my perfect littlr girl is in hospital with meningitis

[StopEatingThatMud]

And I'm really really scared.

Is anyone up to hold my hand and tell me it'll be ok?

Think its a good policy not to disturb DD too much. Give a chance for her body to recover. Agree let one of the other (calm and familiar) family members take a turn while you go home and rest and wash. Agree never leave her alone. Its nice you have supportive family. Agree visitors in hospital can be very tiring. Limit them.

So glad DD is making progress. Its not the same but still remember my distress when my perfect DC had (mild) chickenpox and there were little scars on their unblemished skin. Anything that affects your darling is distressing. Thinking of you.

Hope the new cannula lasts through the transfusion (if she needs it) and for a couple of days. Ask if they can put magic cream on her when putting in cannulae/taking blood so that it isn't so distressing.

Stop that's great that there is some improvement. Isn't it awful to think of little babies lying there ill with no visitors.

Still praying for your family xxx

Glad to hear things are coming along well. As others have said, I think it would be worthwhile swapping with a family member for a few hours so you can have a bath, a decent meal and a few hours sleep. Keeping you all in my thoughts x

definitely take a few hours out or you will burn out and become "institutionalised" yourself - in almost 8 weeks i only went home twice, as there was only myself and DH on hand to be at hospital. As long as some is there then take a few hours off, for your own health and sanity.

Im heartened to read that things seem to be improving. sending you much love and strength.

(If you leave the hosp to go get some sleep, don't try driving yourself)

Still thinking positive thoughts for you and B, and glad to hear that she is still doing well x

Good point Math - when I was with my Grandad in hospital 14 hours a day & not sleeping properly I drove home one evening. I only got to the end of the road before I realised I was barely awake. Taxi there and back after that!

Glad to hear she is improving and that your also being looked after. It's very hard being a patient but harder for the loved ones watching you suffer - baring in mind the patients tend to sleep most of it and the carer not at all so much!

Sending positive vibes.

Mud you are doing brilliantly. So glad to hear things are a little better - however tiny the steps, they're massively important ones. Only you will know when you feel able to leave her for a little while; I did while we were in Intensive Care as with 1:1 nursing, I knew he was being watched, but down on the HDU I felt I needed to be there. When you are ready, get out of the hospital for half an hour - walk round the block, find a coffee shop, buy something for your tea. Buy some shampoo and a nice body spray, to make yourself feel nice. 'Little things like this will lift you. You do need to sleep, as other posters have said, but it;s still early days and adrenalin will still keep you going. Don't stress about it. Keep us posted. xx

Bit of a crappy day so sorry if I don't reply to everyone but I'm going to attempt to get my head down for a bit soon.

They didn't take enough blood last night for the cross check so no transfusion yet. Because she's over 1 (just) she's no longer classed as a baby so they need 5ml which is flipping loads. They did manage to get enough this afternoon though so hopefully it'll go ahead tomorrow.

They've identified the type of meningitis she has, which should respond well to antibiotics. She's doesn't seem to be doing as well as they'd hoped so they're looking at what else could be wrong. The type she has can mutate and cause abcesses internally, as her CT was clear 48 hours ago they think her brain should be fine but have done a chest xray tonight and mentioned she may need an echo on her heart and a scan of her kidneys.

She's had a high temperature most of the day and has been sick several times, she's not keeping any milk down. Because her platelet count is so low she's not allowed ibuprofen any more because of an increased risk of bleeding in her stomach but she did have some codeine earlier which seemed to settle her.

God that's just a big jumble of stuff in no real order, sorry I just needed to get it down as it came to me.

I'm not entirely convinced about tonight's nurse yet and they're talking about moving the antibiotic infusion to 4.30am so thats me off for tonight (hopefully) to try and get my head down. I'm bloody exhausted :(

[big hug before you go off to sleep]

Sending thoughts and prayers mud xx

So sorry to hear it's been a grueling day for you and for B. Take care, and rest whenever you can and I will be hoping you both have a better day tomorrow x

Get some sleep sweetheart.
Nothing will seem right if you are exhausted.
Sending get well wishes to your darling girl
You are doing really, really well.

hope you get some sleep and tommorow brings some better news xx

Oh Mud so sorry to hear today has not been as positive. It must be good that they know exactly what they're dealing with now. Hang in there and do try to sleep.
Sending love and strength to B, you and all looking after her x

(((( hugs )))) so sorry to hear such a distressing update. Continuing to send love and positive energy to your beautiful daughter xxxx

Sorry to hear it's been a bad day, hope you & B manage to get some sleep. x

Sorry to hear you've both had such a hard day. Hope that you can get some of the rest you need tonight and that tomorrow is a better day. Take care x

Get some sleep (((hugs))) Sorry to hear it's been a hard day. x

I'm sorry :( I hope she improves soon x

B and you are still in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that tomorrow is a better day, and the antib's start working. What ever time of the day or night someone will be here for you.

Bless you both.xxx

Thinking of you here, stat string ANC get some sleep if you can xx