"My son's RSV Induced Bronchiolitis (and suspected flu!)"

My son was initially seen by an Out of Hours GP on a Sunday, after it was noticed he had some recession and work of breathing.  He was sent home after showing no other symptoms and told if it worsened, to get in touch with our GP.  This was fine and acceptable as he was still bright and smiley, just showing signs of working a bit harder.  This isn't our first rodeo, having a disabled son who catches every respiratory bug going, so understood totally that this was the right care.

Treatment

Explanations

Unfortunately, that Night, he came down with a 39 degree Fever, which we managed to control with Nurofen - it came down but went back up again.  We managed to give another dose and have a reasonable nights sleep.

The following morning, he was incredibly miserable and had further recession and was showing real signs of working hard.

We contacted the GP and had an emergency appointment that morning.

Appointments

The Dr immediately notified the paediatric ward at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton (Acorn Ward) and we were given a letter and told to get there sooner rather than later.

We were admitted by Emma and a student nurse, Charlotte.  I was immediately brought Coffee & Biscuits - it was clear the staff understood that this was a distressing and difficult time and they did their best to put me at ease.

Introductions

My son was (after a good nap from the car!) immediately put on vapotherm to attempt to help him breathe as it was obvious he was struggling.  Swabs were taken etc and it was quickly determined that he was RSV Positive, quite unwell and we were moved into the High Dependency area of the Ward.

Staff again all absolutely marvellous, explaining everything as they went.

He was promptly put onto CPAP due to continued struggles with breathing and needed additional support.  Staff very professional, explaining as they went, seeing not just the patient, but myself, his father.

Because he was on HDU, I had no bed, no place to rest.  I was given a lovely room - basic, but it had a bed, a sink, a chair and a chest of drawers.  It was clean, warm and comfortable - a space to sleep on the occasion my son did and gave me an escape if needed.  It provided me with a private space and somewhere to keep my belongings, without worrying.

Room

Medication controlled his discomfort, regular observations of his conditions meant it was kept on top of and i was always kept in touch with by these fantastic people.

Pain relief

After over a week of care from the best nurses, consultants, drs that i could possibly ask to care for my son, he turned a corner.

Staff attitude

Staff skills

I was always informed as to what was going on and asked my opinion several times, i was able to offer my thoughts at all times and was always listened to.

Being listened to

Involved in decisions

My son is now feeding well and playing, and giggling.  This would not be the case if not for the people i consider to be superheros to my children.

I could type the entire story up here in detail, but everyone would become very bored.

Thank you to everyone on Acorn Ward/HDU.

The whole Family.