Jessica Houghton
Five Valleys Walk 2019
Fundraising for Meningitis Now
Story
Meningitis Now is a charity that conducts research into the treatment of meningitis, provides vital information on the signs and symptoms of meningitis and support for families who have been affected by the illness.
On the 21st July 2018, our son, William Eric Houghton entered the world 3 weeks early. William was a very quiet baby, he didn't cry for a feed, slept a lot and didn't really open his eyes. We assumed we were lucky to have such a content child and didn't think anything of it.
We were discharged a few days later, however we were back in hospital the next day. The initial reason for this was due to myself being ill, however I mentioned straight away that I was a little concerned about William. He was unusually quiet, barely opening his eyes, lethargic and had a mild rash. The rash blanched so it didn't cross our minds it could be something like meningitis.
The staff kept an eye on William and started him on some antibiotics as a precaution. After a few days William didn't seem to be getting any better and the consultants decided to keep him down in the Neonatal unit and perform a lumber puncture. Later on in the day the consultant came up to see me and confirmed they had found viral meningitis. Both my husband and I were completed shocked, emotional and felt lost. The following day whilst sitting with William in the Neonatal unit, we were informed his medication had changed and they were now treating him for bacterial meningitis as well.
Over the next 8 days, William needed assistance with his breathing and feeding whilst he tried to fight the infection. At 2 weeks old, we were finally allowed to take our baby boy home.
We were very lucky that William's meningitis was caught so early and treatment was given straight away. We have had many follow up appointments since in order to check his development and also his hearing as this is one of the common areas that can be affected by the infection. So far, there are no signs of any lasting damage and he will continue to see his consultant until he is 2 years old.
Stu and I have learned so much about Meningitis since experiencing both viral and bacterial with William. There are so many more symptoms and signs before the well known rash appears. The work that Meningitis Now do helps to inform and teach about these signs and symptoms and how important it is to spot them early. They provide support to both those who have been through this illness as well as their families.
If you can make a donation, big or small, it will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for you support!
Jess x
On the 21st July 2018, our son, William Eric Houghton entered the world 3 weeks early. William was a very quiet baby, he didn't cry for a feed, slept a lot and didn't really open his eyes. We assumed we were lucky to have such a content child and didn't think anything of it.
We were discharged a few days later, however we were back in hospital the next day. The initial reason for this was due to myself being ill, however I mentioned straight away that I was a little concerned about William. He was unusually quiet, barely opening his eyes, lethargic and had a mild rash. The rash blanched so it didn't cross our minds it could be something like meningitis.
The staff kept an eye on William and started him on some antibiotics as a precaution. After a few days William didn't seem to be getting any better and the consultants decided to keep him down in the Neonatal unit and perform a lumber puncture. Later on in the day the consultant came up to see me and confirmed they had found viral meningitis. Both my husband and I were completed shocked, emotional and felt lost. The following day whilst sitting with William in the Neonatal unit, we were informed his medication had changed and they were now treating him for bacterial meningitis as well.
Over the next 8 days, William needed assistance with his breathing and feeding whilst he tried to fight the infection. At 2 weeks old, we were finally allowed to take our baby boy home.
We were very lucky that William's meningitis was caught so early and treatment was given straight away. We have had many follow up appointments since in order to check his development and also his hearing as this is one of the common areas that can be affected by the infection. So far, there are no signs of any lasting damage and he will continue to see his consultant until he is 2 years old.
Stu and I have learned so much about Meningitis since experiencing both viral and bacterial with William. There are so many more symptoms and signs before the well known rash appears. The work that Meningitis Now do helps to inform and teach about these signs and symptoms and how important it is to spot them early. They provide support to both those who have been through this illness as well as their families.
If you can make a donation, big or small, it will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for you support!
Jess x
