Little Miss Organised participated in the Mater Little Miracles 5km walk at Southbank, Brisbane on a sunny winter’s day. Mater Little Miracles, a local charity close to our hearts for a very special reason, is a proud sponsor of the event.
Rewind to 30 January 2016 and meet Ruby.
Despite her premature labour, Ruby was a tiny bundle of joy and, despite hospital efforts to prolong her stay in the womb, she was born 6 weeks early. Consequently, she was immediately moved into Paediatric care and I did not see or touch her until she was 3 hours old. Nevertheless, the outlook for Ruby was positive and, remarkably, she was breathing on her own after just 36 hours of life.
However, just two days after her birth, Ruby started to notice blood in her diaper. Blood tests, X-rays, and stopping breastmilk could not detect the problem. We suspected that it was Stage 1 Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC) – an inflammatory condition of the gut.
On Day 5, Ruby took a turn for the worst and her little body went into shock. As she lay pale and lifeless on the bed, the doctors struggled to find an answer. A Neonatologist – a newborn specialist – handed Ruby over. I asked him if Ruby would be okay, and looking me straight in the eye, said he couldn’t guarantee it. That was the moment our world fell apart.
She had further tests – this time a contrast X–ray and Ultrasound at Lady Cilento Hospital. During this time, Ruby had to be prodded to keep her alive as her vitals dropped, making it a harrowing day. Nevertheless, the scans came back showing her bowel was fine and she didn’t need surgery, yet there were still no clear answers. Consequently, Ruby was put on TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) to heal her stomach and bowel, and was placed under a heater lamp so her tiny body would have a chance to recover.
Finally, after three days, we had some answers.
Ruby had a blood infection. E. Coli.
Our sweet baby girl required a lumbar puncture to rule out the potentially fatal Meningitis, and was prescribed antibiotics for a period of 14 days. She reintroduced milk to her diet gradually, starting with just 3ml after a week of complete gut rest. Each successful intake was a major celebration. Ruby gradually put on more weight and was able to go home after 3½weeks in hospital.
Thankfully, Ruby has had no ongoing medical issues. She is a social butterfly and loves dancing and singing. She is our own Mater Little Miracle thanks to the wonderful team at Mater Mother’s Hospital, Brisbane.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for all you do.
Support charity walks like the Mater Little Miracles 5KM. Make a difference in the lives of others while staying active and healthy. please donate here.
Would you like to read another amazing story that brought about a huge change in Theresa’s life? Check out her Improvement and Reorganization Story.