So remember when I said that there was only a tiny chance that Baby Charlie has Meningitis? Apparently not tiny enough.
He has in fact been diagnosed with Spinal Meningitis. The fact that he was born with a fever and some respiratory problems gave the doctors reason to believe that something was wrong, so when they found a high level of white blood cells in his spinal fluid they deduced that it could only be one thing- Meningitis.
To be honest we have not really allowed ourselves to do our own research on what exactly this means. After all there’s nothing quite like a Google search to drive you insane with worry.
However, according to the doctors, we have no reason to think that he should have any long term issues. The key with Meningitis is the speed at which you are put on antibiotics, which in Charlie’s case was straight away. The precautionary step that the doctors took of putting him on antibiotics minutes after he was born could well have saved his life.
Despite the Meningitis, the docs are very happy with him: sleeping and feeding like a little trooper
The bad news is that he has to stay in the NICU for at least two more weeks, maybe more, as they need to keep an eye on him while he finishes his course of antibiotics. There were tears.
But as hugely disappointing this was to hear, the news could have been a lot worse. I talked with a mother yesterday whose son was in the NICU because he was born 8 weeks prematurely with Downs Syndrome. She was so amazingly strong and calm as she told me- there is no place like the NICU to make you put things into perspective.
Fortunately for us, Max is being such an understanding older brother, spending hours at the hospital without complaint. It also helps that he can sleep anywhere, even the NICU waiting room
So we have at least two more weeks shuttling between our apartment and the NICU for feeds and visits. The sad thing is that I’m not really getting much time to bond with Charlie during my two week paternity leave. The silver lining is the amount of time I’m spending with Max which means it’s hopefully making his transition from only child to big brother a bit easier. And last night our lovely friend Anna babysat for Max while we got to hang out with Charlie and I got to hold and feed him for a couple of hours.
And it was a amazing. He’s so perfect… well, apart from the whole Spinal Meningitis thing…
Perfect. Just like his father. Only I don't have Meningitis so really I'm even more perfect.
11 comments
the logans
August 18, 2012 at 10:11 am (UTC -4)
congrats on Charlie. your God child Amelia had meningitis when she was 4 yrs old. despite that she is the brightest and top of her class. good luck John
English Dad
August 18, 2012 at 11:31 am (UTC -4)
Thanks John- must be her monther’s genes;) love to you all.
francoise dean
August 18, 2012 at 10:22 am (UTC -4)
I can’t believe it: he is the spitten image of you at that age! Amazing!! I’m sure he’ll turn out as fantastic a person as you, Sooooooo cute!
We are thinking of all of you all the time.
Simon Spoor
August 18, 2012 at 11:51 am (UTC -4)
What can I say, you must be so worried, but as you say he’s in the right place and they seem to have caught it in good time so hopefully there won’t be any long term problems. Anne and I are thinking about you both.
Gareth Hulance
August 18, 2012 at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
Hey buddy, must be really tough, but so great the Doctors spotted it early, I have no doubt he will be totally fine and totally awesome! Fingers crossed you will get him home ASAP!
Kirstin Butler
August 19, 2012 at 1:46 am (UTC -4)
First of all, these pictures? Too. Much. Cute. Also extra awesomeness is, as you know, a great burden, and unfortunately some people just have to bear it. But only the ones who can because of their superhuman strength (it tends to accompany the extra awesomeness). This is how I already know the kind of damage Charlie will be doing to hearts everywhere in years to come… Thinking of you all and sending lots of love!
English Dad
August 19, 2012 at 9:49 am (UTC -4)
Thanks again everyone- you’re the best
Claire Stevens
August 19, 2012 at 10:04 am (UTC -4)
Hey Chris,
Thinking of you all and wishing you (and especially baby Charlie) well.
lots of love from Melbourne xxx
tim
August 19, 2012 at 4:22 pm (UTC -4)
my thoughts and wishes are with all of u 4. i’m sure he’ll be fine. we’ve seen on mark and you and some bottles of wine in gigaro that those dean genes are darwin’s latest proof of the evolution theory, so don;t worry too much. max got so old;-) what a cute little fellow. hang in there
Clive Sherlock
August 24, 2012 at 6:49 am (UTC -4)
Congratulations! Hoping and praying Charlie’s all right. Spinal meningitis can leave no problems at all and you have a totally healthy boy. Will hear how you’re all doing through M & K. Love and wishes, Clive
lopicki
August 27, 2012 at 4:20 pm (UTC -4)
3 magnifiques photos sur cette page, comme tes fils sont beaux.