Sick kids have to be one of the hardest things about being a parent. The hopeless feeling we feel when we know our kids have to experience the illness by themselves. Us, standing by, watching, unable to fix them, but hoping our comfort helps some.
Whenever I take my daughters to the doctor I feel guilty. Guilty that I haven’t protected them enough. Every time my stomach turns and I feel horrible. I am grateful we can go to the doctor and have pretty wonderful insurance, but it really is one thing that just is so so hard.
This week we were at two visits in 3 days for my daughters eczema. First her pediatrician and then a pediatric dermatology specialist. We have been dealing with it for a long time now and when we seem to get a good routine her skin decides to switch things up. It’s extremely frustrating and disheartening to watch your child want to crawl out of her skin. My daughter has eczema on her eyelids, the corners of her eyes, her nostrils and by her mouth. It itches horribly. She tries not to scratch during the day, but at night when she’s asleep I hear her start to itch on the monitor. I run in to her room and snuggle up to her and hold her hands with one hand and gently rub her face. She is sound asleep, but I feel like she must not be getting good sleep if she is subconsciously so aware of the itching that she is aggressively scratching in her sleep. We have a new bathing regimen, new creams to try and lots of good old Vaseline. Our follow-up appointment is in 3 weeks and I’m really hoping it starts to get back under control.
My heart breaks for her and yet again I wish I could take her place. Sigh….Guess the only thing to do is to continue to love, comfort and care for them through it, every time. ❤
My daughter has a little boy in her Kindergarten class who is battling leukemia (ALL). When I feel disheartened I think of him and all the mothers with babies who have illnesses that are life threatening or requiring surgery and recovery and I am so grateful that this is all we are dealing with at this time. I hold this little boy and his family in my heart. I remind myself that there is always something that could be worse. I say the Serenity prayer, reminding me what I can control and what I cannot. I breathe in and pray for healing.
Meaningful Mommy 
Oh Megan, this is got to be tough on you. I can’t imagine how uncomfortable this must be for your daughter.
You have a beautiful heart.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you 🙂
This post resonated with me so much. It is so true that watching your child go through something hard, is pretty much the most difficult thing as a parent. I so hope that your daughters skin starts to clear up and feel better. Loved this beautiful, real post. 🙂
Thank you!
I’m sorry, Megan. Eczema can be maddening. I’ve had to deal with it and my 4 year old has it. For me it is caused by tomatoes. For my son it is also tomatoes but there is something new bothering him so I will be off to have him tested for what he has suddenly developed an allergy to. He says oil baths fight the itches the best! Put about a tablespoon of olive oil in your daughters bath water and then when she gets out follow up with whatever you use for moisturizer (even while she is still wet!). Avoid anything with Vitamin E in it as that aggravates eczema for some reason of which I have no idea. We’ve had good results with Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion though recently I’ve taken to just using olive oil instead of lotion on my son but when it gets bad I’m all about the hydro cortisone creme 3 times a day. Have you had your daughter tested for food allergies? That is a big cause of eczema problems. Maybe you know all of this already, but just in case… 😉 I’ll pray for you all!
Thank you Jess! We had her tested a few years ago but should have it done again now that she is older. I haven’t tried the olive oil in the bath yet!! Thanks for the tip. I resorted to prescription crème for around her eyes, it was so bad 😦 I will check our lotion for any Vit. E. I hadn’t heard that before either. I really appreciate the time you took to share what you have found out. It all helps what feels at times like an impossible situation.
I hope it helps. I have heard that food allergies can come and go while food intolerances are for life.
By the way, it’s me, your old friend who is no longer on facebook… just so we’re clear. You are in my prayers and I’m glad to keep up with you through your blog 🙂
Hi!! 🙂 So nice to hear from you!
Megan
As Jess suggested, an oil bath could work wonders. If available, try coconut oil for an after bath moisturiser too.
Love