Something’s not right

It is hard as a mum; knowing when to act, react or let it slide. I was faced with that decision over the weekend. Should we just visit the doctor on Monday, rush to hospital or wait and see?

My son was hit with a ball in the stomach in a seemingly innocent game of ‘catch’ to which he came for a cuddle and then fainted, hitting this head on the concrete driveway. While fainting can occur as a response to pain, it seemed highly unusual for the son who often hurts himself; and in fact has done much worse and never seems fazed by it. My concern was heightened as this was the second time in as many months he had fainted. Previously it was at a school carnival and we thought it was from heat exhaustion. Treated on the scene by the Paramedics we filed it as a one off occasion.

My initial response was to deal with the immediate issue. Helping him up, getting him inside, checking his pupils, offering Panadol for his sore head and watching him to see if he is okay. Then the questioning in my head starts: “why did he faint? Why twice? Is something wrong? Is it an urgent situation?” At 4.45pm on a Saturday the option to go to the doctor or a medical centre was limited. Hubby and I had decided that we needed to see a doctor about this as it doesn’t seem right to keep fainting. I made an appointment for the doctor first thing Monday, yet I was troubled that the situation may be more severe. Not knowing what to do, I called the hospital who put me thought to a medical advice hotline. They advised that he needed to see a doctor within two hours. Question answered – it was serious enough – Hospital here I come.

5 hours at the hospital, numerous tests and a referral to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead I am now dealing with the emotions that come with the thoughts that something could potentially be wrong. I have always been grateful that I have healthy, happy children and to be frank; this scares me A LOT. As the mum, my job is to be there for my son, to be cheerful and to help him though his emotions and feelings around the situation. Hard to do, when I don’t even know what my emotions are.

I am trying to reduce his fear and anxiety (if any) around the situation by saying that it is okay and that it is unlikely to happen again … but if it does, this is what you should do. I am trying to let him live as normal without fear, while I watch him like a hawk (hopefully without being too obvious) trying to see if it will happen again and/or if I can discover the cause/underlying factors.

The next test and follow up with the specialist is booked. For now, my fingers, toes and body is crossed hoping that everything will turn out fine.

Can you relate to my situation? What advise could you offer to a worried mum?