My son was discharged at 3 days old as a happy, healthy newborn.
At 10 days old he went floppy (still responsive), pale and wouldn't feed. We called NHS24 who called an ambulance.
The staff in A&E sent us to Paediatrics and we had possibly the worst night of our life listening to our son screaming as they struggled to put an IV line in. We were comforted heavily by the wonderful staff and assured it was for our sons best interests and warned he is very poorly and we would be in for some time.
I managed to get to feed him after what felt like an eternity and I'll never forget that feeling of getting him back into my arms. The staff kindly explained what they suspected was wrong and that it was mostly likely a UTI that had then caused a condition called sepsis.
It was a huge shock and over the next few days we settled into the hospital routine and was heavily supported by the exceptional staff. I was able to stay with my son as I was breast feeding and a lady very kindly came to support me from the Labour ward as they were aware as we were in hospital, we were missing health visitor appointments and breast feeding groups.
The nurses are just incredible.
The doctors are amazing.
Our consultants showed kindness and professionalism.
My son got a rough diagnosis after 5 days and that he will need future surgery. As the days went on and many scans later it was narrowed down to a kidney condition.
After 8 long, hard day's we were discharged.
It wasn't the end of our story as we were admitted again a further 3 times for shorter stays.
My son had successful surgery in December making his first Christmas very hard. Since that day we haven't set foot in hospital apart for check ups.
Thank you isn't enough. You saved my son's life. It was our first baby and we went through a horror I wouldn't wish upon anyone. You made this incredibly hard situation bearable. The cup of tea with a nurse, the nurses taking my son for cuddles (there was a never ending stream of cuddles!!) And being allowed to go and have a break for 20 minutes to take in everything meant so much.
My son will be 2 in a few weeks. He is happy, healthy and very cheeky! We owe you everything. Thank you to everyone at the BGH for saving his life.
"My Son"
About: Borders General Hospital / Paediatrics (Ward 15) Borders General Hospital Paediatrics (Ward 15) TD6 9BS Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (Edinburgh) Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (Edinburgh) Edinburgh EH16 4TJ
Posted by Scottishjanie (as ),
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