3yr old with broken leg won't sleep! Suggestions?!
Question: My son, who just turned three, broke his leg last week, right under his knee there is a crack, and he has a full leg cast for the next six weeks. I know he is in pain and his level of discomfort is great, especially when it comes time to sleep. I have been piggy backing ibuprofin along w/ tylenol to help him w/ the pain but it doesn't seem to do a whole lot. I have tried elevating his leg w/ a pillow which doesn't work either. He has pretty much given up his day time nap, and is averaging about 3-4hrs during the night. The rest of the time he is tossing and turning and is crying because of the pain.
Anyone else out there have a young kiddo in the same situation that has any suggestions? I'm desperate. What little sanity I had to begin with has flown out the window w/ my lack of sleep and empathy. I feel so bad that he is hurting and suffering, I just want to make him better!
Thanks in advance.
Answers: My son, who just turned three, broke his leg last week, right under his knee there is a crack, and he has a full leg cast for the next six weeks. I know he is in pain and his level of discomfort is great, especially when it comes time to sleep. I have been piggy backing ibuprofin along w/ tylenol to help him w/ the pain but it doesn't seem to do a whole lot. I have tried elevating his leg w/ a pillow which doesn't work either. He has pretty much given up his day time nap, and is averaging about 3-4hrs during the night. The rest of the time he is tossing and turning and is crying because of the pain.
Anyone else out there have a young kiddo in the same situation that has any suggestions? I'm desperate. What little sanity I had to begin with has flown out the window w/ my lack of sleep and empathy. I feel so bad that he is hurting and suffering, I just want to make him better!
Thanks in advance.
Hi I'm a nurse and in my previous life I was a nanny, so I'm going give this one a shot. :) For one, if your little guy is 3, he should be tiring himself out by now. Does he have a favorite toy? A favorite DVD you could pop in? (I wouldn't recommend getting him in the habit but for now...) A nightlight? Maybe he could sleep with you just for a couple nights? See I know with kids it's hard not to get them in the habit, but here you might have to try some things. Warm milk is something you can try. Playing a soft CD he likes.... Hmm. Worst case scenario, call the pediatrician and maybe he could prescribe a light sedative? Hope some of this helps! Best wishes for your little kiddo :)
Won't dr. prescribe something? If it was you or me, we'd have a prescription.
give him some childrens benadryl of something along those lines to make him drowsy. Im sure once hes out he will sleep for a while!
Here are a few links that will provide you with good information from medical professionals
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/...
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/Answers...
http://health.discovery.com/tools/center...
Do you really trust the health of your 3 yr old to just anyone with a computer and access to Yahoo? That's why I gave you links to good medical info, not opinions. Good luck
If the tylenol isn't working; he needs to be on a stronger pain med. Try giving him some tylenol pm (ask your doctor for proper dosage).