Sam was born a healthy boy at the start of November. Everything was great and we got to go home after a few days to start life as a family of four. 

At just over 2 weeks old  Sam started to develop what seemed like a cold. His big brother had a chest infection at the time so we took him to the GP with a raised temperature and he was very congested. As a precaution we were sent to the  Children's Hospital for observations. Sam's tests went well and we were home again after a short stay. 

The next few days Sam didn't get any worse but by Friday afternoon our only indicator that something was wrong was that he went off his milk. In the early hours of Saturday morning our gut instinct told us to seek further advice so we contacted out of hours.  While waiting on a call back Sam started to take a fit, his eyes were twitching and his torso and arms shaking. We called 999. The paramedics arrived quickly and checked Sam over. His temp was elevated slightly and his oxygen levels were low. 

During his observations on arrival at A&E Sam took 2 or 3 (the day is a bit of a blur) further fits. This time he went stiff but his eyes continued to twitch. We were sent immediately to Resus where Sam was surrounded by nurses, doctors and machines. A few minutes later we were told Sam would have to be admitted to Intensive Care 😢 

From the 999 call to ICU everything happened so quickly. Within an hour of arriving at hospital Sam had wires everywhere and was relying on a breathing tube. He was receiving lots of medication and seemed totally helpless. 

The next few days we were informed Sam had tested positive to RSV (Bronchiolitis) and markers had shown an infection in his blood. He was being treated for Sepsis. The consultants still suspected Sam had Meningitis based on the symptoms he displayed in A&E  but he wasn't well enough for a lumbar puncture. He had none of the tell-tale signs parents are told to look out for. No rash and no excessive temperature. Sitting by his bed we became obsessed with the numbers on the monitors. A change in just one digit could bring excitement, relief or fear. 

DAY 4: Sam's sodium levels had come up enough for them to perform a brain scan before following through with a lumbar puncture.  He had been treated for Meningitis from the start so the results wouldn't change the course of treatment just provide a reason for him being so ill. Sam had a rise in whiteblood cells under the microscope but got the all clear for Bacterial Meningitis. This was a massive relief for us and Viral Meningitis seemed like the better of the two options. Sam responded well to medication and showed just how strong he was when he pulled out his central line, arterial line and then decided the next day he no longer needed his breathing tube. He was determined to get out of ICU!!!!! 

Day 6: By the evening we were  transferred to the ward. Sam still needed oxygen but his medication and reliance on machines was reduced. He was on the road to recovery💙 We spent a few more days on the ward before being discharged for home.  It was the best feeling but also a hugely daunting one to bring home a baby who had been so sick and have no medical help on standby. 

The staff at the Royal, particularly the team in PICU are nothing short of incredible. The treatment Sam received was above and beyond what we ever expected. They kept our little boy alive and looked after us as parents. They answered endless questions, gave us comfort and support when we needed it (OK me rather than Dave! ) they also tried to encourage us to eat and sleep (the necessities you forget about). 

Sam is a little fighter, how he survived is nothing short of a miracle. This is why we want to raise as much money as  possible. If you can donate anything please do. Little amounts all add up. Thank you so much for reading our page, 

Ashlea & Sam xx