Child's Worries Following Encephalitis

[OiMcDuff]

Was after a little bit of advice - our DS was taken critically ill with Encephalitis in November 2010, transfered from out local hospital to St. Mary's PICU (London). He has made an amazing recovery from such a horrific illness, especially since he had NO symptoms at all - just went to bed on 10th November & didn't wake up properly on the 11th.....

Unfortunately as a result of this illness our DS worries about heaven, death, people (not himself but others) going to hospital/being ill/hurt particularly at bedtime (understandably). We are always open to talking about his feelings & worries but this has been a very slow process as he doesn't want to discuss things & is only starting to open up now. He becomes very anxious around Drs, hospitals, etc. which does not help.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else had been through a similar situation with a child who survived a critical illness & could suggest some books to read with him (he's 6 turns 7 in August). Following advice from his Paediatric Consultant I contacted Winston's Wish who gave me a few suggestions but they primarily deal with child bereavement. Does anyone know an organisation who deals with the psychological after-effects on a child following a serious illness? Any advice would be gratefully received xoxox

hi, I don't have any experience in this area, but I didn't want your post to go unanswered. There is a regular poster on this board (Pixieonaleaf) who has been helping her daughter come to terms with a sudden and critical illness (a life-threatening asthma attack), which involved time in intensive care. Perhaps you could PM her?

All the very best to you and your DS .

Hi, don't have direct experience with a child of your DS's age, but I'm wondering if some of the approaches used by the meningitis trust could be helpful for you (my DD had meningitis when very little, so at least doesn't remember any of it). The art therapy sounds really good - and maybe something similar would be accesible to you through other channels. Or maybe it's worth giving them a call anyway and see if they can point you in the right direction. Good luck

I would also love to know if there is help out there for parents of children that have been critically ill or had major surgery

Thank you guys for your postings & apologies for the delayed response - life just takes over sometimes doesn't it!!

Acebaby - will have a search for Pixieonaleaf's postings & go from there, ta:) x

Oricella - will contact the meningitis trust & so sorry to hear your DD had the illness when she was so small - big hugs to you guys it's such a traumatic situation to go through at any age; how's she doing now? x

Divster - have you spoken to your local GP or Paediatric Consultant? The hospital's PICU should have a family services contact (or similar name). Hopefully one of these would be able to offer or suggest people to contact. Winston's Wish may be able to help even though they deal with children not the parent themselves. Their website is: www.winstonswish.org.uk. (If you do have any luck, pls could you let me know?) Hope you have some family support to help you through your situation x

Thanks McDuff - it was scary, and touch and go for a wee while, but we've been incredibly lucky and she pulled through without any long term damage. She's 2 now and an extraordinary ordinary toddler!

Hope you'll be able to find some help for your son

oricella - that is so great to hear, am welling up here; kids are amazing aren't they? x