Spring break illness update

Well, it looks like Shea is on the mended side of this illness. It has been a week!

He is still very thin and pale but he has more energy each day.Yesterday was the first afternoon where he didn't crash on the couch for a nap. He played outside much of the day.

He isn't 100% but he is getting there.

The "sick even though it's sunny" blues

Even though the weather is beautiful, Shea is still sick, feverish and hurting on the couch.

We saw the doctor yesterday, no ear infection but a lot of fluid in his ears causing a lot of pressure. She prescribed ear drops; 3 drops in the evening for 3 days.

For a kid who usually has a high tolerance for pain, Shea lays on the couch whimpering. He colapses on top of me and dozes, reminding me of when he was a little tiny thing although he seems such a big boy now.

The fevers seem to spike in the evenings which is the worst time. And, he is somewhat normal in the morning. He spent some time outside yesterday but slow and frail, not his usual exuberant self.

I look at his little face and it is thin and pale. He hasn't really eaten anything since last Friday; just fluids.

The doctor said there was an influenza going around with high temps and body aches. I know that his body will become stronger after he works his way through this. Rationally, I know that he will be fine in a while but for now I feel vulnerable and tense with waiting. Waiting for him to feel better.

How sick is he?

Shea is sick; a fever and a cough. And, this brings up one of my worst fears; how can you tell how sick your kid is if they don't really talk?

This is a tough one, always has been. Usually your kid will say, "Mommy, my ear hurts." Then you take them to the doctor to see if there is an ear infection. Etc.

But, if your kid doesn't really discuss how he feels, I feel like I am always trying to read between the lines of a pantomime.

Oh, he is sick. That I know. Temp over 100 and a wet, rattly cough. So, we are doing what we can; home from school all week, doses of Tylenol, lots of juice, blankies and pillows and piles of videos.

But, there is this gnawing fear that I am not doing something I should. That he can't tell me what hurts, doesn't even really know how to tell me.

I suppose I make these deals with myself, "If he isn't better by X day then I will take him to the clinic." That usually calms me down enough to just let him get better while not being consumed by too much mommy guilt.

Sad and scary.