My Son Campbell is in hospital

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

I have not been around much this week as I've been going back and forth to the hospital and sleeping in what little free time I've had left.

Campbell, my 10 year old son, was admitted to the hospital on Saturday...after winning two ribbons (3rd and 4th) at his school's swimming carnival on Friday. The two events are unrelated except for the emotional rollercoaster part for me from the peak in my happiness for his performance (exceeding his own expectations) on Friday to the valley and fear that gripped my heart as I carried his limp body into the emergency room on Saturday.

He woke up on Saturday morning screaming with a severe headache and a rising fever and soon became incoherent and unresponsive.

While they are not certain of the cause, the doctors suspect that it is viral. He has tested negative to all of the "known" nasties. He was/is experiencing swelling in the lining of his brain. Now that the fever has been reduced the swelling appears to be easing and he is regaining function. He has been poked and prodded with nearly every piece of gear that Westmead Childrens Hospital owns...between this and his Type 1 Diabetes, it has been a pretty hard 12 months for the little guy.

It has been a scary week for our family. To say very little of the "comfortable" (hopefully people recognize I am using the word in a sarcastic manner) chair bed in his room...I have had very little sleep.

Everyone is hopeful for a full recovery but it may be several weeks before we know for certain. I suspect that I will not get much rest until then.

At least I have not been missing clear skies too.

[sheeny (Al)]

I am sorry to hear Campbell's not well, Scott. My thoughts are with him (and your family). Hope he is well again soon!

Al.

[Phil]

God i hope he gets well soon and has a full recovery. Sorry to hear that bad news. Been there myself having 4 kids i no what you are going threw.
All the best to you and your family.
Phil

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

I'm sorry to hear about this, Scott. You know he is in the best hospital. And 10 year olds have that miraculous ability to bounce back quickly. I'm sure everyone here is hoping and praying for your son's swift and full recovery. Look after yourself.

Regards,

Brian.

[norm]

As a father of 2 young children, I understand the emotions your going thru' at the moment. Best of luck to Campbell for a speedy recovery and to you Scott. You got people barracking for you 110% at IIS.

Norm

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Jeepers Scott!!! That's terrifying! I hope your son recovers soon - and fully.

[Kokatha man]

I'm sure I speak for everyone on this forum (and many others Scott) when I send you and the young fella my best wishes for his speedy recovery. As a dad and (step) grandfather to a little girl who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes I share your anxiety and cares and will be thinking of your family. Up and at'em lad!

Best wishes, Darryl.

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Thinking of you, and Campbell and the whole family, Scott. You will be in our prayers.

[leon]

Our thoughts are with you and your family Scott, we hope the young fella bounces back real quick, I can understand what you and your family must be feeling, there is nothing worse than seeing your children sick.

Leon

[ngcles]

Hi Scott,

Best wishes for you son's recovery. (I'm no doctor but it sounds very much like viral meningitis)

You have my and my family's prayers!

I know _exactly, precisely_ where you are mate. You are weary, sick in the stomach, and your head is running 15 to the dozen day and night.

I know it well:

My (one and only) daughter contracted neo-natal bacterial meningitis when she was just 24hrs old. She teetered on the brink of death for three days, and then spent a further 4 weeks in hospital (most in high-dependency). We spent several years watching, praying and hoping, (testing, scanning) to see what would result -- hoping for the best but expecting the worst.

She is now 17 years old (well, in two weeks time) and is totally unscathed -- so have hope! Bad results can happen but so equally can good ones! She is doing the HSC this year and with two high-level subjects she is aiming for the low to mid 90s. See, kids can go through these sorts of problems and come out fine. Keep your spirits up!!

Will be thinking of you (thought I don't know you) and praying.

Best,


Les D

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

Yep - let him know the IIS family is wishing him better Scott

geoff

[Kal (Andrew)]

What a terrifying experience. Along with everyone else I hope Campbell makes a full and complete recovery.

[Night Owl]

I have head of this sort of thing before. Can be caused by contaminated water entering the nose, and ending up in the blood flow to the brain, and then causing an inflamation of the Meningis, the outer lining of the brain, hence Meningitis.

I wouldn't be surprised if the water in the pool, his swimmng, and his condition were not related.

A friend of mine had his kid suffer the same condition, and it was eventually tracked down to him getting a squirt of water up the nose while playing with a garden hose on a hot day!

Hope he makes a quick and full recovery, and goes on to more ribbon winning. And hopefully within 10 years type 1 diabetis will be cured.

Life, sometimes, is just out to get you!

[Terry B]

Best wishes for your son.

[netwolf]

Scott, best wishes for your son. You have mine and my family's prayers for his quick and full recovery. I hope that in no time we shall here of more awards he has won.

[astroron (Ron)]

I hope all turns out well for your son and yourself.
Get well soon little one.
Ron

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Thanks for letting us know Scott. It really does help to share the bad times with mates.
I'll be sending positive thoughts to Campbell and to the rest of you as well.
I hope that he makes a rapid recovery.

[h0ughy (David)]

Best wishes for everyone Scott and I hope that your son recovers quickly!!

[johnno]

All the Very Best wishes for Campbell,Scott.

Hope he recovers quickly.

Regards.
John

[DJVege]

Your son and family are in my prayers. I hope he has a speedy recovery, and is back home soon.