My 6 Yr Child Keeps Getting Sick for over 8 Weeks

In a word...have her tested for mono.
It's been years ago, but my daughter was in K or 1st grade and was sick, we'd keep her home and quiet for a few days, she would get better, go back to school and come the weekend, she was sick again. We did the same routine for I don't know how many weeks. Finally had a Dr that tested for mono and she was positive. She was "resting" just enough on the weekends to be feeling better by Monday or Tuesday...go back to school and activities and be worn out and sick again by Friday. My Mother-in-law came and stayed with us for a month so we could keep her home while my husband and I continued to work. Once diagnosed and treated, all better. Mono weakens everything so the patient is subceptable to every little thing that comes along. Good luck.

Just one more comment to add to your collection.

I've been going through the same sort of cycle of problems since this November. My brother who lives 1000 miles away also has. We've concluded that it is a bad year for respiratory problems.

I had a URI diagnosed as viral. Flu test negative. No antibiotics, but the doc gave me decongestants and cough suppressant. The next week I was back in with a UTI. (The decongestants dry you out and I had neglected to keep myself hydrated to keep my urinary tract flushed out.) Antibiotics for the UTI.

Several weeks later, I still had a cough and felt badly, so I went to the doctor. Chest x-ray. Touch of pneumonia. Antibiotics for that.

Then I thought I was coming down with a cold and it turned into a sinus infection. More antibiotics, but I never did really start feeling 100% again. After two weeks, I decided it must have been the flu after all that time.

This week I finally went back to the doctor after two weeks of laryngitis, that I thought might be because of a reflux problem with which I've been recently diagnosed, and almost a week of a sore throat. Diagnosed with tonsilitis and infections in both ears. The side with tonsilitis has hurt, but the doctor said the other side which did not actually looked worse.

Bottom line: some years are just like this for illness. There's a lot of stuff going around.

I am curious if you work outside the home. I did, and I went through one episode that was similar with one daughter than drove me nuts. It lasted for a couple of months, and we had no real diagnosis. I'd keep her home a couple of days and she'd get better. I'd take her to school and I'd have a call by afternoon that she was sick and needed to be picked up. It went on for weeks. I was trying to be a working professional and my husband was taking off time to stay with her so I could go to work semi-regularly. In short, it was emotionally exhausting.

Now we're into the spring allergy season to which I can attribute some of my current problems. I also know that my immune system has taken a beating with all the illness and the medications.

Something I always did with my kids when they were sick and went to the doctor was to afterwards stop for a hearty meal (even if it was a Wendyburger and some fries) on the way home. It just seemed to me that they needed the food to get on the road to healing faster, and it worked.

At six, your daughter is probably just entering school and it's a well known fact that the first couple of years kids come down with everything under the sun and pass things between each other like crazy. Be thankful that modern moms don't have to deal with chicken pox and measles and German measles and mumps. I had all of them as a kid. By the time I had kids, they had vaccines for everything except chicken pox. In my mom's day, my grandmother had to deal with yearly outbreaks of polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, smallpox, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever ...

Chances are your darling doesn't have something catastrophic that is compromising her immune system. I'd suspect that she's going through one of the rites of passage that goes with growing up and going to school. Even though my kids were in day care from an early age, they still went through this phase when they entered school.

Back then, we kept them out a day or so and didn't want them to miss too much school. Nowadays I'm finding that the wisdom at school and at work is that you should keep them home or stay home if you are sick. Not just one or two days until the medicine starts to work, but maybe three or four until the medicine has kicked in and you have recovered enough of your strength and your health to not experience a relapse or to be reinfected or infected with something else.

OK, first of all, take a deep breath and a nice hot bath!! I know just how you feel, and I know how tired you are when you have been caring for a sick one!! Now, that said, yes, she really can get back to back viruses or infections that would cause her to have those fevers. Since strep, the flu, and a stomach bug have been running around here like crazy, it is possible that she just keeps picking things up..esp with the number of times she is in the dr. office or emergency room (or germ central as I call it!) Her immune system could be weak from fighting one infection, so it is not preventing the next one as readily! That said, I also say, GO WITH YOUR GUT! We moms are rarely wrong, so if you really feel like they are missing something, then fight for her. Will it require more testing, yes, but you need to go in with the knowledge that she will not be an "easy stick" and ask for the best from the start. If she is dehydrated at all, which is very likely, it is hard to get a good vein, but it can be done. She is old enough for you to explain to her why this blood work needs to be done, and then, a little bit of bribery will help. A trip to target for a new toy can work wonders on a 6 year old, even giving her some money to hold onto before will help remind her of the end result. Is it horrible, yes!! We had my 21 month old son in the hospital recently and they had to give him a new IV 3 times, draw blodd about 6 times, prick his finger about 6 times, and even do a spinal tap!! Yet, we successfully lived through it, and appreciated the opportunity to rule things out. So, with all of that said, just do what you feel is right, but be assured that it really is possible that she has had back to back illnesses! Try to get some rest!! ~A.~

I am wondering if your daughter has lost weight? My daughter went through this when she was younger. She was sick constantly but had never been sick before. She was eventually diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes--I am not suggesting this is what is happening to your daughter-but I am suggesting to go with your "mommy gut". I knew something else was wrong with my baby and she was very sick beofore she was diagnosed correctly. She had been sick with ear infections, strep throat, asthma, etc--but no doctor looked for an underlying cause. I would continue to take her to the doctor each time she is sick and insist that they keep looking for the root problem.

First of all, I am so sorry. It has to be so stressful, for you and your little girl. The first thing I would tell you is to maybe change pediatricians and let someone take a fresh look at her. Make sure you get her file trandferred over to the new doctor. The second thing I would tell you and not to cause any controversy, but I would not take her to Baylor Grapevine Hospital. I knew someone who grew up in Grapevine and they told me never to go to that hospital. I would go to Harris HEB, Harris Downtown or Cooks...I really think Cooks. I have also had several friends in BGH and all had some kind of bad experience. I have also had friends who have gone there and loved it. It's just a thought. I would keep pressing those doctors to find out what is wrong with her. Don't let them blow it off. THe first Pediatrician I had did nothing about my son's asthma. I switched doctors and pretty much demanded that he do something. He did and now my son can manage his asthma without suffering so much. All that to say do not let them blow you off.

I hope things get better.
Praying for you and your little girl.
B.

If I were you, I would take her to Children's im Dallas.....U don't know but perhaps this is a more serious problem and your doctors are looking for run of the mill things that children normally have. I will pray for all of you....

I'm by no means an expert. I'm lucky to have a father-in-law who is a retired pathologist and always on call for a second opinion. However, this much illness makes me think that her immune system is compromised, somehow she is not able to fight off infection and keeps getting sick. I would have a serious talk with her regular Dr. (not emergency or urgent care) to find out if you should be looking deeper, beyond basic cultures. Be sure to look at her entire history, what has been happening over the past year or two. Many times much more serious problems (like cancer) often present first with a compromised immune system.

It could be nothing, maybe she's not cleaning her hands properly (at least 15 seconds of soaping) or enough or after toileting. Be sure that she is wiping from front to back to avoid introducing bacteria into the urethra and consider cottonelle or similar wipes for completely cleaning the anal area. You said she wets her pants, be sure she always changes immediately and washes her hands when handling wet clothes. I know from personal experience that my son (also 6) sometimes, ok usually rushes through wiping and handwashing and due to allergies is always rubbing his eyes, urgh, it makes me crazy. Also consider that her friends may not be so diligent with handwashing either, so when friends come over be sure they wash properly too. It sounds very germaphobic and paranoid, but handwashing is the #1 prevention against viruses and bacteria. Also, be sure to constantly wipe down refrigerator door handles, all house door knobs, phones, computers, TV's, toys and any other surfaces that kids touch constantly, but are sometimes forgotten. Consider sending a nice reminder to her teacher or the school to clean off desks, chairs, door handles and anything that the children are touching in class. Remember that the school loses money when children are absent from school, so they should have a vested interest in preventing infection and be proactive.

K.
Mom to 3 ages 6, 4 & 3

Hello W.,

Wow! my heart goes out to you and your daughter.
I'll try and be brief.

keep pressing the docs to find and answer. and in the mean time.... here is a list (in no particular order) of ideas that come to mind:

1. go to the school and clean/sanitize her desk and chair. don't ask... just bring some antibacterial wipes and do it... it's easier to appologize than to ask permission.... ;)

2. put hand sanitizer in the car and at target they sell hand sanitizer that you can hang on her backpack & lunch bag so she can use it at school. (extreme measures here, right?)

3. NO MILK for a while

4. avoid sugars (sugar lowers imnune system)& avoid wheat

5. vitamin supplement (I still give my 5 & 8 year old the infant vitamins... less additives and colors/sugars!

6. pro-biotics (acidofilus, etc. children's version)

7. elderberry extract (can add it to juice or water) (great anitviral...even fights flu)

8. astragalus or echinacea (to build up her immune system)

9. 1/2 alcohol + 1/2 water on a spray bottle. put some on a paper towel and wipe door knobs, light switches, phones, fridge/oven/microwave handles, lunch box/bag, backpack, carseat, car door handles, toilet handles, etc. it's also great for cleaning glass & mirrors (saw it on the Oprah show a few years back. Maybe your daughter could have developed some sensitivity to household cleaners and since alcohol is a pretty good antibacterial... BTW, this are ideas and in no way shape or form do I want to imply that there is a cleanliness issue at your house. OK? =)

10. air out the house. no burning candles/deodorizer sprays (and/or lysols), etc.

11. make sure she gets plenty of water and extra rest (10-12 hrs sleep every night)

12. GET A NEW TOOTHBRUSH =)while you're at it... new toothpaste too... just in case (desperate times, you know)
by my kids toothbrush at the $ store and change them often.

13. you can pour some hydrogen peroxide down the drain in her sink and clean the shower/tub with it too ...kills mold & bacteria and less harmful than bleach.

14. essential oils: clove and lemon oils are great for cleaning the air of bacteria. just put some on a small glass bowl and let it purifify the air. just make sure it's away from kids and pet's reach.

15. change your 'antibacterial handsoaps' for just regular/natural hand soap (avoid sodium laurel sulfate or any of it's derivations). we've been healthier since I did that.

16. everybody wash hands when they get home (dad too!) (even if they used hand sanitizer!)

17. check your water filter in the fridge/freezer

18. has your daughter ever been adjusted by a chiropractor?

19. have her wear vinyl gloves whenever you go to the doctor's office so she's not picking up anything new there.

20. sanitize the outside/bottom of her shoes (and yours too) and the bottom of your purse...if you've put it down anywhere at the doc's office it's got germs... & you've been to the ER and docs office a lot lately.

Well, I guess I wasn't too brief. LOL. God bless and keep you healthy! ~C.~

I'm so sorry for you and your daughter, I know how exhausting it is to take care of sick children. I have a 4 year old daughter and a 5 year old son. Last year my son got a very high fever that wouldn't come down, he was throwing up and he also had symtoms of a cold for a few days before that. We took him to the emergency room they gave him something for the fever and he finally fell asleep. His blood work came back with a very high white blood cell count. We ended up staying for 1 week in hospital, my son was diagnosed with "walking pneumonia".
Hope your daughter gets better soon
P.

Wow! That's a lot to deal with. I really don't have experience with repeated illness, my daughter is only 8 months old, but my heart go's out to you and your daughter. The part about the nurse having to draw blood, and not getting a good vein on your daughter, broke my heart. I know that had to be very upsetting for you. My daughter has seen her share of E.R. and I tell them, you get one chance to stick her, make it work. This is very frustrating for you, and I'm sure pretty scary as well. Stay strong for your daughter, as this will make her brave through all the testing she has to endure. Good Luck, I hope this gets squashed, and y'all can get back to normal life. Not to be funny, but this almost reminds me of "House" episode.

WOW, This story is very sad for you and your poor little girl. Maybe considering a specialist, Urologist or a childrens hospital. She obviously has something that is less detectible than an average illness. The doctor may be great but is missing the mark and the hospital visits to ER... just reading about your strugle, seems to me they need to stick to broken bones or bullet wounds. I with your feeling to still be apprehensive this is resolved at all. A Urologist for children would be my next trip. I will think of you both and wish her well.

L.

Has the doctor considered that your daughter might have a yeast infection from all the antibiotics she has been given? Another sign is that she keeps wetting her pants which can also harbor a yeast infection. She keeps getting sick because her immune system weakened from her illnesses. Try not to give her antibiotics unless it is a diganosed bacterial infection. Antibiotics will not work on viral infections. Also, have her start taking a multivitamin everyday to boost her immunity. Hope she gets better soon!

I think Shaklee nutritional products could help. If you are interested in looking at any Shaklee children's nutrition product, go to the website www.Shaklee.net/RecipeForHealth and you can type any product into the search space to pull it up and see info and printouts of labels, etc. Or click on Nutrition and Children's Health.
Please click on ABOUT SHAKLEE at the top right of the website so you can check out the company and see the science and integrity that goes into developing and producing the products. There is a 100% money-back guarantee on all products. I hope this helps!

Your daughter's immune system definatly needs some boosting. I would try a naturepathic doctor that can recommend some supplements - echinaccea and Vitamin C. I love Emer'gen-C. This is a powdered form of 1000 mg of Vitamin C and B12 and 32 minerals. You put in a very small glass of water. It tastes great and gets directly in your system. You can get it at any drug store. It does sound like those other tests will help you. I am so sorry your daughter has been going thru everything but I think it is because her immune system is so weakened that she can get something so easily in the air. I hope she gets better soon.

W.,
You poor, poor soul. It is very hard to have a sick child and not know what is wrong, or what to do. I do have to address one issue before giving my advise. You can get ear infections and have no pain. I speak from experience. I used to get ear infections and have no fever and no pain. In fact one undiagnosed ear infection got very serious. Because I didn't know I had it, my ear drum burst! I have since had tubes put in and now no problems. Now my son gets ear infections and never runs a fever or has pain.He may need tubes as well.
Now onto your issue at hand. Trust your mom instinct. You mentioned she was being tested for Mono. That is a good place to start. Mono can cause all of that stuff. I really hope that is not the case in your family. Unfortunately if it is mono, you may have a long, long road. I had mono and it took me 4 months to get my immune system back and feeling myself. (Kids get better a little quicker, but it still sucks.) In the midst of all that I had back to back illnesses, strept, bronchitis, fever (pretty high), ulcers in my mouth and throat, and the worst of all I was tired all the time. I would go to bed at 7-8pm and wake up at 8am still feeling exhausted. I also exposed a young child to it (unknowing what I had at the time)His mother started noticing illness and had the "good ole mothers intuition" It took a lot for his mother to convince his Dr. to do the test but she finally got him to do the test and it came back positive for Mono. So that being said, Trust your instinct and keep pushing until you get answers. But also take some breathers, keep yourself rested and your immune system up so you can take care of your family!
God Bless,
D.

My son who is just turned 7 has been ill like this for the past three months as well. He has had strep three times since January now we have to have his T & A taken out. I have to wait though eight weeks to get into an ENT. I hope that your daughter gets well. My four year old had the flu and for a mere 200 bucks we all went on Tami flu. Now his cough is back but no fever yet! I think that my children have been on antibiotics for like three months straight now. This is by far the worst cold season ever. I can't wait for Summer. Did you ever figure out what was going on with her. I would be persistant in your quest to help her feel better, no one knows thier children better than you. Who is your pediatrician? I have a great one if you need someone new, not sure where you live but he is in Keller area and one in Fort Worth I think?Our three round of strep had very high fever and vomiting and lead to ear infections with no pain as well. It was strange but some children react to the strep this way. Once the antibiotic wore off the strep came back they kept telling me that he was getting re-infected with the strep But after the third time I was like ok either give me something that is going to really knock this out or I will go somewhere else. He even got shots of stuff poor kid is so traumatized now by ER's he freaks if I even tell him I have to go there! Anyhow, let us know how she is doing I hope that you can figure it out soon. My son is ok knock on wood for now, thank god for spring break come one summer.!