Son Seems to Get Sick Too Often.

Hi,
You don't mention what kind of medication the doctor has put him on.
Need a little more info on what his problems are.
It can be a number of things including low immune system.

T.

Just a thought: I don't know where you live, but I will tell you something I noticed. We used to live in an almost 100 year old house in Nebraska City. Our whole family got sick way too often when we lived there. We didn't know what to do. Even my husband and I got sinus infections all the time. Our oldest daughter got strep throat every three to five months. Our baby always had a runny nose.

Now, we live in Omaha, in a house that is newer, (built in the 80s) with all new heater and AC, etc. It is much more open and well-aired. We hardly ever get sick now.

I don't know that our house was causing us to be sick, but I have a suspicion, now that we live in this newer house. There can be molds that grow in your house that cause people to get sick. Some people are more prone to it than others.

Like I said, I have no idea where you live, or if my suspicion is even accurate, but it's something to consider.

-J.

How long has your son been on flinstone vitamins? I seen a show on 60 MIN about Aspertame which is in those vitamins. There seems to be alot of side effect from this chemical. Not trying to scare you but here is a web site http://www.sweetpoison.com/aspartame-side-effects.html
If he were my son I would take him off immediately. I hope this helps. I would try a healthy diet, and vitamin C, things that are more natural, he may have allergies also?

M.:

The only thing that comes to mind is getting him on a good vitamin. My 3-year-old daughter takes a vitamin that Melaleuca makes. Their vitamins absorb within the body right away so they are really good. I found that the store brand or even name brand vitamins just don't work as well as my kids would still get sick a lot.
Another thing I recommend is getting the toxins out of your home. You wouldn't believe what that's done for my kids. They were sick all the time with colds, flus, etc. until I did that. I only use products to clean my home that are environmentally safe, no toxic chemicals in these products so there's no problem with them obstructing the airways and causing sickness like we were getting. I've learned so much this past year about chemicals in our homes and just how many problems it can cause for us, especially moms and little children that stay home. We're really at risk because we stay home full time.
I understand the financial problems that you all might have any maybe worry about that too. This company sells products that are comparable to Walmart's prices so you wouldn't have to worry about that. And if you can do these things, there's a chance it could really change your little guy's situation around. I know it has made a HUGE difference in our lives.
You can email me directly for more information: ____@____.com

God bless you and hope this helps!

Do you have any mold in your home? That can do it.

I don't know if you remember, but I'm sick all the time as well. :( I have been going to several different doctors lately and still nothing. Has he been tested for allergies? I ask this because I've been told allergies can have weird affects on people, like being sick a lot. Not only that, but my allergy doctor seemed to be the first doctor that cared/was concerned with how often I'm sick (I'm not allergic to anything, but I still have regular appointments with him until he can find out why I'm sick). To get a referal you just have to have a minimum # of doctor visits for being sick. I'm not sure how many though. I know how frustrating doctors can be, mine tells me "some people just get sick more often than others." But anyway, I would make a log of all his symptoms and the days they occur, I have a calender and on every day I write down how I feel & highlight the bad days. If he's throwing up you might want to have a food log too. Just so they can rule out food allergies. Also, do you know his blood pressure? I've had super low blood pressure my whole life, and it had never seemed to phase doctors until my allergist. He was super concerned & said that could be part of the problem. So maybe pay attention next time they take it & ask, a lot of times they don't even say what it is. Just wanted you to know you aren't alone!!! I hope you get this figured out sooner than me though, a life of sickness is a pain in the butt!

"We recently noticed that if he has a sugary drink such as bug juice or choc milk he will vomit with in 5 min of the 1st drink" - How long has this been happening? If he's had a sinus infection or a stomach virus, the sugar in the drink might be exacerbating an already weak stomach. If sugary drinks bother him, don't give them to him for a few weeks. Stick to water, watered-down, 100% juice (most kids don't need a whole sippy cup of undiluted fruit juice, anyway- too much sugar), or plain milk. If he says he doesn't like plain milk, tell him it's vanilla flavored. It worked for my kids.
Also, if your doctor or NP is giving you antibiotics for viral infections, be wary. Most viruses aren't cured w/ drugs and have to run their course. Also, kids are super susceptible to new viruses after they've been down w/ a previous bug. This might be why you're not seeing a lot of progress w/ the antibiotics. Unfortunatly, moms tend to think the kids are fine to take out and about to daycare, etc. once the child has been on the antibiotic for 24-48 hours. That doesn't really give the child's immune system to catch up. Better to wait until he's really and truly better, and then go to your interviews or play dates.
This might sound backwards, but stop using products like Lysol and Clorox to disinfect your home. Many household cleaners contain chemicals like dioxin, chlorine, and ammonia, and some kids are super sensitive to those chemicals. His problems might stem from or be irritated by the very cleaners you're using to eradicate the germs from your home. Shaklee and Melaleuca are companies that both offer safer alternatives, if you can find a rep in your area. Or check your health food store for a multitude of options. Honestly, I've read a lot about safe cleaners, and I use distilled white vinegar. It kills germs and cleans everything really well, and it doesn't contain anything that might hurt the kids if they happen to get into it. Doesn't smell the best, but....
Finally, if you are unhappy w/ your doctor, get on a waiting list, or whatever you need to do to get a new doctor. Ask friends who they use. Or simply call a pediatrician's office, ask to speak to a nurse, outline your issues, and see what he/she says. A second opinion sure couldn't hurt. I think most states have an Ask-A-Nurse hotline that you can call for just such a purpose.
My kids spent all of January and 1/2 of Feb in and out of the dr office. It stinks, but it'll get better. If you're convinced something might seriously be wrong, don't stop until you get answers. Nothing would keep me from making sure my kid got the help he needed. Ask family, ask your church, ask the goodwill or the salvation army if they can offer some kind of medical assistance if you need to.
Good luck, and I will pray that spring brings better health to your family!

My oldest was allergic to red food dye when he was small.....there are a ton of differnt kinds and not everything is actually red.....check the labels. Also his stomach may just be developing a little slower....we had some of the strangest "allergies" but he has outgrown most of the food related ones.
My middle one just cant handle dairy on the winter months...are there some things that work for him? Stick to those for a while.
As far as a doc, you do have the right to switch! Do, you need to feel safe and heard when it comes to your kids health. See if you cant get a referral to an allergist-that could make all the difference in the world. Good luck! Keep your chin up

Well I would definitely say that if he gets sick after giving him bug juice or choc milk, you should stop doing that. My strong advice would be to talk to your doctor about getting an appointment with a nutritionist. It's probably not allergies or illness as much as it is that he's not getting the adequate nutrients to build his immune system. It more important NOW than ever that you teach him (and your other children) good eating habits - it's the first and best way to stay healthy.

I know how frustrating it is to have a child sick can be. I have two and a third one on the way. My son who was my first was the same way as a infant and toddler, he was always on antibiotics for things and ended up with RSV as a baby. I started doing my own research and looking into the different possibilities that could allow him to be so sick all the time. well the more educated I got on it I soon came to the conclusion is that his immune system was weak and needed to be strengthened. Well there was no magic pill for that. So the more I looked into it I had to look at his diet and well it was full of refined sugars and carbs. I learned and now know that in order to have a very healthy and strong immune system that we NEED whole food nutrition. Raw fruits and Veggies and a wide variety. I went to www.askdrsears.com and looked on his web page for some advice (he is a well know pediatrician that writes some articles for parenting magazine. He really advocated healthy food and whole food nutrition. on his web page he talks about Juice Plus and the whole food benefit of that. We put our son on Juice Plus and to this day, 3 years now, he hasn't had more than a small cold. If you are interested in Juice plus you can email me at ____@____.com and I can get you more info on it. at Dr. sears web page you can search for what he says about it also. Let me know if I can help.
A.

I would encourage you to look at the products you are using around your home. My son had a chronic cough for the first six months of his life and I switched my products to toxin free products and his cough went away in the first few days. All I did was switch his baby wash and clean the house with toxin free products. If you are intereseted in learning more please let me know. He has only been sick once in the last 13 months. :)

D.
____@____.com

First I would call the docs office and raise heck to get an appt with the doc and raise heck with the doc to get him to do more testing or refer you to someone who will do testing. If that doesn't work, I would call your worker for his insurance and tell them how unsatisfied you are with his doc and ask to change docs. If you don't feel you/your son is being treated like he should be at the doc and the doc isn't doing what he should be you need to get a new doc. I don't know if you're in Iowa or not, but when we had medicaid we were allowed to change once a year, at least. And if I would have ever run into a situation like that I would have been calling my worker and raising heck to get a new doc no matter what.
I have changed docs before (same office even, just different doc) and I have to say having the new doc know that I "fired" the other one because he wasn't listening to me and was doing things that didn't make sense to me and I wasn't happy with, my new doc paid attention to me (and dh) and answered questions we asked and explained things when we asked. So even if you have to change to a different doc in the same office, make sure they know that you basically fired the other doc because you weren't satisfied with his concern and the type of care he was giving your son.
Just my two cents. I pray you get answers soon and that you little one gets too feeling better soon. It is definately no fun to be sick at that age (or any age for that matter).
Hugs and prayers! K.

You can call medicad and tell them you don;t like the care you are getting from your doctor.. i did it with my NOW 2 1/2 year old.. I switched doctors. they let me.. Becuase i was not satifised. They will let you pick another doctor. The throwing up thing.. I have 3 year old who gets sick if he has to much sigar or sugary drinks.. Some kids bodyies can't handle any sugar.. My son he is almost 4.. he pukes not alot but least 2 times per week if not more sometimes.. The doctor just said there bodies can't handle certain sugars or dyes. I go to Dr vanderbur he is the BEST.. he is with children's. If your not happy with the care you get.Go get another one.. ITS YOUR CHOICE NOT THE GOV'S.

Sounds like you really need a new doctor! Thankfully 6 months from Nov is fast approaching. I would suggest a pediatrician over a family doctor though. I'm sure you've probably recieved alot of referals from other members on here, but I love my son's pediatrician. Dr. Kody Moffet @ Childrens Physicians in Bellevue. He's great and I've never had a problem getting my son in the same day. If you want to check him out the number is ###-###-####.
Best wishes,
S.

Something people don't think about too often is your toothbrush. Doctors will tell you if you have been sick or had throat problems-change your toothbrush. As soon as you are over it-change it again. The way I look at it is that it is cheap medicine. I always keep extra on hand!!

A. R.
workathome.com/audryr

I would definatilty go to a new doctor. Just call Medicade or your case worker and let them know. I wouldn't be taking their answer for this illness, especially if I feel that there is something wrong. I always go mother's intution. It's hasn't failed yet when it comes to the kids being sick. It sounds if your doctor's office is not dealing with the problem and only trying to treat the first symptons they see. There may be an underlying illness that they are not looking for and not treating especially when he sick this often -like the allergies as posted by others. I would question their diagnoses everytime.
I would also suggest trying Pedilyte or something like it to drink when he is sick.

Have you asked the doctor or NP about food allergies? They can really cause problems in some kids' little systems. Food allergies can display themselves in tummy symptoms or cold-like symptoms--including ear infections, I think.

If he gets ear infections a lot, you might ask your doctor about having tubes put in his ears. Some of our friends have had success with that procedure, with kids around the same age.

Does anyone smoke around your son? Secondhand smoke can be really bad for little ones' immune systems, not to mention their lungs.

As an aside, it's probably best to stay away from the sugary drinks anyway. Your two-year-old doesn't need extra sugar, especially if he's prone to frequent sickness. Try to get him to drink more water, or if he won't drink it plain, watered-down real fruit juice.

I hope my brainstoriming helped. Good luck! It sounds like you have your hands full!

First, I would find a new dr. Call medicaid and ask for a list of dr's in your area. Just tell them your not happy with yours and you want a new one. Also, no one can plan when a child gets sick, but even then the dr. should be stopping in after the nurse practitioner does her thing, just to review with you. If they tell you he doesn't have time, why did they schedule your appt. Because EVERY appt he gets schedule he should be seeing at least briefly. When you say he gets sick, is it cold sick or vomiting sick. He could have allergies. I don't know if you can narrow it down to just certain foods/drinks, because their may be a common link there. Also, I don't know what he eats but starchy foods break down into sugars so sugary drinks on top could be overloading him.

Our dr. recommended Flintstones vitamins and I have noticed that it seems at though they have way less colds. this entire winter season, we've only had one 7-day cold.

Sugary drinks can play havoc with a kid's system. We rarely drink juices. and if we cut it in half with water. so they get just a flavor of drink without all the sugar. If we are out somewhere and the only have sodas, we can at least get a lemonade and I always pack their cups and pour some in then add water. As for Chocolate milk, have you tried the kind made with splenda. Even that we will cut with regular milk or add just enough chocoloate to turn in a light brown.

Even Orange juice is sugary so we don't drink that. My son doesn't like it.

Have they checked his A1C for diabetes? I have type I and I know if my sugars get too high I feel yucky, feel sick...etc...Just a thought....

Hi M.:
I really have to say that if you are that concerned about it then you have to, please excuse this but i dont know how else to say it, turn into a witch and act like your son is the center of the universe, of course your children are in your eyes, and demand that something else be done. I am sure that you have heard the stories about parents intuition, the doctors ignored them, then the next thing you know your child is ill beyond help. I am sure you dont want your sons pediatrician thinking that you are not a nice person or a stuck up witch but who cares this is your child and you deserve answers. Oh and NP, nurse practitioners, are for the most part just as good, if not better, then most doctors. Most NP's were practical nurses, or registered nurses at one point, and nurses are, or are supposed to be, more attentive and pay better attention to detail. Heck nurses catch any mistakes of doctors half the time. Sorry i am rambling but i am in school for nursing so i feel the need to defend my field.
Anyway i hope that everything works out for you and your child gets better.

Hi M.,
You can call the medicaid and asked them to switch the doctor, they will let you switch once a year I think , on your son's birthday.
Mine was sick almost all the time last month too. When the stomach flu around and he got it for twice . I was wondering why he kept getting it, so one day I cleaned all the house, disinfected every single things. My kitchen, washed all his toys, wiped all the furniture and it works! It was a lot of works since he has a lot of little toys, but it's all worth it, he never been sick since then.
hope it help...
E yang

I know what you are going through! My little guy has the same problem. My doctor, however, refered us to a specialist in Billings and we found that he had Immune Dificency. He would finish meds and get put back on them within a week. The only way to keep him from getting sick was to keep him away from everyone! We found out that he does have allergies on top of his asthma and that for his Immune System there is a shot to boost it. He had it a month ago and I can already see the difference. If you want to know more, just get ahold of me!! I never thought that one shot would be such a godsend.
A.