Sat in A&E with daughter

[StopTheQtipWhenTheresResistance]

Sat in A&E with my daughter for the second time this weekend. She has had paramedics out 3 times due to a nasty infection she has. She got put on antibiotics on Friday but they didn't seem to have much effect.

Earlier today she started shaking and her eyes were rolling up into her head. Her temperature was still high after 4 days. We are now in A&E and she's hooked up to an IV for fluids, paracetamol and is on IV antibiotics.

Unfortunately there is about a 15 hour wait for a bed on the ward, they are so busy. The doctor mentioned going home later if she feels better but she's not drinking independently so I don't see the point in her being sent home, only to be brought back in for dehydration.

I suppose I'm just wanting a chat as I will be up all night here with my daughter.

*suck

She won't even drink out of a straw. I put the straw in her mouth and she won't move her mouth. It's like she hasn't got the energy or the motivation to even try. I'm having to use a syringe and put the fluids in her mouth and tell her to swallow.

I'm assuming she can normally drink and eat by herself as well as move about (I saw the autism bit up post) , in which case please call the NHS helpline. Having to syringe fluids into another adults mouth shows how unwell they really are. You must be absolutely worried sick

Yes she can normally drink and eat but when she was mentally unwell (she was sectioned for a time) she didn't eat and needed a lot of prompting to drink. I feel that her mental health has declined along with the illness.

If she's still not taking fluids herself tomorrow, I will contact them. She did start drinking herself out of her drink bottle while in hospital so not sure why she won't now.

I hope she’s feeling better soon. I always take paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time and I was given it that way when I was in hospital too so don’t be afraid to double up

Thank you, this has made me feel better. I will stick to the schedule the paramedics gave me.

I can't stop worrying. On the verge of tears. Just want her to turn that corner where she starts drinking herself again.

I feel that her mental health has declined along with the illness.
UTIs can cause a serious decline in mental health until properly treated, some elderly people appear to have sudden onset dementia until the antibioticsstart working. It can also cause dehydration as you won't want to drink because of the pain when peeing. Then you've mentioned a smell down there.

She might need targeted antibiotics. Ask for another urine test.

So sorry OP, this sounds so stressful. Is there anything that she might be more interested to drink, even coke or Fanta or something just to get some fluids in? I know water would be best but I just wondered if something more exciting might be tempting? Really hope she turns a corner very soon Xxx

@Pixiedust1234 They tested her urine yesterday in the lab and it was all clear. That leads me to think the infection is vaginal or somewhere else up there.

So worrying.

It's perfectly fine to double up on paracetamol and ibuprofen, I've been known to do it in the past for a particularly beasty migraine.

The not drinking is probably the most concerning part, did they offer any advice on this? Would she try an ice pop type thing? Or is there something other than water that she really likes just to get some kind of fluid in her?

Hope you're ok OP, I imagine you're really stressed 💐 here's hoping the antibiotics kick in ASAP and your daughter starts to perk up

I am sorry your daughter is unwell.
Sorry I am guessing they have done this but have they checked her tonsils for infection?
I second that you can give inbraphrofen and paracetamol at the same time - my son used to get high temps and the doctor used to also weight him and give him his own unique schedule which was higher than what the bottles said you can give a small child.

Don't hesitate to seek further medical attention if she is not drinking, not speaking or seems worse in any way.

@StopTheQtipWhenTheresResistance I've been thinking of you both and hoping that no further posts means the antibiotics have started to work and the worst part is over. If not, we are still here

Hi, sorry for the delay. It's been all hands on since she came home Tuesday night.

She turned the corner yesterday and started to eat and drink herself. I was so relieved as the not drinking was really worrying me. She no longer has a temperature either which shows she's on the mend. She's still not herself and doesn't want to watch tv or anything but she has started using her phone again today which is another good sign.

I've never seen her be so unwell. She's had infections before but this was a nasty one.

Oh that is good news! Hopefully she will continue to get better and regain her strength but if she slides back into not drinking again please don't hesitate to contact the GP for a longer/different course of antibiotics. Sometimes infections are hard to get rid of with only one course.

I am still watching my DD like a hawk a month later as some days she seems to be slipping backwards and my finger is on that redial button. Never seems quite bad enough but my goodness her progress at healing is slow. ❤ and for you.