So, when your twins are getting sick-runny nose, sleepless, not eating well, how long do you wait to take them into the ped? Do you take them at first signs of illness, or do you wait a few days to see if it clears up on its own-common cold, etc. Last time my twins were sick, I took them in "too early", no signs of infection and ended up taking them back in a week later because they were still sick, and then they had ear infections. I hate for them to suffer, but wondering if the ped would do anything at this point. I am always afraid I am the overprotective mother.
When I think there is something wrong or off with the twins I immediately call the ped's office and ask to talk to a nurse and let the receptionist know that I NEED to talk to someone TODAY...nicely of course. They will usually call back in a timely manner and I just talk to the nurses about what's going on and let them tell me what I should do and if I should bring them in.
Yeah, it's a tough call. I generally don't like taking them in for the reason you stated-nothing they could do, etc. And ear infections are tough. When I finally took Nicholas in(he was over 2y), he was at the end stage of an ear infection. It's really hard. For me, I'm going to call with the symptoms, and the nurse is going to say to do vaporizer, nasal spray possibly, fluids, etc. Stuff I already know. But if there is a high fever, or a fever that is not going down with meds, or a fever of three or more days-I'd bring them in. If they are really wheezy/croupy-bring them in. But for a common cold like, I don't. And if they seem to NOT be getting better as the days go on-I'd bring them in. It really is tough to know when. But-it's also good to always err on the side of caution. If you ever wonder/worry-call the pedi and talk to a nurse and then decide. I remember when they had the croupy coughs, the nurse heard it over the phone and said I should bring him in to be checked. So I also like to try to have said child right near the phone when I make the call.
This is pretty much what I do, too. Unless it is a really high fever or they act extremely sick, I usually try all the things I know to do first (tylenol, vaporizer, saline, etc.) I never hesitate to call and see what the nurse thinks, too.
After the first few illnesses you get the hang of what's serious and what isn't. I am more inclined to take them to the doctor to confirm my suspicions about whatever they have. I typically wait about two days to let things develop so I know whether there's any pattern to their fever or other symptoms they might have. It's hard when they're too young to tell you what hurts or how they feel, so I'd rather have someone check them out. I am hoping as they get older it will be easier to communicate about their symptoms.
our DD has a heart issue - so any sign of illness in either twin and we are on the phone with the ped stat. We usually either speak to the dr directly - or she will call us back within a few minutes. Its been a HUGE relief to have that kind of response. And - as luck would have it we have yet to be told to come in. Nothing has been so bad that we've had to rush anywhere. Our ped (who is from Sick Kids in TO - and is also a mom of twins) always prefers to not have people go to her office - or emerg unless its really necessary. If they arent sick when they walk in the door - chances are they may be by the time they walk out. All that being said - We also get the RSV shots - so we have a reduced chance of the babes contracting anything respritory related.
