Adam enters the NHS!

In all my 4 years in the UK for my undergrad study, I have never had to go to the NHS for any treatment. Adam’s been here for 6 days and he’s already been HOSPITALISED!

Yesterday morning Adam’s cough got worse and he had this loud wheezing noise that sounds like he’s really having difficulty breathing. The night before he hardly slept, and neither did I. He refused to eat or drink since lunchtime the day before, except for breastmilk. Badan dia dah lembik. Hubby had to go to uni so I took Adam to a clinic. Luckily the clinic is just next door to the hotel. There was a bit of a problem at the clinic because Adam isn’t registered yet, and we don’t want him registered at that clinic, we have no address yet etc. but in the end they agreed to let the doctor see him. She gave me a letter and asked me to take him to the nearest hospital immediately.

Soon after hubby came back and we took him to the hospital. At the A&E, they examined him and told me Adam has croup. It’s a viral infection to the voice box and caused a swelling and that’s why he’s lost his voice and the constriction is making that wheezing noise and causing him difficulty to breathe. So they gave him medication (steroids? Any doctors here…is this ok to be given to toddlers?) to reduce the inflammation. We waited at the A&E and he received another dose of medication. Towards the end of the day they told me they still have to have Adam warded for observation..

Adam at the A&E

Off we went to the paediatric ward..a very eye opening experience for me. Hubby can’t stay, they only allow one parent to stay. I was really exhausted from the lack of sleep the night before. I was afraid I would fall into deep sleep and wouldn’t realise what’s happened to Adam in the middle of the night. Adam slept but he woke up every 20-30 mins crying because of his cough. Thank God for breastfeeding! I didn’t know what else to comfort him with..nothing else worked. Towards morning, his wheezing noise get less and less. The nurse came every now and then to check on him. For whatever reason, he hated the nurses and doctors and cried every time they come near him. It was a government hospital, a lot of sick children around. We didn’t get any pillows or blankets. It was very cold last night. We slept with all layers our clothes on and socks. They did have a nice tv for Adam though.

at the ward

In the morning, Adam was feeling much better. He woke up and straightaway wanted to play around the ward. I was glad that he seemed back to his usual self and eating again. Around 9.30am, the doctor came and checked on Adam. She said we can leave. I was surprised that we can immediately leave without having to wait hours for the discharge form or something. All treatment was free! We’re so glad to be back at the hotel…today will be just for Adam to rest, I think..poor baby..

Psss, tomorrow’s my birthday. Do you know what I really wish for?

A good night’s sleep!