poorly son is better - I can't believe it

[vivariumvivariumsvivaria]

My nearly-18 year old was discharged today from paediatric respiratory clinic.

He was first on HDU at 6 weeks old from RSV and between 8-11 years he had 8-11 HDU admissions a year. There wasn't a lot of school and there was a lot of drama.

They kept him on because he's been in some research programmes.

He was discharged today, I knew it was coming but hadn't thought about it, so I said, "thanks" and they said "you're welcome" and got on with sorting the next poorly kid.

I'll drop some goodies into clinic before Christmas but "here is some dairy milk" seems a bit inadequate.

I'd never hoped that he'd get better. He's got medications to keep him well, but he IS well.

I always thought he'd die. It is amazing.

Happy Christmas 😊

How lovely for you (and him!) OP, have the Merriest of Christmasses and the Happiest and Healthiest New Year!! 🎄 with best wishes from the depths of North Wales xx

that’s lovely to hear 🙂

Amazing! What a success. You don’t need to drop them anything - they’ll be pleased with how he’s progressed too. Maybe a brief note to his team saying just how you feel. Sometimes I get notes/letters from patients or relatives out of the blue when they’ve had time to digest their big life events and it’s very interesting to hear their perspective.

but most of all, well done to you for getting him through!

Yes, that's a good idea, Totally.

He should be anxious, when he was old enough to realise that breathing= good, not breathing = not good things were not ideal. He's not at all anxious though. He looked forward to the clown doctors, and the hospital toast and doesn't really remember the grim times.

I'll tell them that.

I'm going to miss the team. They treated him but they kept me together. I'll tell them that too.

He's fine. We are so lucky.

Such good news. Well done everyone. Write and tell them it may help them keep going for someone else.

I'm so incredibly happy for you, OP. As a Mum to a child with long term health issues, I can imagine a little of how much of a relief this must be for you. Huge, huge congratulations to you and your son

What a wonderful.gift for you both. Sending you a big virtual hug. As for dropping something off,why not do it in mid January when things go a bit flat?

After so many years of worry it must be difficult to let your guard down and not be waiting for the next crisis. You can exhale.

Wonderful news!

I'd agree with writing a letter of thanks and mention the things you've already thought of.

Enjoy this time!

Wow, that's amazing. I'm so pleased for you. I can't imagine that level of stress for so long.

Fabulous for you and your son.

Do write to them to say what you have said here.

@Mumtobabyhavoc yes, that is EXACTLY it!

I think I forgot how to breathe a long time ago.

@BCBird that's a good idea. I'll do it in January. I am likely to just cry if I go there this week anyway.

I'm very tearful. It's weird. Imagine being upset because your kid is not just better but absolutely fine? Makes no sense.

I have lots to be grateful for.

I'd send them a Xmas card and big box of Quality Street then a proper letter in the New Year

Wonderful for you all, particularly your son of course!

Aww this is lovely! So pleased for you.

Oh that’s lovely news
wishing you both well and happy Christmas

the team will shed a lil tear when they get your thanks , they have been with you in your darkest days, and will love a heartfelt thank you note

That's brought a tear to my eye ....
Have a wonderful Christmas -am so happy for you .

@vivariumvivariumsvivaria it will take time, but I hope you can begin to just feel happy without worry about how long it will last. I understand just a tiny bit: my DC was in nicu shortly after being born for infection; then had covid; then a surgery for a different condition at 7 mos. It takes away the joy of parenting a bit, did for me, as everything was coated in fear and worry.
I'm so glad to hear the happy story of your child's recovery. 💕

Good to hear a happy ending!! I bet a tin of quality street or even heroes (because that's what they are) would bring the team a bit of joy 😊 😃

That’s left me with something in my eye. I feel your joy and I’m not at all surprised you’re emotional. Anyone would be.

We took biscuits in after DH’s chemo. A big tin of Christmassy biscuits.

This is the best thing I’ve read in a long, long time. Lovely.

That is truly wonderful.

I'm very tearful. It's weird. Imagine being upset because your kid is not just better but absolutely fine? Makes no sense.

Actually that makes sense. For the first time in his life, you can relax.
For the first time, you KNOW he has his life in front of him rather than worrying about when he will die.

So all the stress and worry is coming out now that you know you don’t HAVE TO keep it together.

Take care if yourself @vivariumvivariumsvivaria

And enjoy your Christmas! It’s such an amazing news.

How wonderful. Such a beautiful thing to read. My very best wishes to you and your son, and all those around you who have been on the journey with you both. What a lovely relief.

Oh how wonderful. Op, you aren't going to know how you should feel for a little while, because there's a big period of adjustment to go through now. And of course although it is the best news, you are also losing that support team that you have relied on for so long, and that will feel scary. It's ok to feel that. It's the start of a new life where you don't need them any more, but it will still feel strange without them.
Enjoy the journey.