Sick Kids

~*Wow*~... it is amazing the things we learn, and how they contradict to when we were children!

I found myself on the phone, talking to the advice nurse last night, mainly for the purpose to prevent my middle child from enduring a lukewarm bath. I still shutter when I think back to my childhood. A mean adult, forcing me to get into the bath tub, and lots of being shouted at. I have recollections of a single wet wash cloth to cover, crying, and shivering to the point I felt nauseated. My full intention was, even though my husband never had my experiences to understand, prevent my little boy from looking back like I do.

I in the process have "learned" more than just a few things. Over the phone I had it explained to me that it is an outdated practice, and actually gives the adverse effect. I had it explained to me that it will work in the short term, but than the body works harder to warm up, which will raise the core temperature. I've never thought to wipe a kid down with alcohol, but she stated that is a "no-no".

My little man started out with a temperature of 103.2, which dropped during the duration of the call to 102.5 thanks to the medication his daddy gave him. ~*Cheers*~

I ended up at the doctor's office, where I got a bigger explanation concerning the lukewarm bath. When a child has a rising temperature, the hands and feet remain colder and with less blood flow, and it is a natural process. Apparently the lukewarm bath can be done after this point, when you are feeling the hot flashes, throwing the covers off, and you are past the peak and trying to cool back down. It was truly interesting to learn about, but I can't say at this point if it is something I would be willing to do with the kids. I can't predict the future, and now that I am better informed, it might be less of a negative thing.

I learned last night over the phone (advice nurse) that the point of worry is 106F, if they are unresponsive, can't hold/maintain a conversation, or gasping/troubled breathing. I did the appointment today just to be safe, and I am relived with all I have been able to take in. I am appreciative to learn the doctor has a more "natural" approach to healing like I do! In fact, to take nothing, a cold/flu actually gets over a few days earlier than those who prefer to medicate. And it isn't a judgmental thing, I have nothing against since my husband prefers to reach for Motrin and so forth for the kids. I respect his views as he does mine. I also prefer the kids suck on hard candy than cough drops... just "personal preference".

After three kids, I still do not know it all, and it makes me realize I should be grateful about the fact my kids are not sick that often! Especially if my eldest is seventeen years old, middle son (that is currently sick) is seven years old, and youngest son is five years old. I am thankful that my children are for the most part healthy, intelligent, and thriving!!!