Wont eat for over a week?!?!? WHat to do???

roobride

My kid has been sick for like 6 weeks. he is on his 4th antibiotic, and all the blood work has come back normal. After this antibiotic he will go to a specialist. 

 This past week he has stopped eating. My little boy who used to eat like a horse has had 1 chicken nugget and half a cup of milk per day... for over a week. He has lost weight. He is now 42 inches tall and 35 pounds. 

 We saw the pediatrician on Monday and he said he wasnt too worried because the steroid he is on should make him eat. Well, as of today, he still isnt eating, and now he is lethargic as well. He lays on the couch and cries... It is heartbreaking. 

 Do I take him to the hospital? Wait till tomorrow and back to the ped?

Thanks

Robyn

oparcm

Honestly, I'd call the pedi tonight.  A week without eating much isn't good and that is no way enough to keep him hydrated.  I would demand to see a specialist right away and I do hope your ds feels better soon.

roobride

Our Ped has an after hours emergency line, should I call that or just wait until they open in the morning? I dont want to be "that" mom who call about something that can wait, but at the same time, I am really worried about him, and the thought of having to go to work tomorrow and leave him at grandmas is very hard. (I have already taken off 2 days this week)

goodheartedmommy

Being lethargic like that equals an immediate call the the on call pediatrician and a trip to the ER. I've had my kids go through eating strikes, but not to the point of lethargy.

oparcm

Seriously, I'd call the emergency line at the pedi's and ask that he be seen tonight or I'd bring him to urgent care.  Going a week with only 1/2 cup a day of milk.  I wouldn't wait.  I do hope he feels better soon and keep us updated.

JOEBunny

My DD went 10 days at 8 months without milk or food.  She only got pedialite force fed through a dropper.  I would make sure he is getting pediasure or gatoraid and be done with it.  As long as he is drinking enough to keep his eyes and mouth moist, he will be ok.

goodheartedmommy

I saw your follow-up question . I think once they get to the point of being lethargic, things can escalate quickly. I think it's something that should be treated tonight and not tomorrow, and I am not one to think everyone should rush to the ER or ped.

meghans30

goodheartedmommy:

I saw your follow-up question . I think once they get to the point of being lethargic, things can escalate quickly. I think it's something that should be treated tonight and not tomorrow, and I am not one to think everyone should rush to the ER or ped.

Agree!  Call the pedi.! 

penguingrrl

I am not one to call the ped very often, but a lethargic child is worrisome.  Call the ped tonight.  Hope your baby is better really soon!