OT: Didnt get call back from pedi, so thought I would throw it out to you all

So my 6 year old is sick. He didn't eat anything yesterday and had very little to drink. (he said it was because his tooth was loose and he did not want to lose it?!)

He woke up without it, found later in bed. Anyway, I found him lying on the bathroom floor this morning in pain. His stomach hurts.

Basically he has vomited all day long and his stomach still hurts. Just a little fever, 99.8, but I am concerned he is getting dehydrated. I have been trying to give him fluids about every 1-2 hours, he drinks a tiny bit, then vomits it up again. I called pediatrician, but never heard back. How long do I wait to take him to the ER?

He fell asleep about 2 1/2 hours ago. I am letting him sleep and guess will see how he is when he wakes up. You would think he is my 1st child or something, but I really cant remember when I should take him in.

Sorry this is so long.

Michelle

[Sailorsong]

Do not wait. Take him immediately to the ER. At that age it doesn't take very long for a child to become dehydrated.

Dennis

[HVAC]

I will not pretend to be a doctor where a child is concerned.

Of course if he is not urinating that is not good. If you pull on his skin on his arm and and goes back down he is probably okay with hydration. If he is dehydrated his gums will be sticky. If his skin is real dry to the touch. Small amounts of water or ice chips is the best at first. My experience is with veterinary and the main thing after vomiting is the gut has to reset itself. People want to feed too much too soon. We start with ice chips or sips.

Does your insurance have an ask a nurse? Of course they have to CTA. There is internet stuff. Dr. Oz or the Doctors had this on the other days but I forgot all of it or who. They said start small and start with water.

The main issue is the kidneys. I play it safe with eyes, hearts, and kidneys. The other is the basically anything on the stomach can start the vomiting again. Does your PED have an after hours number?

Hopefully he will be back to his self in no time. There is nasty stuff going around.

Alex

[twopack]

Call the office answering service and if you don't get a call from the on-call doctor within 15 minutes load him up and head for the ER.  They probably need to get some medication and fluids in him that will stay.  You at least need the peace of mind of having him checked.

Where's Quix?

[lovemy6monkeys]

There is a nasty stomach bug going around, we all had it about 2 months ago. If you have a medicine dropper, try to use that to give fluids for a bit, but if he still wont keep it down then head to the ER if your doctor hasn't called back. If this is the same bug we had it only lasts about 24 hours, but there can be a relapse a couple days later (3 of my kids relapsed, the other 3 & DH and I did not).

((hugs)) I hope your little one feels better quick!

Oh, um, one last thing...you might want to put him in pullups for the next day or so. Once the vomiting stops it starts out the other side :-(

~Jess

[Quixotic1]

Hi, I'm here.

At 6 he can go a day without many fluids and definitely without eating - unless he continues to vomit or has diarrhea.  It is definitely best to go with teaspoons at a time of an electrolyte solution like Pedialyte or an of the other brands.  Also, you can make this - there are recipes online - it's called Oral Rehydrating Solution.

The best way to check for dehydration is to look at his mouth.  A dry mouth is dull and velvety and a hydrated mouth is shiny and wet.  Pulling on the skin for poor turgor will be a late sign.

In the initial phases it is best to give them the sleep they want.  Alex is right.  The instinct is to try to give them fluids too early.  A big child has a larger window before they dehydrate.

Now, the tummy pain may just be the vomiting, but if the pain escalates take him in.  Appendicitis can hide in an outbreak of gastro.  You want to check the tummy for pain.  I used to lightly lay my hand on the tummy and move it around like I was gently petting them - then slowly push in a just bit.  The appy tummy wouldn't like even the littlest bit of pressure.  The gastro tummy didn't usually care.

Quix

[michelleric]

Thanks SO much for all your help. I hope this was ok I posted here.

I went out and got him some pedialyte and popsicles. He slept and slept and I do believe has turned the corner. I will watch him today and make sure he drinks. He did get a few tablespoons in last night :)

His 7 year old brother just now came down holding his stomach...UH OH. I am thinking this is very catchy and am now anticipating all of them getting this over the spring break  :(

Better wash my hands OFTEN.

Thanks again,
Michelle

[twopack]

I'm so glad he's looking a little better Michelle.  Sorry though that you're entering the weekend with the possibility of playing the hand-it-on game.  Hand washing is the best way to opt out of the "fun" of that game.

THANKS QUIX for adding your expertise.  I'm so far removed these days from deciding what the little ones can tolerate and for how long.  It was always easy for me to over-react, especially after hours.  I never wanted to risk looking back with what-ifs when it came to the kids.

Mary