Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Sick 5 yr old, conflicting advise from doctors.

I agree with what the others have said. I'd be on my way back to the hospital given this 104F temperature for basically three straight days. I am also concerned about her being dehydrated as Lisa mentioned. She may need IV fluids if oral fluids aren't helping. You don't want to risk acute kidney problems or worse on top of whatever infection is producing this fever.

I agree with the others...go back to hospital, strongly request IV rehydration and if they don't want to do something, ask for house supervisor. This is an RN who has a lot of extra experience and can cut through red tape and disagreements. If they don't know what that is (may use different terms in OZ), ask for head nurse in ER. Failing this, ask for MD in charge. If you can get your GP to grease the rails for you, maybe he/she would call ahead that you are bringing a child in for re-evaluation.

In addition, if child hasn't had seizure with high temps for 3 days, they are unlikely to have one now. Usually these happen at the time of the first spike of fever. And only last a minute or two. Doc is sort of correct, if it lasts over a period of time, call ambulance. I wouldn't wait 10 minutes, though. Call after about 3 minutes, if patient has never had a seizure before. If there is a history, maybe wait 5-6, but not any more in a child. It takes too long to get emergency help to your location to wait too long.

My prayers are added to the others.... many hugs

i'd err on the side of caution.

I have some good news on the fever. It has dropped to low grade now. Finaly. However she now has diarrhea so I am watching the dehydration very closely. She also has a lot of phlem (sp) she is coughing up. I believe it was perhaps both chest infection and throat infection that have caused the fever.

Will be watching her very closely overnight and see how she is come morning. Hopefully fever wise she is over the worst. I will just see how her chest goes now.

I didnt go to the hospital because I took her in the air conditioned bedroom to help with her temp.(was quite warm here today)And we both crashed. I think the sleep was just what her body needed. And exactly what I needed. I have had so little over the past few days with first the floods and then buby getting sick. I have averaged 1-2 hr each night. Feeling pretty washed out so I realy hope her fever stays down.

Thank you all so much for everything.
Will let you all know if her condition changes.

Trish
xxx

Derinitely get her to the hospital, and also check to rule out Hepatitis A - contaminated water due to flooding (is endemic where flooded water is concerned).

Could you make up a barley based drink for her. Lemon barley water. Boil barley, strain, add lemon juice and a tad of honey - or sugar. Very good for flushing the kidneys. Would also have a word with Trudi, she is very good on herbs, but also perhaps dandilion infusion. Clear out kidneys and liver.

In case hep, don't give eggs or any form of fats or chocolate (fat). Chicken soup is good, but ensure skimmed of fat.

Wish the little one well . Very anxious time for you. Prayers for response to meds and on the mend soon.

Another thought - sore throat, scarlatinal nephritis. Get her checked out for nephritis (kidney disease). Simple urine test that checks for albumin and blood in the urine.

Not scaring you, but good to clear the decks of a few nasties.

Best thoughts and wishes with you and the littlun.

Ok her temp is back up to 39.6 and climbing. despite the nurofen 1 1/2 hrs ago. Cough is much worse now. I rang the health nurse and she has said she needs to be seen in the next 4hrs so given it is 1:26am that means back to the hospital.
Will let you all know how it goes.
Thanks for everything.
Trish

Her fever WILL go up if you try to cool her body with ice or cold water. The whole purpose of a fever is to raise the body temperature to kill the offending germ. By constantly cooling the body, it is becoming ineffective at killing the germ, thereby it will take longer to get better AND it will cause the fever to get higher. This also can cause seizures, the sudden body temperature change.

Sometimes, a different antibiotic works when another one won't.

*Fevers of 104 are not 'dangerous'.
*Seizures from fevers are not necessarily dangerous and usually occur at 106.

*Dehydration IS dangerous. Biggest symptoms of dehydration: peeling lips, sunken eyes, no tears.

*Dark colored urine IS a sign of kidney problems, but may not be noticed until they hook her up to fluid IV's, then if her body starts blowing up with edema and her pee is scant, then bring her back!

And the biggest things is this: MOM's heart knows best. If you feel she needs to be seen, then take her ASAP!

I've had to do that a couple times with my kids. My general rules of thumb for my family:

~ only 1/2 dose of meds unless their feet are burning up with their whole body or they are in extreme pain. I want their body to work properly now & in their future illnesses.

~ wait 3 days and if the fever/sympoms are not improving even slightly, I will take them in.

sending prayers and hugs to you!

If the pool has clorine in it it is actually worse for a fever... I did this as well until I realized the effects. Hope that helps.

Sammie

I hope she's all right, Trish. Sending white light and love.

Warm hugs,