| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Feb 24 2009 : 07:50:54 AM
My 8 yr old son has been taking a nap in the afternoons and going to sleep very early at night too. He says he's tired almost all the time...This has gone on for days.
This morning he woke up with a head cold..no fever.
I am still worried...he's on very powerful meds but side effects are not drowsiness.
Last night he fell asleep at 5 pm and woke up at 7...I watched him closely and started to wonder if he had some asthma that I couldn't hear.
Am I too worried or does this happen? He hasn't taken a nap or slept this much since he was 2 yrs old or very sick.
Anyone have advice, ideas?
Linda in Scranton, PA
farmgirl #71 |
| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| vermont v |
Posted - Feb 26 2009 : 3:39:23 PM
As a former pediatric nurse practitioner I would suggest that you take him to the physician to have his lithium level tested. Its easy to become toxic! |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Feb 26 2009 : 04:52:50 AM
Jana, thanks for the info. I get sinus infections too and I put off calling the Dr until I feel really bad.
He is so much better now and just has head cold symptoms..no fever.
Linda
in Scranton, PA
farmgirl #71 |
| Jana |
Posted - Feb 26 2009 : 04:04:14 AM
I wouldn't rule out a sinus infection. I had my first one at age 8 or 9 and remember being extremely fatigued and also had some nausea. I had absolutely no runny nose or headache. I still get sinus issues and I could sleep forever!
Jana |
| StarMeadow |
Posted - Feb 24 2009 : 5:10:05 PM
My 8 year old has been struggling with a head cold too. It's hard to get the oxygen that he needs when he's snoring and tossing/turning. Therefore, that adds to to the "tiredness". Prop him up with a couple pillows to help with that congestion. As others have suggested, he also seems to need more sleep right before he grows a bit too. You might want to start saving your pennies for another new pair of shoes!
BUT...I agree with Alee... you know your son and if he's not getting better...off to the dr you should go. (especially because of his medication)
I'm surprised that your doc has him on lithium. It's been my experience that little ones aren't given that too often. It affects the flow of sodium in the body. Also, if he's sick with something else and dehydrated...that combined with his lithium dose could be adding to his malaise. It also has some drug interactions with ibuprofen, so if you are giving him children's motrin with his cold....that could be interacting badly with his med. In addition, too much lithium can cause some of the symptoms you are describing. The amount for helping and the amount that is too much, is really pretty close together.
Hope he's feeling better soon! |
| Alee |
Posted - Feb 24 2009 : 08:51:41 AM
I would say give it a few more days to a week to see if he can kick this himself, but if he gets worse or if your mother's intuition is saying there is something wrong- take him to his doctor.
I remember being really tired as a kid- and thinking back it was about the times I had growth spurts.
What is his diet like? Does he eat lots of fruits and veggies? Is he on a child's vitamin?
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
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| catscharm74 |
Posted - Feb 24 2009 : 08:14:50 AM
He might be having a major growth spurt too. My hubby said when he was around 9, he literally was exhausted and had physical growing pains- everything ached. Have him checked for mono too. Are his lymph nodes swollen? Also, since he is a boy, have them check his genitals. Seriously, my hubby was swollen down there when he had a bad virus. When I was younger and went through this, I ate a lot of broth, fruits, vegetables, got a little sun and drank tons of water. Keep his energy up but let him rest, if that makes sense. Let us know what you find out!!!
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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| yarnmamma |
Posted - Feb 24 2009 : 08:01:56 AM
Haven't thought about those things...he does take Lithium and needs the level tested...
Linda in Scranton, PA
farmgirl #71 |
| nut4fabric |
Posted - Feb 24 2009 : 07:57:53 AM
is it possible that he is anemic? or has a thyroid issue? I would say see the doctor for some blood work.
Hugs, Kathy |
