DIS Med Doctors ... I don't know what to do.**Updated**

[DMickey28]

I am waiting on the nurse line to call me back. I do not know what to do. It's in regards to my 2.5 year old DS. Here's the time line.

Thursday PM - Fever at night, didn't sleep well. Fever about 101.8. Brought down with Motrin and Tylnol.

Friday - Seemed almost fine during the day. No fever during the day. Napped ok.

Friday PM - Fever again. 3 AM hit 102.8. He runs in the high 97's usually. Broke at 6AM and he slept for about 4 hours.

Saturday - Did not nap. Seemed a little run down but otherwise same as Friday. Eating light but drinking ok. Diapers start to get very runny. Tummy gurgling. Did not change what he normally drinks, 95% water with splash of juice and milk.

Saturday night - No fever, slept fine. Down at 8:30 up at 7AM.

Sunday - napped for a long time was fine otherwise. eat fine, drank fine. Diapers still a little runny.

Sunday PM - slept fine again.

Monday - Fine, wouldn't nap. eat light. drink fine.

Monday PM - Did not sleep well. No fever. wakes up very horse and pointing down his throat. Finally feel asleep at 5AM slept until 10AM.

Tuesday - Woke very congested and horse. Coughing and slight runny nose. Coughing to the point of chocking and lots of phlem. Did not eat a lot. Drinks fine. Diapers fine. Little nap until he woke up coughing and choking.


Tuesday PM - No fever, slept for about 45min before waking up coughing and choking again. Very aggitated until he calmed down. Is up now again and doing ok as long as he is not laying down or crying.

I don't know if this is worth a trip to the ER tonight. We JUST moved here and have not been established at the ped we are choosing to use. They can not help us. Have spoken with the local hospital nurse line earlier today and they advised to watch him closely and if he has labored breathing to bring him in. Before bed time he was his usual 2.5 year old self, jumping and playing, no shortness of breath. He does not appear to have labored breathing unless he is going through the coughing fit. He has a hard time breathing then but I guess part of that is normal. Right now, 20 minutes after the wake up coughing fit he is fine, just stuffy and coughing a little bit.

I admit this H1N1 has me freaked out. I don't know if he had that. They aren't swabbing in our area and it's too late anyway. I am so scared to take him to the ER for nothing and also due to the germs there. I am so scared to not take him because what if it's something.

I am waiting for the Nurse to call me back .... any advice? I just don't know what to do right now.

*** We took him to the ER last night after the nurse said if he has another episode like that to take him to the ER and if he doesn't to take him in today to be seen. We spent over 4 hours in the ER and never got to see a doctor. We had a nurse that was able to listen to his chest and she said it was clear. By that point it was almost 3AM and he was a crying, screaming mess asking to go to the car. The crying makes the coughing much worse so we decided to leave before seeing the doctor since the nurse gave his lungs the all clear. Depending on how he is today, we may go to the doctor but he is sleeping now and has not woken up choking at all last night. He had a hard time sleeping, I think his throat hurts but the nurse didn't get a good look at it because he's 2 and wouldn't open his mouth for her. I think she thought we were nuts to be there, she wasn't very nice to us. We elevated his bed which helped but eventually he would slide down and he slept much better on the level end of the bed. I slept on the floor of his room so that if he did cough/choke I would be right there for him. We will see how he is today. Thanks for the support.

 

[C.Ann]

Try to calm down (I know - easier said than done) and follow the instructions from the nurse line.. With H1N1 going around, you really should not be following the advice of anyone here on the DIS..

Good luck - and I hope things turn out fine..

 

[JessicaR]

It sounds like your son may now have some croup. It is not unusual to end an illness like that my sister did this each time at the beginning or end of an illness.

I would be comforted by the fact that he has no more fever and is drinking well.

I would wait this one out and wait for that call this evening. If you are not satisfied or any symptoms change or they worsen or if you just aren't comfortable in your gut about anything then take a ride to the ER.

Breathing, Fever, Cough Severity (asthma, croup) these would be what I would be watching. Add to that continued liquid intake.

Try not to freak, I know easier said than done but REALLY you are doing great! I always write it all out also helps me to not lose track of symptoms the doctor may deem important.

I hope you get that call quickly and are comforted by when they have to say! I also hope your DS has a healing evening and wakes with an overall improvement. Let us know, please.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

When my kids are croupy they do best in a bathroom with a hot steamy shower going. If it is asthma, that doesn't help. My doctor has said there is nothing to do for croup but wait it out. Oh, besides the shower, raising the bed.

Good luck! It's hard when they're sick.

 

[JessicaR]

A little Mayo Clinic Croup Info, in case
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/croup/DS00312

The harsh, barking cough of croup is the result of swelling around the vocal cords (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). When the cough reflex forces air through this narrowed passage, the vocal cords vibrate with a barking noise. Because children have small airways to begin with, those younger than age 5 are most susceptible to having more symptoms with croup.

Croup usually isn't serious. In fact, for most cases, croup can be treated at home. Sometimes, your child will need prescription medication.

The classic sign of croup is a loud, harsh, barking cough — which often comes in bursts at night. Your child's breathing may be labored or noisy. Fever and a hoarse voice are common, too.

When to see a doctor
Most cases of croup can be treated at home with a few simple self-care measures. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if your child:

Makes noisy, high-pitched breathing sounds when inhaling (stridor)
Begins drooling or has difficulty swallowing
Seems agitated or extremely irritable
Struggles to breathe
Develops blue or grayish skin around the nose, mouth or fingernails
Has a fever of 103.5 F (39.7 C) or higher

 

[lillygator]

I would head to the ER, unless you have an urgent care clinic that opens early.

 

[DMickey28]

Thanks. The nurse called and said he should be seen. 4he said if it happened again tonight totake him to the ER. Got off the phone and a few minutes later he had another fit so we are taking him. Its tough bc he seems ok aside from the almost chocking with the coughing. We want to be sure its nothing in his chest and we can't hear that. Thanks.I

 

[C.Ann]

Thanks. The nurse called and said he should be seen. 4he said if it happened again tonight totake him to the ER. Got off the phone and a few minutes later he had another fit so we are taking him. Its tough bc he seems ok aside from the almost chocking with the coughing. We want to be sure its nothing in his chest and we can't hear that. Thanks.I

Good choice.. Keep us posted and update when you can..

 

[JessicaR]

You'll feel better just having him looked at. Hope its a quick, productive visit! Thinking all good thoughts for your little one.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I hate it when kids are sick.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Thanks. The nurse called and said he should be seen. 4he said if it happened again tonight totake him to the ER. Got off the phone and a few minutes later he had another fit so we are taking him. Its tough bc he seems ok aside from the almost chocking with the coughing. We want to be sure its nothing in his chest and we can't hear that. Thanks.I

Please update us.....