Either sick or tired

**Sharlee** · 13-10-2005 20:21

I just can't get better. I went back to work 3 months ago and have had 2 colds since. It doesn't help that I work in the Dairy Dept (fridge and freezer) and the shop is warm. We do get paid about $3 extra a week for working in the cold

How am I going to get better and stop feeling so tired? I have a 6 month old and a 2.8 year old. I work 3-4 mornings a week and the children are cared from by either their dad, in-laws or my friend (who is PG). My DH has just started a new job so no sick leave due yet. So when I'm not working I'm either looking after kids or the house. Currently both kids are sick too. I have had 2 days off work and wonder if I should give up

I'm casual but the money is handy....we struggle without it. My head hurts at the moment so won't make any decisions just yet. How do mum's look after themselves when they are sick when they have to look after sick kids

Can anyone else relate?

**Supermum** · 14-10-2005 07:32

Hi Sharlee

I feel for you and yes I can relate. When I went back to work full time my two were 7 months and 22 months. I also found I got sick an awful lot ... back to back colds, viruses, headaches and just generally unwell. It lasted about 4 months ... until my body got used to it I think. I still work full time (no choice hubby is a student), I still have the same responsibilities at home and life still flashes by at an alarming pace. I get by with less sleep these days and have forced myself into becoming far more organised. If I'm organised I believe there's less cause for stress and less illness.

Don't get me wrong - my house is not perfect ... and some days I fly by the seat of my pants. The day starts at 5 and finishes somewhere around 11.

How do you look after sick kids when you are sick yourself? Well - you just do because you have to. If you are fortunate enough to have help available, ask for it. You're not superhuman and nor can anyone expect you to be. You need some you time. You obviously also need to eat well and drink loads of water.

As I said before, I don't get sick too often these days and believe me when I say, it gets much easier. Your youngest is only 6 months. In a year's time you will have a 1� year old and a 3.8 year old. It will get much much easier for you. My two are now 17 months & 2� - they play together, the youngest is now able to comprehend alot and do things for herself and it's just much easier to organise a little person as opposed to a little baby.

Take care of yourself and I hope to hear of your recovery soon!

**rynosmum** · 14-10-2005 14:38

I too can completely relate.

I have a gorgeous (but full-on) 16 month old and a husband who travels for work constantly. I also have a full time job plus our house is (and has been for a while) on the market so I have to have it ready for inspection every day - which means pretty much spotless.

Last Christmas, DS got very sick with a cold. I got it and it turned into pnuemonia. I couldn't b/f anymore due to the antibiotics, was admitted to hospital but couldn't stay as I had no one available to look after DS, had very high temps etc but as Supermum says, and I'm sure you realise as well, you just have to do look after them as you have no other choice !

About 3 months ago, I got a major throat infection (brought on again by a cold provided by DS from Daycare) which became much much worse. I could hardly get out of bed for 4 days and had temps up to 41degrees. Luckily DH was home and could help out. My MIL also came over to assist on a couple of days as I could hardly move. This has been a huge wake-up call for me to stop taking on too much and running myself down.

My advice is - take all help offered, don't think you can do everything and also remember to look after yourself - otherwise who will look after bubba ?

Sometimes I think it is all too much...then like now, I feel fine ! But bubba is home from daycare and has what looks like Gastro....ugh.

One other thing I found is post-pregnancy, I picked up an Under-active thyroid which has had me more susceptible to illness, weight gain, fatigue, depression etc etc. Now that this is almost under control, I have improved amazingly.

Good Luck ! Feel free to PM anytime ! klawrenc13@hotmail.com

**Sharlee** · 18-10-2005 12:40

Hi ladies
Went to doctor yesterday after my ears got sore, throat got worse and doctor says I have bronchitis

I work casually which makes it hard to take a sickie but my boss made me go home after the minimum hours..great boss

My house is dusty - thanks to renovations. Kids are improving and DH is knocking off as early as he can. Unfortunately I don't have family closeby and SIL works full-time. Looking forward to saving for a holiday.

Thanks for your replies.

**rynosmum** · 18-10-2005 19:55

Hi Sharlee,

You poor thing. I know it's easy to say but make sure you get as much rest as you can. That's how my pneumonia started - with bronchitis - it happened so quickly !

It's good to hear that the kids are on the improve. Our hugs are with you ! (and some cyber-Lemon tea!)