Horrendous guilt after my toddler had an x-ray

[NotGotAClue1]

My 17 month old has just had two x-rays today on his chest and abdomen and I feel terrified thinking about the radiation and possibility of cancer years down the line. It was because I was worried because we had a battery missing although I think I knew deep down he couldn’t have swallowed it but I had that horrible thought at the back of my mind that wouldn’t go away so we went to A&E. Of course I’m relieved to know he hadn’t but now I can’t stop thinking about how I should have just trusted my instinct and protected him from an unnecessary x-ray.

For context I have massive anxiety problems, especially around health, and especially with my son. Am I being irrational or am I right to be feeling this way?

People absorb ambient radiation all the time, you'd get more taking a flight than you would from an xray. Its really nothing to worry about. Lifestyle is much more a factor.

Health anxiety is a horrible thing so if it calmed you from going to pieces, then medical reassurance at A & E was important.

I think going to a&e if you thought that your dc had or could have swallowed a battery was a sensible action.

But going to alleviate your health anxiety would be both unhelpful for your health anxiety and very unhealthy parenting.

Your dc should not get drawn in to your mental health issues. Talk to the relevant professionals for support around this.

It's alright OP. Mine swallowed an airpod and almost needed surgery for it but it passed through. Just be happy they didn't need surgery to have something removed!