I've had a miserable few weeks - unexplained abdominal pains (that I'm getting checked out), a cold, stomach bug and now period cramps, all at once 😥. The pain is bad, but the exhaustion is worse - I can't do small tasks like helping my 1yo DS retrieve a book without using all my energy and needing a lie down.
Both DS and DP were also ill but luckily they've recovered now. DS is really demanding of attention and won't play for more than a couple minutes by himself. We spend all day in the living room/play area which is the only completely safe area in the house. I lie on the sofa and try to sing and chat to him, and he brings me toys and books he wants to play with. But he's always shaking the baby gate desperate to get out, and I can't let him out.
I can summon enough energy to make a very very simple meal for him and change his nappy but it wipes me out.
On top of that DS is still a poor sleeper and needs to be breastfed to sleep several times a night so I'm not getting a lot of rest overnight either.
DH is doing his best to help, leaving late for work, taking half days off, preparing meals, but there are hours in between when I struggle to cope. I don't know how long my abdominal pains will go on for - it's already been 3 weeks - and DH was already stressed and exhausted when we were all well, he can't go on like this indefinitely.
How do other mums manage their toddlers when they are ill? I'm feeling so guilty about not giving him enough attention, providing a varied diet, missing out on his usual activities or going outside. We don't have any family close by, and because DS and I are just getting through a stomach bug, I'm reluctant for friends to come and help as I don't want them to catch it.