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2.5 year old personality transplant after being ill?

9 replies

Doowop1919 · 08/12/2022 17:17

Evening everyone,

I'm at a complete loss and feeling like I could burst into tears. My DS has just come out the other end of being ill for 3 and a half weeks. He had stomach flu for a week then 3 days fine then caught a nasty cold which was worse than the stomach bug. Ever since the cold, he's been having meltdowns lasting an hour / an hour and a half about the littlest things, he's clingy, he doesn't want his dad, he doesn't want to go anywhere, he doesn't want to go to bed. He wakes in the night and cries to go in the living room.

He was never like this before and this behaviour is just bizarre for us. He loved nursery, loved being with his dad, didn't tantrum (just complained for a few minutes), happily went to bed. I don't recognise my own son. It's like he's had a personality transplant.
He was like this last year after a 3 week illness too but it wasnt as extreme at all and didn't last this long either. He's a very sensitive boy and I'm doing what I can do be there for him, but I'm honestly losing the will. I'm also 32 weeks pregnant and just exhausted.

He's well again, just a small cough remaining. We did attempt nursery this morning for the first time and he had around 3 meltdowns (45 minutes then 30 then 10). I was with him as we're at a small nursery so I was able to stay, and then we left together, trying to get him used to it again. Maybe he's just exhausted? Trying to get him into bed because I think he's exhausted, and you'd think we were killing him right now. So I retreated to the bedroom before I started crying and he's with DH just screaming.

Any advice or insight would be welcome thanks all

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wibblewobbleball · 08/12/2022 18:45

I think the illness might be a bit of a red herring to be honest and he's just being a standard 2.5 year old? I wouldn't stay next time at nursery, just drop off as you used to and breezily say bye. My 2.5 year old is a nightmare with tantrums and being clingy and general contrariness lately so I feel you!!

Rushingfool · 08/12/2022 18:53

Despite looking outwardly well, it can take weeks to recover full health. He's just one of those people who are fragile following illness. My child is fragile pre-illness instead - has meltdowns and then I can predict that in a day or two, a sore throat or something will develop. He'll get better at coping as he gets older.

stargirl1701 · 08/12/2022 18:55

Is he 2.5 months old or 2.5 years old, OP?

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Doowop1919 · 08/12/2022 18:58

I wouldve thought this except for the fact he's never been like this before (only the last time he was sick for an extended period). I guess I know it's to do with the sickness, so was just hoping someone else might have experience and advice with this. Leaving today was the plan but the meltdown was immediate and it just didn't feel right leaving him like that 🙈

OP posts:
Doowop1919 · 08/12/2022 18:59

Sorry that was in reply to @wibblewobbleball ! Hope things get easier for you too soon, it's draining.

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Doowop1919 · 08/12/2022 19:00

Rushingfool · 08/12/2022 18:53

Despite looking outwardly well, it can take weeks to recover full health. He's just one of those people who are fragile following illness. My child is fragile pre-illness instead - has meltdowns and then I can predict that in a day or two, a sore throat or something will develop. He'll get better at coping as he gets older.

Thank you, I think deep down I know this is correct. I just need to try accept I have a sensitive boy who struggles after he's been ill returning to normal life. Hopefully time will help but with the baby coming soon and Christmas break, I just hope he will be ok with all the changes.

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Doowop1919 · 08/12/2022 19:01

stargirl1701 · 08/12/2022 18:55

Is he 2.5 months old or 2.5 years old, OP?

Ah apologies 🤦🏼‍♀️he's two years and five months. I'm exhausted and didn't notice the mistake.

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Mamabear04 · 08/12/2022 19:44

It sounds like he's still not feeling well. Keep an eye on him. My DD has a personality transplant whenever she is poorly and now I can spot the signs even before the symptoms appear. Could be an ear infection or something even with your LO. Might be worth taking him to get checked out at the gp to make sure there's nothing underlying. Sounds like you're doing a great job navigating a difficult time!

DarkDarkNight · 08/12/2022 19:46

Look in to PANS/PANDA and see if it fits,

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