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Original poster

Handhold please - DS aged 1 been admitted to hospital with suspected sepsis

190 replies

miniworry · 05/05/2025 03:09

Mumsnet got me through the darkest moments when my DS caught meningitis at 4 weeks old and I'm back asking for another handhold as I currently hold him on my lap sleeping in hospital with suspected sepsis 😢

He has been unwell with a temperature since Friday- but today he was really unhappy and despite a 39 temp his hands and feet looked blue and were cold. I took him to our children's urgent care this afternoon who looked in his ears and chest and said double infection and prescribed antibiotics.

Put him to bed with a temp of 38.9 and some Nurofen at 7:30pm. 9:30pm he wakes roaring in pain, and when I pick him up he is freezing. Took his temp in both ears and it was 34.5. Mottled skin on tummy and inconsolable alongside sucking in of chest. I called 111 who said take straight back to A&E as I could get him there quicker than an ambulance. Bloods done extremely quick and sepsis pathway was started straight away based on the blood gas results.

We were then blue lighted about 12am to the children's hospital- he has been put on iv antibiotics and fluids and bloods show raised infection markers so it's now a case of finding where the infection is.

I'm so frightened- I've never seen him this way; he has never ever screamed solidly for 4 hours like that, and being back here is bringing everything back from his meningitis days here.

Please could anyone share some positive stories or even just let me know what they're up to in these wee hours to keep me afloat and give me something else to think about? 💙

OP posts:
Codlingmoths · 05/05/2025 03:13

Oh op sending hugs, I hope the treatment helps soon. I’m up because I’m in Australia :)

johnworf · 05/05/2025 03:15

I don't have any experience of sepsis but hoping your little one starts feeling better very soon. He's probably on very strong antibiotics which should start working quickly.

However. I do have experience of being in hospital with poorly children though and remember how utterly terrifying it can be. Wanting reassurance and answers when often, the staff can't give you answers as they don't know.

Sending you hugs. 🤗 💐

LegallyLoopy · 05/05/2025 03:16

Hi OP, I’m so sorry you are going through this, I can’t even imagine how scary it is for you. You did an amazing job as a mother, knowing something was wrong and getting your son to hospital as quickly as you did.

Are you still in A&E or is he on a ward now?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

1 year olds Children's health Families General health
Original poster
miniworry · 05/05/2025 03:18

@LegallyLoopy we are on the infant ward now in a side room which is nice in some ways but in others feels like there's just you and the 4 walls.

Thank you so much for reaching out- all of my friends are fast asleep so know they won't read any of my messages until the morning!

OP posts:
Original poster
miniworry · 05/05/2025 03:19

@johnworf This. Literally all the feelings right now, the waiting to 'see' is just awful!

OP posts:
johnworf · 05/05/2025 03:22

miniworry · 05/05/2025 03:19

@johnworf This. Literally all the feelings right now, the waiting to 'see' is just awful!

I think things are magnified and seem much worse during the night too. I'm not sure why. Hopefully the doctors have more positive news in the morning.

Hope you manage some rest.

PansyP · 05/05/2025 03:24

How scary this must be but you are in the best place now. Plus they know what it is so he's getting the correct care too. It wont be long until he's considerably better x

emsjk · 05/05/2025 03:26

Oh op I’m so sorry.
I’m up in the wee hours with my baby.
How is he now? settled?

WorthyOtter · 05/05/2025 03:30

Hey OP, up too with baby. Praying everything goes ok for you, no experience in this at all I'm sorry, but everyone's here for you. How's little man doing?

Soonenough · 05/05/2025 03:34

I am a rubbish sleeper and often awake . It must be strange to think of all that is going on with you and as you say friends, family are asleep. However if you feel you need support I know if you were my friend or family I wouldnt mind at all if you contacted me at any time.Are you a single parent as you don't mention child's father.

I can't imagine how scary things are there with you. I have never experienced a sick child like that myself . Today we were just commenting about my DD never being in hospital not even to be born as I was at home.

I guess now it's a case of just waiting and letting the team do their best for him. Sounds like you did exactly the right thing and sought treatment immediately.

You might not be religious but I am and said a prayer for you both . It can't hurt can it 🤗

cannynotsay · 05/05/2025 03:34

I just got up as I needed a wee!! Praying so hard for your baby. I hope he makes a speedy recovery. It’s so lonely being as hospital at night all the love to you and your son! Xx

DailyEnergyCrisis · 05/05/2025 03:35

I have experience of this. Our DS was admitted with similar symptoms at 9 weeks old and again at 5 months old. First time diagnosed with sepsis and second time viral meningitis. I know how terrifying it is.

Id say if you’re in a side room rather than intensive care or high dependency that’s a really good sign- he must have stable enough observations for them to allow that.

Try to rest even if you can’t sleep- it’s all so exhausting. Eat and drink if you can force yourself to.

Most babies admitted with suspected sepsis don’t actually have it- there’s a strong chance he’s just got a nasty infection that the ivs will nuke quickly. So sorry you’re going through it though 💕

Original poster
miniworry · 05/05/2025 03:38

You don't know how much just reading comments from other ladies that are awake helps; things definitely are much worse in the night, you're right.

Husband is at home with our 4 year old DD- I flew out of the house at such speed there wasn't time to get anyone to come round and look after her. He has obviously fallen asleep now he knows we are on the ward and have started treatement!

OP posts:
Original poster
miniworry · 05/05/2025 03:39

@DailyEnergyCrisis I'm so sorry to hear that your little one had both of these illnesses too, they're just so awful especially when they're so tiny!

OP posts:
RobintheNun · 05/05/2025 03:39

I’ve been in your place and it was awful. DC was a bit older, but not much. They’re 14 now and absolutely fine. Thinking of you tonight. Hang in there x

Purplestarballoon · 05/05/2025 03:43

Up with the baby and read your OP.
You’re a super mum to have trusted your instincts and got him seen so quickly. He’s so lucky to have you.
Hope you get updates soon and can try and get a little bit of rest x

Natsku · 05/05/2025 03:55

Oh you must be so worried but remember he's in the best place for this, he's been started on the right treatment swiftly, and you are there for him. How old is he? Can your husband get someone to look after DD in the morning so he can come join you, or give you a chance to go home for a shower and a little rest if you need?

Natsku · 05/05/2025 03:56

Oh just saw on the title he's aged one.

Wordsofthewise · 05/05/2025 04:01

So sorry to hear this @miniworry Didn’t want to read and run and just wanted to say we are here for you, you are not alone right now.

Your little boy is in the best place for him right now and they will do everything they can to make him comfortable and healthy. I hope you’re able to get some rest tonight and get some answers soon too. He is lucky to have you as his mummy and it is a huge comfort to him, knowing you are there with him.

And we are here for you ♥️ Thinking of you all x

dottycat123 · 05/05/2025 04:05

As he is on a sepsis pathway he will be being treated with a combination of antibiotics designed to treat a variety of different bacteria. From your description it sounds as if a chest infection/ pneumonia is being considered. They will do blood cultures to see if anything specific can be identified but these results take a bit of time hence the immediate choice of broad spectrum antibiotics. Fingers crossed you see a response very quickly which often happens.

LegallyLoopy · 05/05/2025 04:08

Purplestarballoon · 05/05/2025 03:43

Up with the baby and read your OP.
You’re a super mum to have trusted your instincts and got him seen so quickly. He’s so lucky to have you.
Hope you get updates soon and can try and get a little bit of rest x

I agree with this! He is so lucky to have you as a mum OP

JohnnyRememberMe · 05/05/2025 04:08

I'm so sorry OP, that must be terrifying.

I had sepsis as an adult following an operation. Like your little one, I had blood tests then was given tonnes of antibiotics. I was in hospital for a few days until the infection cleared.

I hope your little one gets better soon.

leli · 05/05/2025 04:10

Sending love and hope and prayers to you from an insomniac in East Sussex.

kissmyfatass · 05/05/2025 04:13

Sending love OP. X

Daleksatemyshed · 05/05/2025 04:26

My cat woke me, she thinks 4 is time for breakfast and to go out. It's always worse at night, waiting and worrying but it's nearly daybreak @miniworry , soon the first light of dawn will be here. I hope today brings good news for you and your boy ❤