OT: ER trip, antibiotics and the sick child

[desi]

Any thoughts on this topic?

Our family has been sick for several months now. DH just finished medication for broncitus and our 14 month has been sick for about 2 months now. We at first thought he just had a common cold but it developed into the croup (horrid barking and wheezing etc. I posted about this weeks ago) and an ear infection and was given antibiotics. He got a little better but then started with more cold symptoms. We took him in again to be checked out but the Dr. told us he was fine, probably had some kind of allergy.

So now, this week he started to develop a fever… last night his temp flew up to 104 and the advice nurse told us to bring him into the ER. So, after 3 hours waiting in the middle of the night, the doc. (who by the way had an awesome bedside manner) gave us stronger antibiotics but basically told us babies get sick.

So, after all of this babble, my question to you guys is, how do you feel about Antibiotics…..I have been reading about the dangers of Antibiotics and have convinced my self that they are evil …..Doctors tend to just give them out for anything and everything that I have read has said that antibiotics can not cure viruses only bacteria but it is hard to tell the difference some times and you can build up a resistance to them and when you REALLY need them, they can be ineffective.

We are getting his prescription filled today, and hopefully it will help him feel better...I just hate that he has to take them

So there’s that.

[jannylynn]

Find a doctor that you trust and won't give out antibiotics unless they are needed. Our family doctors won't give them out unless they are sure there is an infection. A cold that goes on forever with a fever is probably an infection. Without a fever is probably just allergies.

Just my opinion: Something I don't understand is that we seem to trust articles on the web written by people that we have never met. We trust that the person is telling the truth. But we won't trust a doctor that we have met face to face? And we don't trust that their prescribed care is what we need. I used to read all the junk on the internet but I stopped when I realized that it was causing me to have fear that wasn't necessary and to not trust my doctor. I'm not saying we need to be ignorant either, we need to be informed but I just think there's too much bad information on the internet!

I learned that my doctors are far more reliable than half the junk on the web. They DO care for my wellbeing. If you don't feel that way, then you need to change doctors. I had to keep trying but I finally found one that listens and that I feel does care.

[desi]

Originally Posted by jannylynn

Just my opinion: Something I don't understand is that we seem to trust articles on the web written by people that we have never met. We trust that the person is telling the truth. But we won't trust a doctor that we have met face to face? And we don't trust that their prescribed care is what we need. I used to read all the junk on the internet but I stopped when I realized that it was causing me to have fear that wasn't necessary and to not trust my doctor. I'm not saying we need to be ignorant either, we need to be informed but I just think there's too much bad information on the internet!

This is SOOO TRUE!!! So true. My husband pretty much told me the same thing ( and he is a smart man ) I am kind of a hypocondriac in a way and my DH had scolded me for running to the internet every time I feel an itch or tickle ( BUT, he is the same way too and as an example had some how convinced himself through internet research that the effects of eating to many jalapenios was actually colon cancer ) ..... I try to feel informed but I think I need to put the breaks on when that information causes fear and worry.

[Franbvm]

antibotics are another great drug for infections....people died of infections before antibiotic were discovered. ..trust your dr. and if you don't trust get a 2nd opinion.

[Andrea]

Originally Posted by jannylynn

Find a doctor that you trust and won't give out antibiotics unless they are needed. Our family doctors won't give them out unless they are sure there is an infection. A cold that goes on forever with a fever is probably an infection. Without a fever is probably just allergies.

Just my opinion: Something I don't understand is that we seem to trust articles on the web written by people that we have never met. We trust that the person is telling the truth. But we won't trust a doctor that we have met face to face? And we don't trust that their prescribed care is what we need. I used to read all the junk on the internet but I stopped when I realized that it was causing me to have fear that wasn't necessary and to not trust my doctor. I'm not saying we need to be ignorant either, we need to be informed but I just think there's too much bad information on the internet!

I learned that my doctors are far more reliable than half the junk on the web. They DO care for my wellbeing. If you don't feel that way, then you need to change doctors. I had to keep trying but I finally found one that listens and that I feel does care.

-what an interesting, and true perspective. ITA.

I'm sorry this sickness has lingered on so long for you and your fam. I think he probably does need antiboitics. My 15 mo. old has been in ER on Halloween with flu (had to get an IV) and is STILL really sick and just barely starting to move around again and it has been a week. I think he has Rhoda Virus - ewk! It's bad, and that is all I will say on that one!

If you are MAJOR worried, you could always go on to a specialist or get another opinion from another primary care dr.

Good luck, sorry you guys have been so sick. There is nothing worse then having sick kids! (unless you are sick too!)

Hang in there . . . hopefully it will soon pass . . .

[LDesjardin]

Antibiotics can be good when used appropriately. It's when they are over used that is the problem. Take ear infections. I was informed by my kids' doctor that there are two types of ear infections, one of which can be helped with antibiotics and one which cannot be helped with antibiotics. Sometimes it's really best to wait it out. There are some doctors who over prescribe them and all I can say is to use your best judgment. Ask you doctor, will the illness improve without it or is it really necessary. The truth is that the overuse of antibiotics is detrimental because our bodies become immune to them or infections become resistant to them over time.

I second what the last poster said too. Read and educate yourself, but don't let it consume you and use your own best judgement.

[desi]

Originally Posted by HappyScrapMom

If you are MAJOR worried, you could always go on to a specialist or get another opinion from another primary care dr . . .

The ER doc was the third to see him so lots of opinions going around :-)

[Leila]

I think antibiotics certainly have their place. My aunt, each time one of her grand-nieces/nephews has an ear infection launces into the story of her son, who had chronic ear infections from 3 months to 18 months. They were finally cured by a 30 day low-dose antibiotic treatment. No need for tubes, and he never had another EI---he's 28 now. I've seen ABs do great things and horrid things (my sister is allergic to amoxicillin, my son to sulfa drugs).

Anyway, in your situation, I might seek a second opinion before giving him another round of antibiotics. He might have a viral infection, which are rarely helped by ABs. That's me though!!

[diannerigdon]

Originally Posted by desi

The ER doc was the third to see him so lots of opinions going around :-)

I think you also want to be careful of seeing different doctors each time. It may be that you have no choice in that, but I find that seeing the same doc regularly results in better care. They can see the patterns and the big picture and know's your history, rather than someone you see one time in the er.

[Andrea]

Everything said, has good points.

Only other thing I can think of is:

If you are STILL worried, then LISTEN to what your mother's intuition is telling you. You may not be an expert in medicine, but you are an expert in knowing YOUR child.

Being sick for that long, maybe even just discuss with your regular dr. about going to a specialist. Maybe consult with your main dr. and gently remind him how LONG things are going on for, and that it is really affecting the quaility of life for this child.

Good luck.