Well, that’s not how I planned to spend my Monday! Poor E had been getting headaches on and off since Wednesday last week, with no other symptoms other than lethargy at times (other times she was fine). Yesterday I was working from home with her home for the first day of summer holidays, when about 10, E’s headache came back. It got worse and at 11 I gave her Panadol. But by 11.30 it was excruciating, E was crying out in pain, and asking to go to the doctor. After calling around, I was advised to go to a minor injury and illness clinic a 25 minute drive away. The drive felt like hours, as E was either crying out in pain, or curling up with her eyes closed. There’s nothing worse as a parent - I tried not to panic.
As soon as we got there, I parked and walked her into Emergency. The triage nurse initially said I should drive her straight to the big hospital another 20 mins away, but then she looked at E, who had curled up on a chair looking very unwell, and ushered us through. I was relieved- I didn’t want to take another drive with her so unwell in the back.
Lots of observations, questions, a blood draw, and an injection of antibiotics (ouch! No fun), as well as a dose of ibuprofen happened over the next couple of hours. During this time E was very lethargic.
Because meningitis was a possible diagnosis, the Dr let me know she would need to be transferred via ambulance for further tests. While waiting for the ambulance, her headache subsided, her energy returned, and she was the life of the party again! The nurses and doctors were so lovely, she got a couple of soft toys (one for her and one for her brother ❤️), and was taken to see an electronic dancing Santa on the ward.
Finally the ambulance arrived. E enjoyed getting to go in the ambulance, she asked many questions, and was slightly disappointed when they didn’t need to put on the lights and sirens for the journey.
With her new teddies.
Once we were admitted into the Emergency ward, it was late in the day, maybe 4, and I was feeling exhausted. My phone was also basically out of battery which was stressful. But I found the tea room, put the TV on for E to watch cartoons, and waited for Al to arrive (my parents had picked up O from kindy so he was having dinner with them). The dr came and did more tests- negative for flu. RSV, covid. At about 7 she gave us the option to discharge her home and keep an eye on her, keep her in hospital for a few days under observation, or do a lumbar puncture (big needle in her back) under sedation. Given she was so much better, we elected to bring her home.
That’s the smile we want to see!
It was a long day! By the time we got home with O from my parents, it was 9pm. And now we have a slightly anxious couple of days watching for return of symptoms. But at least we can do this from home. (If they get any positive test results in the meantime, they’ll call to bring her back too). Hopefully it’s just been a nasty virus and she’s turned a corner now- fingers crossed. Regardless, feeling grateful right now that we were seen by such wonderful hospital staff, with a good medical system, and that it was all free (well strangely except for the ambulance, but we have private coverage for that). That was one stress we didn’t have.
I hope everyone else is going well this week with no trips to ED!
Header image by Wix
Sophie, this is SO SCARY! Every parent's worst fear is something happening to their kids. I'm waiting for an update- but it does seem like if it were something serious, she wouldn't have felt better so quickly. And, I would have also opted to bring her home. You don't want your kids in the hospital if they don't need to be there.
Hope E is feeling well today!
Oh Sophie, I am so sorry!!!!!! Glad it all worked out but oh my gosh, what a scare. For you, mainly! I can see it was a long and scary day but it's over, big digital hugs to you from New Jersey!
How scary! I am always, always, always terrified of meningitis (though no one I know has ever had it).
Nope, my kids have NEVER been tested for strep. Ever. It's just not a common thing to test for in Canada I don't think. I mean they look in their throats and I guess they've never seen enough inflammation to think it might be strep? I feel like all my American friends have kids getting diagnosed with strep all the time so I'm confused because I would assume Canadian kids should be getting a similar range of viruses?
Oh gosh, what a scary day for you all! I am glas she turned the corner quickly. Do they test for strep in Australia? Elisabeth recently said her kids have never been tested or treated for it. Our boys have had it soooo much! You didn’t mention a strep test so maybe it is not a common illness in aus either? I hope she continues to feel better!!