Thread: A night I would rather not go through again - but have too...

Originally Posted by Basil135

Long story short. Ok, shortish....
In the end, it turns out that the lump on her leg was an infected lymph node, probably caused by an infection from the small sore on her foot, travelling up until it found a place to settle & grow. As the node grew, it was at risk of pushing against her femoral artery, causing a massive problem.

I had one of those in my neck, got it surgically removed and another came back in the same (or very close to) spot. Another operation. I now have a couple of great scars on my neck where it looks like some bugger truied to cut my throat. Very glamorous.

I was s... , ahem, very scared and I was in my 20s at the time, coz I was worried it would be worse and also the surgeon wasn;t exactly an optimist - preferring to puit the orst case scenario up front, presumably on the basis that anything later would be good news !?



Glad your little one is OK !

Originally Posted by Basil135

Thanks to everyone for their best wishes. A forum like this makes you realise that you are not alone.

I have learnt a few lessons over the past few days:

You realise how precious kids are when these things happen

We were lucky. Only 1 night in hospital, and we got to bring her home. What was sad was that the wards were full of sick kids. There were even some that had been there long enough to decorate their beds & the doors. Makes you think...

Our health system may not be perfect - but it is a damn sight better that a lot of others.

It is ok to cry - even for tough guys like me...

Nurses are underpaid & over worked. The care & compassion they show for each & every child there, as well as supporting & explaining things to the parents, is top notch.

When it comes to kids, don't be over complacient. Such a small sore turned into something much bigger. It could have been much worse, but thankfully, it wasn't.

Doctors don't know everything, but they usually do know best. Never be afraid to get a second or third opinion. If the doc is confident in himself, then he wont have a problem with this, and many actually encourage it.

And lastly - you realise how precious kids are when these things happen

Yes the staff are over worked and great. They also ge you kno you quite well when you are a regular visitor.
Our bub has been in 3 times this year at a week each stay. Last 2 times in his own room with all visitors required to wear gowns and masks.