Around 12 hours after his first symptom my mom, who is a nurse, knew something more was wrong. So we drove right to the emergency room and when we got there I thought Nicholas was sleeping because he was so sick, to later find out he was unconscious. A team of doctors stormed the room and at that moment I knew something was really wrong.
After hours of testing and meds being pumped into his little body we found ourselves in the ICU. We were sent to the waiting room to wait why they did a spinal tap, put him on a breathing machine, and paralysed him from the neck down. I felt so helpless that I could not do anything for my little boy.
After a long night of not knowing what was going on, the doctors told us he had meningococcus. At, that time the doctors said now we wait and pray the meds are working.
Nicholas was in the ICU for five days and then moved to a regular room for another six days. When he opened his eyes for the first time I was able to breathe again. Days later we found out he was going to walk away from this with not one after effect. At the time I had no idea all the horrible outcomes of meningococcus. I thank God everyday for my son’s health.
I want to thank your site for all the support you give to families who might not be as lucky as I was. Your site makes it so easy for me to educate my friends and family about meningococcus. Thank you!!!
Jaime Catalano
October 2011