Is this worth a trip to the GP?

[tigwig]

Well after saying my 6yr old is now fine it seems I spoke too soon and for several days now she has been saying she feels very tired with no good reason to be. She sleeps well on a night but come tea time ish she just wants to lay down and looks exhausted. She also says she feels sick but she has said this before over quite long periods of time and I think she confuses the feeling with tiredness. I am going to make more of an effort this week to make sure she is drinking much more water/juice as I think one possible reason for this may be dehydration but my OH thinks it might be more serious. If I make her an appointment what can a GP do?

[Mamyalynne]

I believe you have ruled out problems at school now? It could be she is going through a growth spurt (I know that's not really an accepted term)and I also believe after a full day at school many 6 year olds will be very tired, however to put your mind at rest go to GP.

As you say increasing fluid levels may help too. Let us know how things go.

[tigwig]

Yeah they apparently no problems at school and last week after her tooth was fixed she was fine and happy again but sadly it didnt last long. She has been more tired over the weekend which has made me more concerned and that is after having a lie in (getting up about 9) and having an easy day.
Do you think she may have some kind of deficiency? Or a thyroid problem? Or should I just stop googling tiredness!!

[Mamyalynne]

Stop googling and pop to the surgery for a once over, that is my advice, purely as a Mum and Gran (have no other qualifications, those have served me well thus far)

[LoftyLottie]

I think now you should take her to the GP for a check up. It seems very unusual for a girl of this age to be so tired. You need to rule out any problems tigwig. We can't really help on this any more.

A GP will check out her blood and that can show up all sorts of things.

[LoftyLottie]

Yes, and stop googling!! You will just end up a nervous wreck!!

[tigwig]

I know! You just cant help it can you? Thankfully it only came up with things like I have mentioned and nothing really sinister. Does a child have a blood test in exactly the same way as an adult? She is an absolute wimp and I can imagine having to hold her down screaming! I will make the appointment now though.

[LoftyLottie]

The same procedure for blood tests yes, but the nurses/doctors will know exactly how to treat a youngster who is frightened.

Keep us informed. As much as anything else you need to put your minds at rest about her health. xx

[Sqad]

Why should a 6year old be dehydrated?

This does not sound a big deal but as other posters have said, a blood test while highlight any problem.

Thyroid disease in a 6year old?........would be as common as "Rocking Horse Manure".

[tigwig]

Hee hee Sqad that made me laugh! I dont necessarily mean seriously dehydrated but she has to be told to drink so throughout the entire day in the past she has had about 1 cup of juice which I think could possibly make her feel tired and sick surely?
I will let you know what GP says, she has appointment after school on Thurs.

[Sqad]

tiggy...actually my answer was a bit "dramatic" underactive thyroid can occur in children, but it isnt the first thing that one would think of.

[TheWinner]

Sqad, I am glad you amended your answer. After complaining to different doctors for YEARS, about a very young family member who kept complaining of tiredness, they were finally diagnosed as having an underactive thyroid. I just knew, that something wasn't right.

[Sqad]

The Winner....thanks........you are quite correct and thanks.