Health update:

 Adam – at home, recovered

Kate – at home, recovered

Marko – at work, but has been man-down with the bug all night

Tertia – at home, eventually on antibiotics as she has had a sinus infection since Thursday but as you know, the mother is always last in the queue when it comes to being sick.

Granny – at her house, felled by the bug too

 I’m interested that many of you responded that you felt a tummy bug wasn’t sufficient cause to take action. Or the action that I took. You say ‘just sit it out at home and give them bits of fluid every few hours’. 

 What would you have done if your child was puking every 10-15 minutes? And I mean literally every 10-15 minutes? As soon as sufficient saliva was building up in their tummies, they would start retching really badly, with nothing but saliva and bile coming out? How do you keep any fluids down then? I tried one sip of water at a time. One. Nothing stayed down. I don’t mind dirty laundry or staying up all night with a sick kid, but I do start panicking when the child is unable to keep absolutely any fluids down. Both kids tested positive for dehydration when they were admitted to hospital.  They were both put on IV for 12 hours. I hear your point about the fear of picking up other bugs, but they were in isolation at all times? 

 I know I am paranoid. I also know it has more than a little something to do with having lost a child before. Hard not to be paranoid you know? But!! Please note that this is my first hospital visit with them and they are two years and 3 months old. And I am not always at the doctor with them. But, if they are sick, then I am going err on the side of caution.  Funny that. I have to be just about on my death bed before I will go see a doctor (I don’t even have a GP of my own!) but with my kids, I take no chances. 

 I am doing my best to raise them in a way that doesn’t fuck them up completely. But it is impossible for me not to be a tiny bit paranoid. I am trying my hardest not to let that impact them negatively. I hope it wont. Not an easy job this. And it doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all manual. Unfortunately. All I can do is what feels right to me.

 Apologies if I sound a little defensive. I guess I am feeling a little defensive. 

Comments

[Andria]

"All I can do is what feels right to me." That's all any of us can ever do.

As a South African, I think your doc would have told you to go to hell if he didn't think there was a good reason to keep your kids in hospital.

It doesn't sound like you make your kids paranoid about their own health, which is the key. They play outside, go naked, eat weird stuff - live a totally normal life in other words.

You did good - go give yourself a cup of tea and a pat on the back :)

[kathlyn]

Tertia, I have never commented before and haven't read the other comments... but I must say that you seem like an outstanding parent to me!!! Now take care of youself, too! :)

[charne]

Well i do not have kids of my own, but believe me if I did I would do the same and rather be to cautious that not to be cautious at all! They your kids and you know whats best, dont let anyone tell you otherwise. And i agree if the doctor did not think they needed to be hospitlised he would not have admitted them! And just think how granny and daddy feel with this bug, how must the kids of felt! Good on you Tertia, and continue to do whats right for you and your family!

[issmom]

My rule is that 'the mommy always knows best'. You know best. End of story.

[jennifer]

I don't think you are overly paranoid. I think little kids should be admitted when they are that sick, because thay don't have the reserves a larger person does. And they can't judge how they feel in comparison previous illnesses. A seemingly minor issue can turn life threatening so quickly.

[colicmommy]

No, no, of course, do what your instinct says.

I think my and other comments were more amazed that your ins. would allow it (although, I didn't go read all the comments, and I don't have time, so if others said that, then, well...). That's more what I meant. My ins. wouldn't allow it so soon, so we kinda had to tough it out at home.

Glad the kids are better at least!

[Elizma]

Oh my gosh, my little one was in that EXACT same room about 2 weeks ago - with gastro...
You're definitely not over reacting, my one started vomiting at 21:30 and we were at the hospital, Dr Smit, at 22:45, she was vomiting bile by then.
Oh, how I miss that sleeper couch......not.....

[Hanlie]

Hi Tertia, I think the best any mother can do for her kids is to follow her instincts. Your children are precious - you did the right thing.

[Melina]

When I was about the same age I got what was probably salmonella and was throwing up horribly. My mother took me to a doctor and he talk her to take me to a hospital to treat dehydration. She couldn't because we had no insurance and whe could not afford to pay for it out of pocket and felt fairly confident that she could hydrate me. My point is not "look, I'm fine." My point is that she felt horrible making that decision, trusting her own ability to keep me alive because she was scared of ending up overwhelmed by bills. She felt very shamed and criticized by the doctor who thought she was making a horrible, irresponsible decision. She mentioned it to me last month (I am 37. I am fine).

So, first, obviously some doctors would assume that hospitalization is the obviously right choice, so you are not overreacting. Second, mothers feel guilty no matter what they do.

[Terri]

I'm echoing the "mama knows best" comments. I have 3, ages 7 to the twins' age and all of mine have been to the ER at least once. You just have to go with your gut when it comes to things like this. I have good insurance, and my experiences at ERs have been pretty good, but I think it makes a huge difference in taking them to the hospital if you can be admitted quickly into a private room and away from other sick people. If you have to wait for a few hours in the waiting area, it would be a nightmare, but if you knew you didn't have to wait, it would be a completely different story.

Knock wood, I've never had a kid vomiting so badly -- a few months ago we all got some bug and my daughter threw up every 45 minutes through the entire night, but I was able to get some fluids into her throughout it and thankfully it stopped around dawn.

Don't beat yourself up about it. And Melina's right -- we feel guilty about everything. If you hadn't taken them, you'd feel guilty about that.

[Liv]

I hate sick babies. It breaks my heart. The general rule (and I am rusty)in the states is that if they haven't kept fluids down for 12-24 hours or haven't had a wet diaper/peed in 12+ hours, are obviously losing fluids by vomiting, which means their bodies aren't getting any, then immediate care is recommended. You did the right thing.

My daughter is almost 6 and finishing kindergarten. She has been sick so many times I'm contemplating homeschooling just so that she will never get sick. We have gone through 3 ear infections, 2 respiratory viruses, and several fevers. I hate it when people send their sick kids to school.

[Laura(southernxy)]

It is very feasible under the circumstances you describe, that a hospital in the US would admit a kid. Even an adult. If the Phenergan suppositories aren't working and the kid is barfing every 15 minutes, absolutely. Don't give it another thought.

[Katy]

Couldn't agree more that you know best. I don't have private medical insurance and my experience of English public healthcare is less than great. When my kid was puking her tiny guts out we took her to the hospital and got nothing but a very brief glance at her and a packet of re-hydration salts. I think it's wonderful that you have access to such fantastic care for your beautiful kids. If I paid for my health service (which I do as it comes to it - through National Insurance - but that doesn't make a difference) I would be all sorts of demanding.

Very glad the babes are better Tertia.

[e]

I don't know about nasty African stomach bugs (and being European, I always think your ones *must* be nastier and meaner), but with our children, I used to give them either:

Nothing but breastmilk while still breastfed, even if on solids already (obv not relevant in your case)/

or this: UHT apple juice, cut half and half with boiling water- it brings it the right temp and roughly the right amount of sugars; give tiny sips half hourly. It seems to stay down when neat water won't. I know in theory one should give sugars and salts in the right combination, but I have yet to meet a 2 yr old who will willingly swig Diaoralyte.

later: rice water: boil some starchy rice in a lot of water until it's over cooked, drain into a jug and give them the starchy water, teaspoon every half hour to start with, prefereably while still tepid. Do NOT keep this at room temperature though, nor for longer than 6 hours, as rice is capital at growing bacteria. Keep it covered at all times when not in use, and do not dip the spoon you're using in their mouths into the main pot- pour a little out at a time and use that, discarding after every batch has been used.

Still later, if they're holding these two down after ten hours, try some mashed banana, followed by creamed rice (no milk!!!, just rice) if the banana is successful.

Later still, dry toast. If the toast works, you can resume normalish diet, although I used to find that non-lumpy food seemed to work best in the days following a tummy bug (ie veg soup, apple puree, mashed potato (no milk or butter) with a little salt, etc...

Avoid dairy in any guise for at least three days after a tummy bug clears up, as it seems to set it off again.

Repeat ad nauseam until age 6.

Alternatively, if you can get them to take diaoralyte/ pedialyte, give them that instead of water. It *should* stay down better.

[beth]

You did what is obviously right for your kids and your family. If I were you, I would've done exactly the same thing. Sometimes they are beyond sips and gatorade/pedialyte. Sometimes you need a professionsal's help in determining what is wrong and what are the best steps to take.

It is quite easy to sit back and say "that's not what I would do" when it is not your kid and you're not sitting there with every instinct screaming "this is not right!". Don't second guess your G&D mothering self. It is not like they threw up once and you demanded they get IVs and a hospital bed! They were SICK.

There's enough horrible bad parenting going on out there in the world that I wish people could have more say in than people doing the right thing for their kids.

[Kay]

2 months ago - we called an ambulance to bring my 4 year old to the hospital (it ended up being croup). I was thinking we were overreacting at the time, but my husband insisted. Turns out, he was right. I asked every single doctor, nurse there "did we over react?". With the stridor he had, and the low levels of oxygen in his blood - he really DID need to be there. Which is comforting in a way, since I just got the $663.87 bill from the ambulance which was *my* share.

This morning, Jake woke up with croup again. We put his head in the freezer, took him outside, sat him by the hot shower, and now he is sleeping in a tent with a humidifier.

It's all about comfort level.

You did GOOD!

[ls]

Here's the thing about stomach bugs, something that many mnay people forget and inadvertantly make worse: when anyone, kid or grown up throws up, DO NOT give them anything to drink for 2 hours. People are so terrified of dehydration that they often push fluids, which the stomach, trying to get of everything and needing a rest, rejects. It takes awhile for serious dehydration to set in, particularly if they are only throwing up, and giving them anything to drink, even in small sips, often makes it worse. I would not have taken my daughter to the dr for throwing up, and the every 10-15 minutes could have been from them continuing to drink fluids. And I mean all fluids. Pedialyte, ginger ale, water, whatever. Give the stomach a break for a few hours! You might be surprised at how the body can start to bounce back on it's own.

[Maren]

You followed your instincts. YOU are their mother, no one else. You know best. No one posting on the internet was there. Your children are now healthy and safe! Go Tertia!

[BrooklynGirl]

I err on the side of caution too. The stakes are just too high.

You have to do what feels right to you--and no one else can decide that for you.

Feel better.

[Suzie-Q.]

Of course you did the right thing. I don't think everybody understood how bad it was since you didn't get into the ugly details of the frequency of wretching, etc. in your posts and some just didn't "get it".
Don't be defensive ever about anything you ever do for your kids. Just do what you know it right and everyone else be damned.

[Rosie]

Momma knows best. Why let the kids suffer longer than they need to if you have the means to avoid it?! You're fine.

R

[Wyliekat]

Somehow or another, we've survived to twenty months with my girl having nothing more than a sniffle or a mild cough.

This leads me to suspect that when she does get sick, neither she nor her parents are going to be emotionally prepared for it.

I am absolutely an err on the side of caution person, though my Hubby is less so. But if I feel there is something going on that risks her health at all, I'll be in the hospital with her, faster than you can imagine. I don't care if I'm at fifty/fifty odds of being taken seriously or having eyes rolled at me.

But then, I'm Canadian. We have universal health care. It's slow, it's overburdened and it's not always first class, but damnit, it's ours. And I feel better knowing that my choice to take her to the hospital isn't dependent on whether or not it's payday.

[Jen]

You know, I wonder how many mothers of twins would do anything different to what you did? I can only imagine what it feels like to be faced with two sick babies. I know Kate wasn't really sick when you took Adam in, but I also know that that was the best way to make sure both children were well cared for. It would also have been very distressing for Kate to watch Adam being sick, and she would have reacted by crying and you would have been torn between two needy babies.
I really do believe that you did right Tertia, and as many others have said, you know what is best for your children, so keep up the great work!!!

[jodie]

I'm not sure...I had gastro as a kid where I vomited every few minutes and vomited bile and I never went to hospital. My kids have had gastro like that too, and when I eventually did get them to hospital was sent home saying that the best thing was for them to be at home. Dehydration isn't even considered so soon after vomiting starts. And as someone above said, you need a few hours without food or fluid for the stomach to calm down. The body can cope with a few hours without fluid.

It sounds like your kids did get the very best of care, but I was surprised they were admitted so early. I have never done that, and I don't know anyone who has. But that might just be laid back Aussies ;) You made the right choice, for you and your kids. That's all that matters.

[Julie]

Tertia, you ABSOLUTELY did the right thing.......why would anyone who has access to great medical care take a "wait and see" approach?????

I was hospitalized with dehydration once - after an overnight of the runs and puking - ended up on a drip in hospital for three days - and I was TWELVE - not a little toddler.

I also take the "tough it out" approach with myself - but with the kids - NO WAY - their bodies are SO little, and they can go downhill so fast.

I really don't think you are overly protective or paranoid - why not make use of the facilities and insurance you have available to you - after all you PAY for it, and the medical aid are *not* going to give you a gold star for saving them money!!

[The Good Woman]

A few thoughts:
I'm a South African Mom living in Scotland. One of my pet hates is the NHS-bashers roaming the streets whining about healthcare in the UK. It's fantastic! - something they would realise after a stint in Africa.
Your analysis of the great divide in healthcare in SA is so accurate. I had my daughter at Vincent Pallotti not long before your twins were born. It all went a bit wrong and ended in a caesar - but with a very healthy baby girl. Six weeks later, at my check up, my doctor pointed out to me that not very long ago, both me and my daughter would have been a gonner. Couldn't help thinking that she should have said 'not very far away' instead.
Finally, in response to those who accused you of over reacting - we never regret the things we do, only the things we don't. Dehydration kills. You did the right thing. Nuff' said.

[Jenn]

I'm a nurse. If my kids couldn't keep down a single sip of water, I'd definitely be talking to the doctor. Kids can get dehydrated much more quickly than adults.

You were the one who was there with them. You made the call based on what you were seeing. You did what you thought was right and that's the most important thing.

[dawn]

Gosh T, I wish you didn't have to feel so defensive about this because you are right - they are YOUR children and YOU know what is best for them.

I am like you - I am cautious to the point of probably being a little paranoid. But I would always, always, ALWAYS rather be "safe" than "sorry" when it comes to the health of my child.

My daughter is only 17 months old and has been to the emergency NUMEROUS times. Occasionally it has been for "silly" reasons (a mere head cold) and more often than not it has been for real reasons (she was admitted, like both of your children, for a severe stomach bug coupled with extreme dehydration). But one thing is true - not ONCE have I regretted my decision to bring her to the hospital, and also not ONCE have the hospital doctors told me that I over-reacted or did the wrong thing.

Bottom line - they are your children - you do what YOU feel is best for them, and at the same time what you feel is best for YOU. If both you and your kids are going to feel better overall by what is perceived by some as overcompensating, so be it. As far as I can tell no child has ever suffered from being TOO loved or TOO cared for. Right?

[kerry]

You know your kids, you know what is needed and you ensure it happens.....I respect that.

Why care what anybody else thinks?

For your kids, you are the BEST Mom in the world.

[Mama Dramas]

Just do what feels right. For what its worth, when my daughter had the vomiting every 15 minutes bug, they told me to give sips of water, etc. and had no interest in seeing her because it was going round. It's terrifying, regardless.

[Stacey]

Tertia -- don't apologize! I do the same thing. I'd rather be safe than sorry!

Glad K & A are recovered -- hoping that you and Marko feel better soon, too.

[Em]

To whom do you feel you owe an explanation of how you care for your children? Certainly not me. Certainly not anyone on here or anyone outside of your own home. If you want to take your kids to the emergency room for a mosquito bite, you can and its none of anyone's business.

I do know how you feel about worrying how others feel about it (I don't practice what I preach). I took my own baby to the doctor for a cold which they told us to wait out, he'd be fine, it would get worse before it got better, yadda yadda. A day later, I just didn't like his breathing. I actually felt as anxious about bringing him back to the doctor as I did about the baby's health. I was so afraid I would catch hell for not following the doctors advice but I had to take him back. He ended up admitted to the hospital with RSV, on oxygen for 4 days.

Lastly, as a nurse, I have to disagree with the commenter who said it takes a while for someone to dehydrate. It absolutely doesn't. I agree that the stomach needs a break but that is what IV fluid is for and the more dehydrated a person (particularly a child) gets, the harder it is to get IV access.

The worst case scenario for erring on the side of caution is what? Embarrassment? Judgement? The worst case scenario for erring on the side of 'wait and see' is, well, the worst case scenario you can imagine. And you'll get judged then too. So screw 'em.

You don't need my approval but for what its worth, I think you did the right thing.

[sophie]

Tertia -- I've never commented before but people second guessing you makes me furious. It's amazing to me that someone would think they can diagnose a child over the internet. You are the one who is there, you are the one who knows your child. Sometimes you just know how sick they are - -by how they look, by how they act, by how they have been before. Your kid -- your call. End of story. xo

[Amy]

I always hope you wouldn't have to feel defensive Tertia! You do what's right for you and yours! Dehydration is a true scare with kids, and you know when to trust your instincts. You're a good Mama! I would have taken my kids in if they were sick like that. We got the tummy bug a few months ago, but my daughter only got sick 3x. Thankfully my little guy missed it, or we would probably have had a similar story to share about a hospital visit, I'm sure.

[Peach]

What I don't get are the people who are saying they'd never go to the hospital if their kids were puking... but see, T didn't go straight to the hospital, she followed the steps. After the puking, she waited a few hours until her pead's office opened, and becasue Adam was still puking, called the pead, then got the referral. If the doctor had told her to wait a few more hours, or to try not giving fluids, etc. my thinking is that she would have done that. But he suggested the hopsital so that's what she did.

I have no idea how that makes her paranoid. The kid was sick. She called the doctor. That's what you do. Now, if one of the kids fell down and simply scraped a knee and she called the doc and wanted to go to the ER to have it bandaged, THAT would be overkill. But I'm willing to bet those kids (with all the time they spend outside, naked no less) that they get bumps and bruises all the time and T lets it go.

I don't understand how someone can be "paranoid" if, in fact, the kid is really sick and she wants to have the kid taken care of.

[goodsandwich]

Sorry you are having to feel defensive. It doesn't bother me, even if you're in the ER for a scraped knee! Getting help caring for your kids is absolutely OK, and back in the days when Americans didn't (have to) consult their insurance for every little thing, we were at the doc a lot more often too. Now I have to go read the comments! :)

[mandie]

thankfully you're their mother and not anybody else. if you want to take your kids to the hospital, you can!!! mother's can be wicked without even realizing it. why do so many mother's feel the need to say what they would and wouldn't do AFTER you have already made a decision? is it helpful to you that suzy didn't take her billy to the hospital because she just let's him "ride it out"? petty, if you ask me...

[Jennifer W]

Only you know what your kids need. No one over the internet can tell how sick they were or what the right thing to do was/is. I know I commented on how I was curious as to them taking them that soon, so I hope I didn't contribute to this feeling of defensiveness. My point was just surprise that the hospital would take them in, and your post helped explain how healthcare works over there. Here where I live it would be surprising to see a kid in for a gastro bug on their first day throwing up. I think if my kids were throwing up for 2-3 days plus not urinating, then they would be taken in. But that is the difference between healthcare not whether or not I would have wanted to take them in. I think the comments you got were just due to the differences in healthcare rather than anything against you or your decision. I'm glad the kids are recovered and think that you should be comfortable with your parenting decisions. You are only doing what you feel is right for your kids. No one else can decide that and I hope you aren't feeling bad about your decisions!!! Good luck!

[birdie]

Right On. You are doing your best which is what a Momma needs to do. There is nothing wrong with erring on the side of caution. As a 2 year old, I ended up in hospital for the same thing- dehydration. Exept my parents waited way longer and I ended up being there for several days. :-( So good job taking charge of the situation before it got out of hand!

[Stefanie]

Just got back from an out of town trip where 11 yr old dd started with this virus. Had she been 2, we would have found an ER because she puked 15 times in 8 hours. Pushed fluids, hoping a drop or two stayed in and she's better today.

Only you know your kids and how they do with illness. Like I said if mine were younger I would have found the hospital.

Glad they're better. Hospitals are no fun!

[Suzanne]

I think you absolutely did what you needed to do. Magdalena was admitted to the hospital for the stomach flu when she was about 15 months old. She couldn't keep anything down. We did an ER trip in the morning and released and then she STILL couldn't keep stuff down. We were then admitted and kept for FOUR days. She was a sick cookie.

I've been admitted to the hospital numerous times while pregnant for vomiting because of hyperemesis. This last pregnancy, DH and Magdalena got sick with the stomach flu and then I got sick with it and was admitted for constant vomiting and I was in labor (a week before my scheduled section!) Talk about hell.

[mama-beans]

It may have to do with the ease in your healthcare system too... Both of my children recently had the ugly virus you're kids got. Rotavirus. I called the ped every day. He said if they can still make tears, they aren't sufficiently dehydrated for them to do anything about it. Vomit every 10-15 minutes for 3 days. When my daughter started heaving at night WHILE SHE SLEPT I finally rushed her into the hospital. She'd lost 3 pounds in a week, hadn't eaten anything for 5 days, had sipped on pedialyte ice pops only...... and they checked her, said YEP, she's sick! gave us a prescription for anti-nausia suppositories, and sent us home. This was only AFTER sitting in the waiting room ( still puking) for 3 HOURS. The could have prescribed the nausia stuff over the phone. My son, 9 months old, also lost 3 pounds. Same reaction from our ped. For me, it was a waste of time to take them to the ped's office. They weren't on deaths door so all they did was advise me to keep giving them liquids when I could. Bring them back if they can't make tears any more. Part of me says you over-reacted. But then I remember those days with 2 sick ones, and I would have given my left leg for SOME kind of help. If I thought I could get that help at the hospital, I would have taken mine in too.

[mama-beans]

It may have to do with the ease in your healthcare system too... Both of my children recently had the ugly virus you're kids got. Rotavirus. I called the ped every day. He said if they can still make tears, they aren't sufficiently dehydrated for them to do anything about it. Vomit every 10-15 minutes for 3 days. When my daughter started heaving at night WHILE SHE SLEPT I finally rushed her into the hospital. She'd lost 3 pounds in a week, hadn't eaten anything for 5 days, had sipped on pedialyte ice pops only...... and they checked her, said YEP, she's sick! gave us a prescription for anti-nausia suppositories, and sent us home. This was only AFTER sitting in the waiting room ( still puking) for 3 HOURS. The could have prescribed the nausia stuff over the phone. My son, 9 months old, also lost 3 pounds. Same reaction from our ped. For me, it was a waste of time to take them to the ped's office. They weren't on deaths door so all they did was advise me to keep giving them liquids when I could. Bring them back if they can't make tears any more. Part of me says you over-reacted. But then I remember those days with 2 sick ones, and I would have given my left leg for SOME kind of help. If I thought I could get that help at the hospital, I would have taken mine in too.

[kristylynne]

You did the right thing. If your pedi thought they should be admitted, then they should be admitted. End of story. Good mommying!

[Joy]

People shouldn't be critical. They're your kids and you can do what you like. Honestly.

[Lisa S.]

I would have done the same thing. Dehydration freaks me out.

Note for the future though: once Charlie was up puking all night, but screaming for juice!!!!! in between pukes. Would have a sip, calm down, fall asleep, up in 10 minutes puking again. Screaming bloody murder for juice, too young to realize it was going to cause more puke, oh my gosh, a neverending cycle. All. Night. Long.

The next day the pediatrician told me a little secret: wet a washcloth with some juice and let them suck on it. They will get the moisture they crave, but not as much as if they had a sip. It may still cause puke, but less fluid = less puke. I haven't had an opportunity yet (knock wood) but next time will try it.

[Lisa]

I agree with you totally. I did the same thing for my son, same type of bug, and I don't even usually fall on the "paranoid" side ;-). What else do you do when they can't keep anything down and/or won't even take in fluids? They need to be kept hydrated somehow! As a parent, it's your job to make sure they're given the care that is needed. If the hospital sees fit to admit them for a night or two for IV rehydration, then it was the right thing to do! If they don't admit them to the hospital because their bloodwork is normal, then you've had your mind set at ease. It's all good.

Just a bit of friendly assvice (that I realize you may already know quite well, so I hope I don't sound like a total ass)...electrolyte solutions like Pedi@lyte not only have the right balance of electrolytes to keep children properly hydrated, but they are also absorbed into the stomach lining very quickly. Therefore, they don't lose quite as much of the fluids they take in when they throw it all back up, even if it's within a few minutes. My son wouldn't drink anything though, especially Pedi@lyte, when he was sick. So I know this bit of info may be worth spit in some cases. :)

I'm glad to hear the kiddos are feeling better, but sorry to hear that Marko and Granny have it now. I hope they and you are healthy again soon!

[21stCenturyMom]

Here's a thought - don't let other people's criticism bother you. Armchair quarterbacking someone else's parenting is all too easy. You know what is best for your kids and when you don't know you ask. You didn't ask - you don't need to listen.

I'm glad the kids have recovered and I hope you and Marko and your Mum feel better soon.

[Emily]

You're only doing what you think is best- and I commend you for it.

I'm wondering- completely different train of thought- is Karen still coming over to play?

[Kristina]

Absolutely you are not paranoid. We had to admit my little girl when she was puking 30 times a day and not holding anything down for a couple of days. The first time I showed up at the hospital, she seemed fine and the doctor sent us home. The second time (4 hours later) she put on a good show with the screaming and puking. The finally did a blood test and she was dangerously dehydrated and stayed in the hospital for three days. I really think she wouldn't have made it if I had listened to hubby and others telling me she would be fine.

We moms KNOW stuff sometimes. Trust your instincts.

[terri c]

So sorry you are feeling defensive. Probably being sleep deprived, sick, and still curled into a pretzel does not help. You are Mom, you get to decide what is best for your kids, and hey--they got well, didn't they??? So no grounds for criticism from this end of things--I am just jealous of your health care. As many have noted, even with good health insurance you sometimes have to be totally at death's door here in the States, and even then you have to rely on the doc's being able to TELL you are at death's door, which doesn't always happen. Mom's instinct really is needed, sometimes you have to fight for what the kids need. My scary story is that I developed an allergy to a prescription med; I was seen FOUR TIMES in 48 hours in the ER, and the eedjit docs just "assumed" I was still taking the med and thought *I* was an eedjit. It took the student doc, a young female resident, on the fourth ER trip, to actually LOOK UP the med in the book, discover it stays in the body for seven days, and HEY, THIS IS LIFE-THREATENING. They admitted me. I got the perhaps first ever known apology from an ER doc. What an eedjit. That's WITH good insurance!

[Mandy]

You were given instincts for a reason. Sometimes fear can cloud your intuition, but there's nothing wrong with taking a sick child to the doctor or hospital if you are worried.

In December, my husband, daughter and I all came down with a horrible stomach illness. Luckily my daughter was able to keep down most of the breastmilk she drank so she didn't get dehydrated, but since I'd been keeping her going it was only 2 hours between the time I said "My stomach hurts, this is going to be baaaaaaad" and coming to passed out on the bathroom floor, hubby standing over me dialing 911.

Hubby and I both ended up with IV fluids and antinausea medicine and our daughter had the antinausea meds but didn't need the fluids - The last thing I did before passing out was throw up and then call the dr (again) and say "YOU HAVE TO HELP US, THIS IS BAD"

[Andrea]

Re: "mother is always last in the queue when it comes to being sick." The truth of that was made apparent last week. It was Thursday, and I had an injury to my eye that I didn't think could wait until morning. After talking to an ER nurse friend and he recommending me to go ahead to the ER, I told my husband that I'd help him get both kids to bed then I'd head off to the ER. LOL. He said he was pretty sure he could handle it, and why didn't I just go ahead! Funny thing is that I didn't think twice about getting to kids to bed before I dealt with my own medical emergency.

[Jen H.]

Hey! I didn't read the other comments, so they probably all said what I'm going to say: Hey. Don't sweat it. Be paranoid. Be protective. Be a Mom. I think you rock.

[Mary W]

This happened to my youngest daughter a year ago (she was 2 at the time). After the stomach bug that I thought she was over...the following day she slept all morning which was unusual for her. I wasn't sure so I called my husband, who works in the fire service at work. He told me to take her to the ER and he would meet me there. At the time I thought that he was overreacting.

After going to the ER, my daughter did drink a bunch of fluids only to vomit all over my husband. We did the wait and see approach since they were unable to insert an IV (she didn’t cry or fuss at all even while trying in her neck, arms, leg), if not they were going to do an IO (were they insert a needle through the bone to hydrate quickly). After a few hours of constant diarrhea and vomiting we insisted that our daughter be transported to children’s hospital and hour away. There they were able to insert an IV on the first attempt and she was kept in the hospital for two nights. She was lethargic and not responding when she arrived at the children’s hospital.

It was scary. I am so glad that I went with my “instinct” and called my husband when I did. Since then thankfully we have had only a few bouts of the stomach flu but we don’t mess around with dehydration.

PS-we now live in a completely different state. I am so thankful I will never have to take my children to that ER again!

I think you did the right thing. Hope you are feeling better soon.

[Heather]

Mega and BabySan got the Norovirus - stomach virus. I took them to the hospital as well. We were not admitted because the boys had not yet "dehydrated sufficiently" and it was "going around" with other children under 5. We were sent home with inductrial strength fluids and told to give Tylenol and wait it out... And I hated it. I think at that point, I would have been more comfortable mushing into a chair, dividing my time between the two boys. DH was deployed and I would have been very uncomfortable at the hospital, but I would have felt better knowing doctors were right there, you know? I was very upset when I was told to take them home and not come back unless the fever got to 104 or higher, or they were not urinating every 4-6 hours, even if it was only a little bit. I hated that. Hated it! I think you did the right thing... And so what if you are paranoid? Better safe than sorry. :-)

[jane]

Oh no Tertia, you did the right thing. When children get very sick from stomach bugs, etc., it is usually from the dehydration, not the bug itself. If they were getting sick as you said it was absolutely the right decision to take them. (From experience with a child who suffered from dehydration from a bug.)

[Peggy]

I just had this discussion with a friend last week. how to tell if your child is sick enough to take in or just ride it out at home. I use to go with the gut feeling. Mommy instinct is usally right.

Sorry you , Marko and Granny are feeling crappy now. Hope eveyone is better soon.

[Nors]

You can never be to careful. Good call Mommy.

[Sparklykatt]

You should never have to justify taking great care of your kids! Mommy instincts rule!

So glad everyone is on the mend. I hope you get some much needed rest soon.

[jen]

we took my husband to the hospital when he was throwing up every 10-15 minutes, so I can't imagine NOT taking a sick child to the hospital with the same symptoms!

[Judy]

Tertia - everyone raises their kids and takes care of them as THEY SEE FIT - you are doing a wonderful job and you do what you feel is right for them...no need to be defensive.

I guess if I could get health service like that, I would probably do what you did. Our system isn't like that here, though, at least not for me. I invest in quite a bit of anti-nausea liquid/pedialtye/mylanta for children/pepto-bismol when the stomach bug hits here, and after about 24 hours, if it isn't better, THAT'S when we call in the brigade. Before then, if I called my ped I'd get the "just keep trying the water/fluid approach and good luck" answer. Just the way it is.

I'm so sorry you are feeling rotten and I hope you feel better soon. Glad to hear the kiddos are better though! HOORAY!

[Scout]

I would have done the exact same thing. I seriously don't understand the criticism. I fear I have been spoiled by the healthcare in S. Africa. For my pregnancy I saw my OB every visit, sonogram every visit, my OB delivered my baby and was with me the whole time I pushed. She was the only doctor to treat me during my pregnancy. The grand total for the pregnancy, birth (including epidural), Dr's fees and hospital stay in a private room? USD$3600.00.

And this:

"I called the ped every day. He said if they can still make tears, they aren't sufficiently dehydrated for them to do anything about it. Vomit every 10-15 minutes for 3 days. When my daughter started heaving at night WHILE SHE SLEPT I finally rushed her into the hospital. She'd lost 3 pounds in a week, hadn't eaten anything for 5 days, had sipped on pedialyte ice pops only"

Oh my God.

[Nicole]

Hi Tertia, I am the queen of stomach bugs. I always joke that if one is w/in a 500 mile radius I will probably catch it. Fortunately, most of them are short lived (24 hrs). ime, there seems to be an emptying phase (usually 6 - 12 hours) followed by a recovery phase (rest & clear fluids). I usually reach that dry heave/bile stage. I debate w/myself about a single sip of water b/c I know I will puke it up again shortly. However on my last go around I decided that it is actually more comfortable wretching up water than bile and hey maybe my stomach will absorb a little fluid in the short time I keep it down.

As for the kids, my best tip is to train them to use barf bowls (saves so much mess and laundry time). At our house there is a barf bowl in the car and at the first suggestion of possible stomach ills, I put one in bed with the kid(s).

As for hospital visits, well there are just soooo many things to consider. At our house, daddy is an intensive care nurse, so I probably worry a bit less and know that he will say when we need to go to the hospital. Obviously if you think your child may die within a matter of hours you need to go immediately. But in other situations there is so much more to consider. Our local hospital is so hands-off when it comes to needles and children that we won't even go there. There are times when as a mother I would rather subject my child to a blood draw and an IV, then risk them spiraling into prolonged and/or unknown illness. Then at other times I'm ok with the watch and wait approach. I think for me a lot of it has to do with their disposition - the second my children become lethargic and 'not themselves' I start to get concerned and watch even more closely. But the truth is that in probably 90% of cases children's bodies are more than able to fight these childhood illnesses. The problem for parents and caregivers alike is how do you identify the minority kids who won't be able to fight off their illnesses without treatment. Something I think we all struggle with.

Sorry to ramble on so long - this is a frequent topic of discussion at our house since we see both sides of the health care system. Glad to hear the kids are doing better and I hope you don't catch this nasty bug.

[Jb]

you did EXACTLY THE BEST thing. PERIOD. Full stop. Let it go. You are a great mom. this is the other side: my dh broke his arm around age 8 or so. his father was a neurosurgeon (sp?). It was not in a cast for three DAYS because they did not go in. Dh is fucked up because of stuff like that.

[Jen3 @ amazing trips]

You've got to do what YOU feel is right.

Our triplets have come down TWICE with a stomach flu so bad they would vomit every 10-15 minutes. That part of severe vomiting lasted about 24 hours. THEN, they continued to vomit for the next TWO WEEKS, probably 3-4 times a day.

The first time, ALL THREE ARE THROWING UP (blood nonetheless - turns out they ruptured blood vessels in their espophogus), I took them to the hospital. This was a few days before I found out I was pregnant - so I was feeling sick too (thinking it was the flu >> turns out it was the pg) and my DH was home on the floor of the bathroom chucking up his guts. After spending almost eight hours in the hospital - they sent us home and told me that eventually this would pass. I had to try getting ice chips in to their system throughout the day, NO FOOD, and needed to be sure that they were making tears (when crying) and had wet diapers at least 2X a day.

The second time, 3 months later, ALL THREE are up throwing up every 10-15 minutes. My DH is throwing up every 10-15 minutes. MY DOG WAS EVEN THROWING UP. I was the lone person standing and I was 4 months pregnant. BLOODY F*CKING NIGHTMARE. I drove to the hospital, by myself, with three vomiting toddlers, and after sitting in the parking lot for 30 minutes debating what to do (go in and wait for several hours only to have them send me home after paying a $225.00 copay ... OR ... go home save the time & the money??) I went home.

They continued to throw up for the next two weeks. I washed 10 loads of laundry a day. They layed around on the couch the entire time and did nothing but watch television. Eventually, they got better. Gatorade, popsicles and soon - apple sauce, toast and jello were our saving grace. I was shocked that all of them lost between 5-8 pounds. Considering they were only 25 pounds to begin with, that's a lot of weight. Thankfully, I didn't get sick either time. I don't know what we would have done if I was out of commission, too. It was bad enough having my DH incapacitated.

But, again, you have to do what YOU think is right. Hopefully, by now, you're through the worst of it.

[merseydotes]

I have had a dehydrated (though not severely) baby because of vomiting, and it isn't pretty. Our daughter was the same way, but got listless very quickly. Our ped (paed?) had us take her right away to a hospital with a ped working the ER all the time. They had to rehydrate her via an IV (drip?), and she still threw up for several hours. A week later, I had viral meningitis from the bug that she had passed me.

Not all stomach bugs are created equal. You absolutely did the right thing.

[Jessy]

Of course you did the right thing. I hardly saw "many" people say that you shouldn't have acted. MAYBE one said she wouldn't have acted, others expressed surprise they were admitted, and no one criticized you. Hopefully the 60+ comments telling you you're the best momma evah have you less defensive now.

[Mary]

Tertia
You are the MOTHER. You know what is best for your kids! Don't listen to anyone else.
Now take care of yourself too!
Mary

[Shandra]

I don't think you overreacted but even if you did, so what?

I think parents who have had children die in their arms should get a free lifetime pass on bringing kids in to be seen "just in case." Really all parents should but I do think there is an especially acute fear that comes up that can be so stressful and hard to manage that the peace of mind is well worth the ten minutes of medical staff time to make the call on whether further intervention is needed.

GO REST! :-)

[Kim]

Feh - Who cares what people think. Raise your children how you see fit and I will do the same with mine. You know your kids better than anyone else and you did what was right!

[Chickenpig]

I was a resident assistant responsible for a dorm of about 80 students when I was in college, and there was one girl who had a terrible bug and was throwing up every 15 mins, plus a temp, and I brought her to the emergency room. She was 18 and she wasn't my kid, but I sent her ass packing to the hospital. The first aid training I received said to bring anyone, but especially children and the elderly, to get medical attention if they haven't kept any fluids down for more than 3 hrs if they had a temp. Yes, if your kid just has a bug and can keep fluids down keep them home and put fluids in them, but if they are throwing up every 15 mins? Your body is beyond being sick at that point, throwing up isn't helping. That could mean anything from deadly food poisoning to meningitis. Why risk it? Let docs decide how dangerous the bug is.

[Ruth Stewart-Leach]

good gravy! you are their mother, and my god you love them more than life (well, almost). aren't we paying for hospital care with our taxes, so that when we feel we can't cope, or are scared for our kids we can take them there? and, kids do die of bad bugs, esp little kids. or they get really really really sick, and that aint fair. good for you! the people who implied that you overreacted havent lost any of their children i bet - those of us that have know being simply being a baby or a kid is fricken risky, and that those little people need lionesses for mum's who will fight the devil on their behalf. you are a lioness, you are the mother, do what you have to to keep those damn cute kids well and happy and, just - you know, on the earth with the rest of us so they can bring us joy, and you joy, and one day make more little people of their own and be stunningly protective parents. yeah. i am a 46 yr old mother to be, the next youngest is 21 (eek), so as you can guess this little one is an unexpected bonus, like the extra set of knives you get when you order something off tv advertising . . . my second daughter would be 22 now, but died at ten weeks, and my eldest is 24. in between there were 3 who never got to see the light of day, and i wish i could have done something to save them. you can believe that i acted on behalf of the two who survived, and will do so for this little honey as well! rock on lion lady!!!

[Cory]

Insurance is such sticky, ugly, confusing mess here in the US, and unfortunately, that usually dictates what a lot of people can/will do when their children get sick. And honestly, I think it dictates a lot of what the actual doctors will do FOR your children as well. You are your child's only advocate sometimes.
I commented when you posted about Adam being in the hospital, and said that I had just been through that with my youngest son a couple months ago. And yes, I had to wait until the point of dehydration before they'd treat him in the ER. And they didn't even admit him. Just treated him all day then sent us home with instructions to come back if it got bad again. And because he was so badly dehydrated, even getting the IV going was difficult, because his veins had all gone to shit. But, that's what the insurance dictates. No, don't keep him to monitor him, send us home and "wait and see". It's frustrating. If I had been able, I'd have gone exactly the route you did Tertia. I think you absolutely went about it the right way.

[jodie]

Wow, everyone is whipped up into a frenzy over this. From my point of view, my comment was just surprise and interest at how things are done differently in other countries. We would never take a child to the ER after a few hours of vomiting. But it's great Tertia has that resource and of course she did the right thing.

I think most of the people who questioned it were genuinely just interested, not "having a go".

[Jujubee]

Forget the people criticizing your decision or giving medical advice. You shouldn't trust all the so-called medical advice you read over the internet and you certainly shouldn't trust random people leaving comments for medical advice. You're the mom, you felt something wasn't right, you took them to the doctor, and the doctor agreed. You did good.

[Jeannie]

You've already heard this one hundred times, but don't feel defensive -- you're their mother and you know what's best. When my little boy was in the hospital two months ago I knew something was wrong despite the doctors telling me it was just a virus -- and it wasn't. It paid off for me to be "paranoid" -- I'm just glad I was, and you should be too. With your kids, it's always a matter of better safe than sorry. And in your case they sounded more than sick enough to be in hospital. Kids get dehydrated very quickly from those kinds of things, and it's really dangerous.

Glad to hear that they are both on the mend, and best wishes to all the adults that they will feel better soon!

[Melanie Bohren]

Hi Tertia,

Delurking to comment that you have such a broad range of readers - people from all over the world read your blog! Here in the US, we have so many different opinions about how to care for kids - even in my own state or town, everyone has a different take on it. That is what I love about reading your blog - it is your take on the world. You have a different culture, a different set of health care issues, different expectations and different kids than any of us do. We all do things as we see fit, trying to do our best, so don't you feel guilty one bit for taking those kids in first thing! You should feel proud that everyone is well now, except you and Marko, of course! Keep up the good work, and the excellent blog! ~Melanie

['wishIknew']

Tertia,

Didn't read all the comments but agree you did the right thing PLUS that is what your doctor told you to do.
From the questioning comments I read on the other post, I think people were wondering why THEIR doctor would not send their child. It was more of a "my doctor won't even see us before X and Y". I think what seemed like a question about what you did was actually a "I don't want to feel guilty about what I did" type of comment.
I personally have not been through what you just went through and when I read your first post, I found myself wondering, "What am I supposed to do if that happens?" EVERY parent wants to do the right thing and so I really think most of those comments were more about OTHERS feeling defensive about what they did than wanting to make you feel defensive about what you did.
Hope that makes sense - it's late and I may not be making my point as clearly as I would like.
Hope the whole family is feeling A-OK soon.
I'd like to suggest Probiotics http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/pro_0034.shtml
such as Primadophilus - for Children
http://www.mothernature.com/shop/detail.cfm/sku/86132
for Kate and Adam
and Megaflora Optimal Potency
http://www.amazon.com/Megafood-Megaflora-Optimal-Potency-capsules/dp/B00014HSI2/ref=sr_1_1/002-8711603-1062408?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1177991785&sr=1-1
for you and Marko and your mom.
Take care,
'wishIknew'

[Anna V]

FFS. My child nearly died of salmonella because the on-call GP didn't take it seriously enough. If I had blithely just ignored the puking, he would have died. BF baby and nobody was particularly concerned because bf babies shouldn't get dehydrated. Balls to that.

Dehydration is a serious matter in young kids.

[anna v]

Oh and I was in NZ at the time so cost was not a factor. 5 days in hospital didn't cost us a cent.

[Carrie]

I think the surprise here is partly a cultural thing. In the US, the only place where people are guaranteed medical care regardless of ability to pay is the ER (they still don't have to admit you, just treat you enough to get you out of their hospital). Therefore, the ER is full of people who don't have true emergencies, but have no other way to have their kid's ears looked at or get more antibiotics for a sinus infection. The waits for anything other than a heart or asthma attack can be 5 or 6 or more hours long. Those of us with insurance are taught that the ER is an absolute last resort. We won't even get reimbursed unless we are there for something that is or seems to be emergent. Therefore, many pediatricians here tend to really hesitate before recommending someone take their kid into the hospital, and I think many of your US readers are shocked because it is so rare for us to be told to go in for even a bad stomach bug.

When my daughter was almost 2, she got dehydrated enough to be truly lethargic after only vomiting once, because she hadn't had much to drink before she'd gone to bed. I actually hesitated before taking her because I was afraid the doctors would think I was overreacting since she'd only vomited the one time. I ended up pulling over on the way to the ER because I thought she'd died when she wouldn't turn her head and was staring blankly into space. It still took an hour to get in and be seen (fast because that hospital has a seperate peds ER). Dehydration can happen very fast. If I was in your position now, you're damn right I'd be taking those kids in.

[Julee]

I am weighing in after lurking for the longest time to tell you that I feel that you did the most absolutely perfect thing by taking your kids to the hospital. Only you know your kids the best. You are a wonderful mother. I err on the side of safety with my son and who can blame a parent for that???

[Jessica]

Tertia,

I am sorry that you are feeling defensive. You are the Mommy and you know best. Dont for one moment think you owe any of us an explination for why/how you keep your kids healthy & safe. Best wishes to you and your adorable family.

[Sister Mel]

Dehydration really is life threatening. We have just had 36 kids die in Nomzamu (local township) because they had gastro. They have had gastro because they poo outside and do not bury it. Their is no toilet and no sewage line. The council doesn't want them there so they have not put one in. They are squatters who have no where to go but are not allowed to live there. Some guys from my church have put money and skills together and are building a sewage sysytem and a few out-door toilets.
Just a freak out! Make me cross. My bokklet has a whole page on dehydration as it is the number 1 baby killer in the townships. I have left it for a while but his reminds me to move my butt!

[SheilaC]

My deep sympathies on this whole stomach virus saga. It's hitting our house too. The triplets have all gotten it over the past 2 days, and now we parents feel nauseous too: uh-oh! But it's been relatively mild at our house, and the kids are 7 years old now, so I don't worry very much. It was much worse when they were toddlers.
If our kids were as small and sick as yours were, and we couldn't get the vomiting to slow down, I would have taken them to the doctor too. When ours were 3 years old, they all were hospitalized for dehydration with a nasty stomach virus like that. It doesn't take long for little ones to lose a lot of fluid.
Take good care of your sweeties, and I hope they bounce back very quickly.

[Carrie Jo]

You seem to have very good instincts when it comes to your kids. Please don't worry what other people think when they weren't even there. If they had been, I bet every single one of them would have done the same thing you did.

[Nicola P]

Tertia,

You did absolutely the right thing with your kids. I, like you, would have also doubted myself based on some of the comments that were posted, but please don't. Your children needed specialist treatment and care and you responded in absolutely the right way. You were not being paranoid, nor were you over-reacting.

I certainly would not have passed any kind of judgement a few thousand miles away in a different country with a different healthcare system. That is just insane.

So, I am sorry you had to even deal with that, on top of being a mom to your sick kids in the best way possible.

I am thankful they are home now, but I am sorry that you feel shitty. That is not nice. You must be exhausted.

Lots of love.

[Anne]

Don't give it another thought. Mothers *do* have a sixth sense when it comes to their kids being really ill. When my six year old was about 21 months he had an episode of vomiting and diarrhoea which was more serious than usual. I took him to the hospital and he was admitted on the spot. That doesn't often happen in Australia...they keep you waiting in emergency sucking on rehydrating iceblocks for hours...but when Mike went in that day he was on a drip and in a bed before I even had time to ring his daddy. He didn't look that sick, but something told me to get him to the hospital quick. Likewise, when his sister was a similar age, she developed a fever of 39 degrees in the hour between when I dropped her off at daycare and when they rang me. She had an inflamed navel and that instinct kicked in big time. I took her straight to the hospital and she was diagnosed with periumbilical cellulitis, which if not diagnosed quickly leads to septicaemia and can kill small children.
If your instinct tells you to take your kids for urgent medical treatment, go with that instinct and bugger what anyone else says.

[vanna]

you've gotta go with the instinct. luckily, my kids have not been sick like that (yet), but i'd rather err on the side of being a nervous mom, than have the situation or their healths (is that a word!?) deteriorate. doctors see nercous moms all the time, that's part of their job too, and it's not like i'd be the first one they've encountered!!! =)

hang in there, feel better!!

[mo]

i'm with you and everyone else that says 'bugger what everyone else says, take them to the doctors'. visits for kids under five in NZ are free and so i find it easier to mae the descision to be safe than sorry. of course there are people like my ex who accuse me of being paranoid and 'always doping the kid up on antibiotics' (which is bull, of course he goes more over winter because thats when theres lots of stuff going round but he hasnt been for at LEAST six months), but as soon as he gets really sick, they're always the people who are in my face going 'WHY DINDT YOU TAKE HIM TO THE DOCTOR, ITS NOT LIKE IT COSTS ANYTHING, YOU'RE A HORRIBLE PARENT!' fun and games.

i think, also, you know your kids better than anyone. someone else might 'sit it out' at home, but generally, as a parent, you know when your OWN kids are really sick. you're the only person that can make that call. it's not like they can go to a doctors or hospital by themselves. i think you did great.

[Jenn]

I would and have done the same thing. Oh and jodie I'm an Aussie too. I was also seen within an hour and DD would have been admitted had I not been willing to do the rehydration at home/had been concerned.

We've only had gastro twice in this house, and both times the girls have deteriorated rapidly. Hell yes was I taking them to hospital.

[Tammy]

There's nothing stronger than a mother's instinct. You did exactly as you should have for your children. And who gives a rats ass if someone doesn't like it. I trust my gut more than I trust someone with a white coat and a stethoscope - or anyone else for that matter.

It's ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry. There are times when I felt like a complete tool for second-guessing myself for fear of looking like a paranoid mom. But it ended up biting me in the ass and I should've listened to my instincts to begin with.

YOU ARE AN AWESOME AWESOME MOM, Tertia. Don't EVER change a thing.
XOXO

[angel]

i'm glad the kidlets are well again, but i'm sorry the grownups aren't well anymore.
as for taking them to hospital- worrying is a mommy's prerogative, and if you know your kids you make decisions appropriately.
i think you're fabulous.

[sjo]

Selfish question, especially given your current health situation. (So sorry to hear about the week - sounds miserable..... poor little ones!)

But can you possibly spill the beans on when Karen (Naked Ovary) is going to post? I've been thinking about it since you originally broke the news.

Hope you and the rest of the adults are feeling better soon!

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