on the ward. waer a tshirt but take a warm top for overnight/whenever you leav ethe ward.

oh poppet, that sounds rough. i'm sure your dds and dh will pull toghether if you need to go to hosp. have you other friends you can ring to ask if the dtds can stay over? anyone would want to help out, i'm sure.

dd was admitted for iv fluids after a virus took hold when she wasn't much more than a year old. She was in for 48 hours, I stayed with her and dh was there during the day. We were lucky, we got a side room and there was no rule for number of visitors. I'm sure that if you can get similar arrangements then your dt's will both be able to stay with you - hopefully if there is a 2 person rule then they will take a view given your circumstances

DD was fine once she got some fluid in her and was able to cast of the virus really quickly, I hope your dd gets the same effect

I am back.

Dr was v concerned when we went thru volume of fluids she has had in last 24hrs but clinically she looks very well hydrated thank god. He wants another 10-15oz of fluid before bed. He has got to be joking so we are aiming for 6oz which is still going to be pushing it. But I have now worked out how to con her into eating yoghurts and I am afraid to say I have sinned and turned to milybar buttons - but I am desperate.

He said if he admitted her they would only say the same and keep her in watching what she took before discharging her later tonight - which he didn't recommend at this time of day and I was happy to agree.

We have another appt booked for tomorrow (bypassing the call at 8am lottery ) to reassess.

DP has now gone to work until 8:30 - I don't know whether to be or . The playdate I was due to be hosting tomorrow has moved to a friends thank god.

Thanks for the support, I shall probably be back for more when I can get them all in bed whilst I wait for DP to come home

Really hope your dd is better today. I've got no experience but wondered if you've tried ice lollies? (forgive me if obvious or completely mad suggestion!) Might sooth the blisters and provide fluids?

I hope your dd is feeling better today SMS. Don't worry about the choccy buttons, any port in a storm!

Use a syringe to drop frequent drops of water into her mouth.

DS3 had oral herpes recently- he wouldn't eat anything either. It didn't take that long to go though thank goodness.

Thanks guys.

She is well on the mend in herself - though still only taking approx 10oz fluid a day. GP a bit worried about this (should be aiming for an absolute minimum of 20oz) but she is not clinically dehydrated - so carry on as we are. Nappies have been getting wetter today too - so all is looking up.

Hopefully have avoided the IV, but thanks for the tips and advice.