Another Happy Day at A & E

16th February 2010 5 Comments

I’ m currently using up my annual leave from work. I had a fab day planned including a lunch at Pizza Express with my lovely little boy. It was not to be, he has been in the wars recently; swine flu jab, being bitten at school which lead to a Hepatitis B jab and some potent antibiotics and a coldy/flu/ cough thing. This morning he got THE RASH. So, I thought better pop him along to the doctor’s, after all he has a high temperature, a non-blanching rash, etc etc I don’t think I’m an overly paranoid mummy, but I am on first name terms with the doctors receptionists, so maybe I am.

I wasn’t too worried, I actually convinced myself it was an allergy. The doctor thought otherwise and before I knew it I was re-united with the lovely team at the Children’s A & E Department of our local hospital. The poor little fella was traumatised before he even set foot in the door. I don’t blame him, especially after the broken foot incident. All I could think was whether or not they would give me lunch and the logistics of me going to the loo whilst dealing with a traumatised toddler alone. Somehow, I think I was trying to blank out the potential horror of the situation I found myself in.

Anyway, after several traumatic attempts at temperature taking, chest listening and so forth, we had the actual horror of blood tests and cannula’s. Less said about these the better. As I thought, the final results of the day were that he is alright, I just need to monitor, Calpol etc. I cant tell you how grateful and relieved I am. Or how alone and helpless I felt through it all.

My selfish side did enjoy the cuddles I got from my oldest baby, I hardly ever get them nowadays, as he likes to prove he is a big boy. It was also the first time he called me ‘mummy’ and not ‘mum, claire, mumma’. Somehow thorough it all, we did re-connect and it was lovely having the focused time with just us two. I can’t tell you how happy I am he is alright.

This brings me to the team who looked after him, there were brilliant play specialists who distracted him and assisted me. A lovely male nurse who is undoubtedly a great role model for the little boys who visit the department and some really patient paediatricians. I was shocked to overhear how hard these staff work and how long their hours are. I felt humbled. I also learnt that the toys, books, stickers and videos which make such a difference are all donated by members of the public. It’s quite hard for the team to get these things, as a hospital is not an obvious place to donate them to. So, if you find yourself wondering what to do with your toys, kids books, DVDs etc instead of taking them down to the charity shop, please spare a thought for your local hospital as they can really make a difference there. We can vouch for that!

Claire Walsh

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5 Comments

  • Little Nut Tree Blog 16th February 2010 at 9:17 pm

    Oh man 🙁 Scary!

  • Josie @Sleep is for the Weak 17th February 2010 at 7:13 am

    Oh no! Sorry to hear you had a scare but glad all worked out well.<br /><br />We had a similar rash scare resulting in hospital trip a while back and even if you&#39;re confident, deep down, that it&#39;s nothing to worry about it still gets your heart racing.<br /><br />Hope you&#39;ve all recovered! x

  • Mark 17th February 2010 at 10:31 am

    Been away from the computer (well, blogs really as I&#39;ve been writing) a while so catching up on on older posts.<br /><br />Stay well

  • TheMadHouse 17th February 2010 at 12:05 pm

    Oh I am so pleased that it weas not as serious as it could be. I would have been terrified. We are on first name terms with our admittance ward due to Maxi&#39;s chest condition and have never ever had an issue with the staff, they are so wonderful and dedicated

  • Muddling Along Mummy 21st February 2010 at 8:49 pm

    Oh lovely I&#39;m sorry to hear you&#39;ve been having a horrid time of it – hope that all of you are well now

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