Anxiety over ds illness

[starlight1011]

Hi ladies,
I’m a first time mum with a 14 month old boy and I’m struggling a lot with anxiety in regards to his health. He’s never been a good sleeper so I never get any sleep therefore feel a bit irrational and wired a lot of the time anyway. He’s recently come down with bronchiolitis and seems to be recovering ok but he still has a cough and runny nose and im really worried. He’s also on amoxicillin for an ear infection. We have been to the out of hours and GP a couple of times and his obs are always fine. We are on day 14 now and it’s just been really tough. Just looking for a handhold really and any advice.

Hi OP

Firstly sorry you’re so worried! Some solidarity you’re not alone, I have a 10mo who has had fevers every few weeks since August, for about a week at a time he’s off his food, miserable, roasting hot and sleeps less than usual (which is not very much) and I’ve found myself feeling increasingly anxious about his health.

I went to the GP today (having phoned 111 more times than I can count and visited A&E once too) and have been assured again it’s likely he’s just unlucky having caught stuff back to back and is one of those kids who runs a fever. But totally understand why after bouts of illness you’d be feeling worried.

It sounds like your LO is improving if he’s recovering from the bronchiolitis, and has medication for his ear infection, so you’ve done all you can to get him the right treatment and he needs some time to get back to being 100%.

I think a cough and runny nose is probably quite normal after he’s had what he’s had, and if he’s feeding okay, having the normal wet nappies and alert when he’s awake then he’s okay? Is there something specific you’re worrying about?

If you find yourself worrying even when is he back to fighting fit it might be worth talking with your GP about your anxiety, the NHS offer talking therapy for that sort of thing
xx

Hi Coleman93,

Thank you so much for the lovely message. Firstly, I’m sorry to hear your little one has been ill and I wish that he doesn’t have to contend with any more bouts of ill health. I completely understand how worrying it is for you as his mum but I’m sure you’ve heard it all before, there seems to be a LOT of really nasty viruses going around atm. They are all rearing their ugly head after covid. I’ve also heard from others that they build up a really good immunity if they pick up stuff young, as horrible as it is.

He seems ok in himself atm touch wood just runny nose and cough, none of the other warning signs at present but I got obsessed with taking his temperature as during the first couple of days of this virus his temp skyrocketed super high then went down low fast which seriously scared me. Got him checked and his obs were then fine. I also get confused with how to spot laboured breathing. Don’t really understand how to spot the chest recession thing they talk about. Sounds daft I know then I get myself all wound up about the runny nose because his breathing isn’t like usual when he’s normal. I’ve been super anxious about everything for a long time and it gets overwhelming along with the exhaustion. Perhaps GP it is even tho it’s a nightmare to get an appointment for mental health stuff. Sorry for the essay lol, thanks again for the kind message and I hope you and your little one have a lovely Christmas when it comes xx

Thank you! It does seem to be virus after virus this winter for everyone doesn’t it!

I know there are some helpful videos out there if you’re worried about breathing, it’s so stressful when you feel totally responsible for them isn’t it! All you can do is keep an eye on him, maybe compare to the vids online if you’re not sure, and I always find it helps to get another opinion if you’ve got anyone around - partner/friends/parents? Another mom friend maybe?

Also, I’ve always been told that hospital/GP would rather see your LO if you’re worried than not so never be afraid to go back again if you need some reassurance!

I think in some areas you can self refer for some help with anxiety so might be worth a Google search

Hope your LO fights off whatever it is now quickly
and you all get some R&R and get to enjoy Christmas too xx