As we get settled into his room at the children’s hospital, nurses immediately came in and started fluids and already started antibiotics (thank god). It was then around 4am... and nurses had no idea what was wrong, he clearly had an ear infection and a fever. Then a nurse sat him up in bed and he was so different with his posture, very stiff like and couldn’t move his neck side to side. His eyes were there, but not responsively there.
So we took him downstairs and had catscans done, they came back normal, then they started to draw blood and his white blood count came back to a 17000 and that’s when we knew something was wrong.
Around 9am we go down to PICU for a spinal tap (to check for meningitis) and of course there was no way this could happen to me and my son... but unfortunately the fluid was cloudy, and the blood culture came bad as a bacterial meningitis H influenza – a very rare type and we are still waiting on more cultures to grow to figure out the strain of influenza family that he has.
If it weren’t for the nurses acting quickly I don’t know where we would be. With that being said we are currently on day 3 almost day 4 and my baby is worn out and so, so sick... momma has to take leave from work to take care of her son.
I want people to be aware of signs and symptoms. Don’t wait and don’t overthink it either. Signs, stiff neck, severe head ache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sensitivity to lights, high fever, symptoms come on quick.
I don’t know where Blake got this from. Even though it’s rare, it can happen to anyone.
Be aware and act quickly. Send positive vibes and prayers! ❤️
Kandra Waller
December 2017