Given four hours to live as a newborn, 18 today!

kingfisherblue

Eighteen years ago today, my second child was born. We knew that he had an abnormality of the digestive system that would require surgery within days.

Instead, he had four abnormalities. I almost lost him during the birth and had the GA needle while the doctors and nurses were running down the corridor towards theatre. My son was transferred to Alder Hey at less than five hours old, with doctors who had travelled from there to pick him up in a specially equipped ambulance. Once there, he was given four hours to live, unless he vomited, in which case, he could not be saved.

The fantastic doctors, nurses and other staff corrected the four abnormalities through two different operation sites. My son was in intensive care for seven days. When he was a week old, I was able to hold him for the first time. It was at that point that Down's Syndrome was confirmed.

Although my son survived his surgery, there have been knock on effects, including severe feeding difficulties and reflux requiring surgery. However, he has come through everything, even though it has been really hard at times.

Today, he is a wonderful young man who is happy at college. He loves reading and writing, animals, and gardening. He still takes daily medication and has a lot of health problems, but leads a happy life.

Last night, we held a Disney themed party for him. He had a great time, although our ears suffered when he sang 'We are the champions' very loudly and very badly down the mic! He has had a busy day so far today, but has enjoyed himself immensely.

I have two other children as well, and I love all three so much. Life isn't always easy, but it's never boring!

It's amazing that from being so poorly and so close to death, we are now celebrating my son's eighteenth birthday. I can only thank everyone who has helped and supported us over the years - medical staff, family, friends, schools.

So, happy birthday to my son, who brings so much love and happiness.

KFB

Artytarty

What a lovely inspiring and happy post! Thanks.
Your love and pride shine through and rightly so.
A son is a wonderful thing to have in ones life.

piglet74

Lovely story!

I hope your son is as proud of you, as you are of him.

Happy birthday to him x

Tigsteroonie

kingfisherblue wrote: »

So, happy birthday to my son, who brings so much love and happiness.

:bdaycake:

Happy Birthday to your son!

Brighton_belle

Great post, thanks for sharing.

bluebeary

lovely to read this, happy 18th birthday to you son xxx

sheilavw

Lovely story, when my youngest Brother was born with Down's Syndrome, my Parents were told at the hospital that they could just give him a little water/sugar and let him go. They refused, he is 50 years old next February and enjoys a full and active life. He's our World, a loving Brother, Uncle, and Great Uncle

GlasweJen

Happy birthday KFB junior!

Andypandyboy

Lovely, inspiring story. Happy birthday, and many, many more.

Georgiegirl256

What a lovely heartwarming story kingfisherblue! Brought a tear to my eyes!

Sounds like you all had a lovely party last night!

Happy Birthday to your son :bdaycake:

kingfisherblue

Thanks everyone. Even though life has been hard at times, it's definitely been worth it. My son is very proud of me and of all his family. He loves drawing the family tree

Sheila, your parents obviously made the right decision, and it must have been so much more difficult then. There was much more prejudice and less support. You must be proud of them for not letting your brother die.

Modern medicine is amazing, and I'm very grateful that my son has had such a dedicated team of medical professionals over the years. As well as almost losing him at birth, he almost died of pneumonia at six weeks (blood SATs were 32%), and he needed life saving surgery at nine months old. He is extremely prouyd of his scars, and will happily show them off whenever he has the chance