When we arrived at the doctors she took his temperature which was extremely high, also checked for a rash. She sent us straight to the hospital as a 'precaution'.
When we got to the hospital he was seen right away, they did a variety of tests including lumbar puncture. We stayed at hospital that night.
When the results of Tyler's tests came back and the doctor had told me it was meningitis I broke down, my world just suddenly turned upside down. I knew how serious meningitis is. It was such a shock to me and my family. I thought I was going to lose my beautiful baby boy.
Doctors immediately put him on an IV with antibiotics. The doctors and nurses were absolutely fantastic with him and so supportive.
Eight days later, Tyler was given the all clear. It seemed like the longest 8 days of my entire life seeing your child like that is the worst thing imaginable. You feel so helpless. Luckily, Tyler survived with no complications.
I just thought I'd share my experience, just in case there's any young mothers out there like myself who didn't really know the symptoms of meningitis and to raise awareness as there might be others out there like myself previously who assumed that if someone has meningitis they have a rash, which obviously isn't always the case.
My heart goes out to anyone that has passed away, had, or have this awful disease.
Kate Rosser
August 2015