As a newly single mum I need your tips on coping with the kids when you are ill.

[mybrainaches]

I have terrible flu, I feel better today but yesterday I thought I might die, luckily my sister took dc off my hands for the day, how on earth are you supposed to look after them properly and keep the house running, my cupboards are bear, I need to find the strengh to go shopping.

Internet food shop

No housework, it will just take you longer to recover if you do too much too soon.

Sorry don't have experience of your situation, but I would say that friends and family would most likely be glad to help when there is a genuine need.
Make a list of essentials you need from the shop, and even a neighbour's teenager would probably go to the shop for you.
Also can you borrow dvds or books or even simple toys from someone because the novelty value would make them more interesting and keep the kids quiet and amused for a while.
Don't be afraid to ask for help, sometimes we would only be too glad to help neighbours or friends if they' just ask. Even mothers you know from school who aren't real friends will help if it's an unusual occurance.

Unfortunetly I need shopping today, ran out of everythink, and would you believe I had the garden re-turfed on Wednesday so the kids cant go on it for a while, am a bit broke so cant afford take-aways

kindly neighbour?

DC dad is taking them for a couple of hours this afternoon, so I will dose myself up and go shopping.

My neighbour is the spawn of satan

Sorry you're poorly. Agree with above, spend as much time lying on sofa while they watch beebies as you can. It's ok, in fact they will probably think it's great. Tin of soup/ready meal from corner shop will do for tea. Better to let things go a bit for a couple of days than make your illness drag on by not resting. Above all get as much sleep as you can i.e early night /nap when (if) they do, you'll recover much quicker.

I have spent so long in bed, all day yesterday following 12 hours the night before, but can barely sleep, I took night nurse last night, it did'nt work, it only made my body drowsy not my head, I got up to see to the kids and I could'nt walk in a straight line, it was quite a weird feeling. Hoefully I can sleep better tonight

I only get ill about once every 3 years, but when I do I get it very bad, but yesterday I think is the worst I have felt in my life, I even contemplated calling an ambulance at one point, now I feel silly because it is just a bad case of the flu, but I could'nt respond to the kids questions, I was answering in my head but could'nt even speak, it was rearly horrible.

Can DCs dad have them overnight? Think you should call Dr/NHS direct, if only to reassure yourself. Drs will still do home visits (even at weekends) if you need them to.

No he cant have them overnight, we only split 2 months ago, he is currently homeless, I think I have improved unless its the change of tablets I am on (very strong painkillers)I feel just slightly breathless, if that gets any worse I will see a gp, thanks for the advise

Can you let him stay (sleep on the sofa) to give you a hand? Or let him stay, and you go to somewhere else (Mum's or sister's house?) to rest/be looked after until you feel better?

No, I would'nt give him the satisfaction, he has told me he will not be at my beck and call, besides he is out with his tart tonight to celebrate his birthday.

I know how you feel,my ds started off with a virus then passed it on to me and dd.

I am getting over it now but has been a lousy week-still feel like I've been kicked in the back,luckily dd has stopped throwing up and is sleeping herself better.

Due for move soon so freezer wasn't stocked up and was running out of food,I was very fortunate that my mum got some food,tissues and painkillers for me as my internet packed in earlier this week.

Everyone's staying away so they don't get it-thank god internet up and running again,so I can at least get company on here!

I hope your flu goes away soon.