Hand hold please - in hospital with 6 week old

[Magicalunicornsandthings]

Hi all. After a hand hold really. I’ve told my friends what’s going on but they’ve got busy lives and children and I don’t want to burden them any more than I have.

For the last 2 weeks we’ve had one of these cold viruses going round our family it’s taken us out one by one. My 6 week old baby got it eventually and on Monday morning a temp of 38.5 got us admitted to hospital.
Within an hour of being in the ED he was normal temperature and absolutely fine but they still admitted us to treat for sepsis whilst awaiting results as per procedure. He escaped the lumbar puncture which went slightly against procedure, they just used common sense. I felt like they were trying to say sorry for having to keep me in they have no other option.

I’ve been so upset being away from my other two children and my husband and felt so low. I’ve been frustrated because I don’t think anything is wrong with him. But now, at the hopefully last halfway point I’m starting to panic that they will find bacteria in his blood. Overwhelming anxiety and I can’t keep off google. I’ve spoken to the dr and nurse and they think he’s ok and this is all just procedure. His stats and temp have been fine for 24 hours and he’s feeding and alert etc. We had one temp scare but he’d overheated in this crazy hot ward with too long a cuddle from his anxious mum.

I’m going round and round in circles, one minute I’m saying to myself nothings wrong this is a waste of time and the next minute I’m visualising them coming back tomorrow saying that it’s sepsis.

In the grand scheme of things I know I’m being ridiculous and my babies health is the most important thing. But this place is full of so many poorly children and with Covid cases too I feel my baby is fine and we are in the worst place.
I’ve been really humbled seeing these sick children and people with social workers involved. But it doesn’t take away my anxiety about our own problems. I feel like I’m justifying being upset!

In a really bad head space and needed to vent.

Oh OP you poor thing. I totally understand why you're panicking. I would be the same - in fact I was the same last time I was in A&E with DD, and she's a robust 3.5 year old! The way you're feeling is totally understandable.

BUT: babies with sepsis don't have normal temperatures. They aren't alert. They don't feed. They are - and appear - very, very sick. Added to that, the fact that doctors NEVER say things are okay unless they really are - they always err on the side of caution - and I would say that suggests everything is going to be totally okay.

But equally it is important that you stay until they let you go, just to be on the safe side. Don't worry to much about Covid if you can - their infection control procedures are very good (my DH was in hospital for 6 weeks during the absolute height of the Covid pandemic and nobody on his ward caught it!) and the dangers to children are so, so small.

You're in the right place. Your wee one will be okay. You're doing brilliantly. And soon this will all be a horrible memory.

Oh no sorry you're going through this. I hope he'll be OK and you're home soon.

It’s full on being in hospital on your own with a very young baby. He sounds like he’s doing ok, feeding and settled? Did they start on iv antibiotics?

Usually if they are started they’ll give enough until blood cultures come back and either stop, change or continue them whilst they’ll continue to do obs and monitor your baby as he’s so young. His good sats and temp for 24 hours is a good sign but if you’re worried you can ask for the nurse to re check him. I think each time the nurse comes you can ask how she feels he is, they’ll be honest and maybe it’ll put your mind at ease. Any infectious children will be in isolation and covid cases tend to be nursed by one/two nurses and in full ppe, they wouldn’t then nurse a 6 week old with possible sepsis. I hope you get good news abs get home soon, try to stay calm and write any questions for the drs/ or consultant on ward round down as you’ll be tired and it’s hard to remember when you’re on the spot. I’ve been in your shoes many times as both the nurse and with my own children. Take care op

Thank you for the really kind and encouraging words. You’ve made me feel a lot more positive and I really appreciate it ❤️

He’s feeding really well and very settled and happy. He’s got lots of colour.. looks a picture of health to be honest. He’s on two different IV antibiotics until the cultures come back. I’m praying it’s tomorrow which will be 48 hours. I’ve just spoken to my children and they’re really sad missing me and the baby. I think another night and they’ll really struggle. They’re only small themselves.

Thank you for the kind words ❤️

Thank you x

Oh OP Vent away!

I'm currently in A&E with my 2 year old with the same problems! Just waiting to be seen by a doctor...

Feel free to vent as much as you need!

Doctor's will always be very careful with little ones like your DS, do extra tests etc just to make sure, but sounds like he is doing ok so fingers crossed.

Sending you love and strength xx

It really is for the best they are treating for sepsis as a precaution. My baby had sepsis and bacterial meningitis but because of the swift action of the Dr who got him straight onto precautionary ABs by the time the cultures had come back his infection markers were right down and he was on the road to a full and swift recovery.

I know it is rubbish being in hospital but it sounds like they’re doing the best thing.

Hope little one is ok xx

I’m so pleased your little one made a full recovery but so sorry you had to go through all of that xx

Babies let us know when something isn’t right, it sounds like your little one is just fine. The worry is understandable as Google is the worst and you’ve gone through such a tough time and you’re on your own in hospital. Don’t worry yourself about worrying!

Keep positive, they’re being very thorough which is of course a great thing and you’ll be able to get home with peace of mind. X