Mental Health

[Ruby Roundhouse]

Thanks everyone for your messages, I'm just a regular Dad doing the best I can.

On the topic of mental health, I recently completed a Youth Mental Health First Aid Course primarily for my role as a sports coach and dealing with a lot of young players dealing with a lot of shit these days. Didn't think I'd actually use it in my own household that quick but it did come in handy to help in this situation.

I've recently been accepted to become a MHFA Instructor with the primary goal to reach out to sports coaches and administrators to be able to assist youth and recognise the signs and to teach how to help in these scenarios.

I was booked in to do the training (to become and instructor) in Brisbane in October but a position has popped up in Sydney in July. Any tips on where to stay cheap, it's a week long course.

I dealt with depression and suicidal thoughts in my early 20's. Using that, plus 25+ years of coaching kids and having seen and dealing with a large number of kids dealing with so much, I think I finally found my calling in life, something I'm passionate about and hoping to create real practical change.

You're doing great

 

[Stevie]

Just at the end of a month having a break from social media, news, podcasts etc. this is the only thing I visited.

Apart from me being in a better headspace I have to say I think it’s a really healthy thing to do if you aren’t feeling great.

Literally the only thing I’ve missed is my access to car stuff I mostly see on FB.

It DOES however make you realise how much people in your life are just staring at their phone most the day.

 

[Gordy]

Just at the end of a month having a break from social media, news, podcasts etc. this is the only thing I visited.

Apart from me being in a better headspace I have to say I think it’s a really healthy thing to do if you aren’t feeling great.

Literally the only thing I’ve missed is my access to car stuff I mostly see on FB.

It DOES however make you realise how much people in your life are just staring at their phone most the day.

Less is definitely more Stevie.

 

[Eelementary]

In the past 4 nights combined, I've managed to get a total of 8 hours' sleep.

My poor little lad is suffering from 40 degree fevers, appetite loss, a stiff neck, vomiting, and a rash...

Bloods were taken on Friday, and the hospital still can't tell us what he has...only that he has to stay another night...with nurses coming in never hour to check his obs...

Meanwhile, he keeps crying to me that he wants to go home, and my heart is utterly in pieces.

Paediatrician mentioned it is likely influenza A, but has not ruled out meningococcal.

Poor kid

 

[eels_fan]

Horrible to hear. Hoping for a speedy recovery. Nothing more frustrating than being an hospital and the doctors “don’t know” what is wrong, meanwhile as parents you feel hopeless as you watch your child in pain

 

[Avenger]

In the past 4 nights combined, I've managed to get a total of 8 hours' sleep.

My poor little lad is suffering from 40 degree fevers, appetite loss, a stiff neck, vomiting, and a rash...

Bloods were taken on Friday, and the hospital still can't tell us what he has...only that he has to stay another night...with nurses coming in never hour to check his obs...

Meanwhile, he keeps crying to me that he wants to go home, and my heart is utterly in pieces.

Paediatrician mentioned it is likely influenza A, but has not ruled out meningococcal.

Poor kid

You obviously don’t need me to give you advice but I’d be keeping him there until he is at least cleared of meningococcal.

 

[Eelementary]

The most frustrating part is that when he was admitted 4 days ago, we explicitly told them we feared meningococcal - he had high fevers, vomiting, diarrhoea, a stiff neck, and a rash on his face.

They dismissed it pretty much instantly.

Four days later, and they cannot give us a diagnosis, and they're struggling to keep the fever at bay.

I think they're doing a good job, but all I can see is a 4-year old boy who is crying that he wants to go home, has days-long high grade fevers, and there are no signs of improvement.

It's crushing.

 

[Avenger]

The most frustrating part is that when he was admitted 4 days ago, we explicitly told them we feared meningococcal - he had high fevers, vomiting, diarrhoea, a stiff neck, and a rash on his face.

They dismissed it pretty much instantly.

Four days later, and they cannot give us a diagnosis, and they're struggling to keep the fever at bay.

I think they're doing a good job, but all I can see is a 4-year old boy who is crying that he wants to go home, has days-long high grade fevers, and there are no signs of improvement.

It's crushing.

They usually give them a penicillin shot immediately if they suspect it assuming the kid isn’t allergic to it.

 

[Soto]

The most frustrating part is that when he was admitted 4 days ago, we explicitly told them we feared meningococcal - he had high fevers, vomiting, diarrhoea, a stiff neck, and a rash on his face.

They dismissed it pretty much instantly.

Four days later, and they cannot give us a diagnosis, and they're struggling to keep the fever at bay.

I think they're doing a good job, but all I can see is a 4-year old boy who is crying that he wants to go home, has days-long high grade fevers, and there are no signs of improvement.

It's crushing.

Mate having been through similar with 2 of my kids when they were a similar age he is in the best place so they can constantly monitor him.
See if someone can come to the hospital so you can go and have a shower and freshen up a bit whilst your son is sleeping or is distracted.
Sometimes also asking to speak to someone else, (another doctor or nurse) there may give you a different perspective as well.
Hope your son recovers asap. You don't need me to tell you but keep the fluids up for him as much as possible

 

[Eelementary]

It's so frustrating - he has seen 4 different paediatricians, and we are no closer to an answer.

On the bright side, for the first time in 4 days, he has gotten out of bed, and gone to the play area to play with the bikes, so fingers crossed, it's a good sign.

I was a little miffed at the triage team telling us, "It's not meningococcal." And they said it in such a way that implied we were panicking.

Sure, maybe not - but we wanted to bring him in to get checked to ensure he was treated properly.

Anyway, rant ended lol.

 

[Soto]

Great to hear mate and hopefully this signals his body has fought it and he's through it...fingers crossed

 

[Twizzle]

The most frustrating part is that when he was admitted 4 days ago, we explicitly told them we feared meningococcal - he had high fevers, vomiting, diarrhoea, a stiff neck, and a rash on his face.

They dismissed it pretty much instantly.

Four days later, and they cannot give us a diagnosis, and they're struggling to keep the fever at bay.

I think they're doing a good job, but all I can see is a 4-year old boy who is crying that he wants to go home, has days-long high grade fevers, and there are no signs of improvement.

It's crushing.

So sorry to hear this mate, I cant imagine what you are going through.

 

[Suitman]

So sorry to hear this mate, I cant imagine what you are going through.

I agree.
There's nothing worse as a parent than to see your own kids suffer. You know that more than all of us.

Eele, just be reassured that all us LU friends are thinking of you at this time.
Thoughts (and prayers) are with you mate.

 

[Soto]

We hope to hear you and your son are going home

 

[Soren Lorenson]

This thread redeems all the bullshit in the other threads and it’s a beautiful thing to read some real stuff.

 

[Eelementary]

Thank you, everyone.

It means a lot.

He tested positive to influenza A - the bacterial swabs are still unknown.

But thanks to one paediatrician, who put him on an antibiotics drip last night (broad spectrum), he's looking much better now, and we may be able to go home tomorrow.

It has been really stressful.

And even right now, I can't really go to sleep - the room door doesn't close, the hallway lights are on, and I have to be available for chats with the team.

But there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel, thank goodness.

 

[Rocket man]

Thank you, everyone.

It means a lot.

He tested positive to influenza A - the bacterial swabs are still unknown.

But thanks to one paediatrician, who put him on an antibiotics drip last night (broad spectrum), he's looking much better now, and we may be able to go home tomorrow.

It has been really stressful.

And even right now, I can't really go to sleep - the room door doesn't close, the hallway lights are on, and I have to be available for chats with the team.

But there seems to be light at the end of the tinn, thank goodness.

Sleep when your son's sleeping.
They'll wake you anyway when they enter.

 

[Soto]

Thank you, everyone.

It means a lot.

He tested positive to influenza A - the bacterial swabs are still unknown.

But thanks to one paediatrician, who put him on an antibiotics drip last night (broad spectrum), he's looking much better now, and we may be able to go home tomorrow.

It has been really stressful.

And even right now, I can't really go to sleep - the room door doesn't close, the hallway lights are on, and I have to be available for chats with the team.

But there seems to be light at the end of the tinn, thank goodness.

Great news @Eelementary
hope to hear another positive update again tomorrow