Surviving meningitis: A mother's story

The mother of a five-year-old Ratoath boy who successfully battled meningococcal meningitis at just 16-weeks-old has urged parents to be aware of the signs of the devastating disease. Little Ryan Brady was just 16 -weeks-old when he contracted the most deadly form of meningitis, but he luckily recovered well from the illness and is now a happy, healthy five-year-old. He has no recollection of the dreadful ordeal his parents, Denise and James, went through in October 2004 when they realised their adored little son was in serious danger. The couple and their extended family had to endure two terrifying days when they didn't know whether little Ryan would survive the terrible illness which had come on so suddenly. Now his mum is urging parents to be be aware of the signs and act fast as the disease is a killer. A little girl was admitted to Temple Street Children's Hospital while Ryan was there - but unfortunately she didn't survive. "It is important to be aware of the signs, but remember not all the signs may be present. Know your own child and follow a mother's instinct. If you think something is wrong, act quickly," is Denise's advice. Contact a doctor immediately if the child has any of the symptoms. She also warns parents not to put a child's bad form down to teething - it could be something more serious. Ryan was born in July 2004 and Denise was still at home on maternity leave when he got sick in 2004. "He was born a month premature and he cried a lot because of colic and acid reflux and he wasn't that different that day," Denise recalls. "He was nodding off a good bit, he wasn't refusing his feeds, but was not taking much of his bottle. He'd only take an ounce or two and start crying again about half an hour later," she said. Ryan was running a temperature so Denise called a friend who worked in Temple Street to come and have a look at him. "She checked him for a stiff neck but he was no different. All he had was cold hands and feet so we gave him Calpol as she suggested." Denise added: "That night, Ryan cried a lot with a high pitched cry so, by 8am, the following morning we were at the doctor's door." While he still had very few of the signs of meningitis, it was agreed he should go to Temple Street and, on the 45 minute journey there, he started to go downhill rapidly. At the hospital, he was started on a broad spectrum antibiotic and had a lumbar puncture performed, which confirmed he had meningococcal meningitis. "We were asked if he had been christened and a priest gave him the last rites and we were told the next 24 hours would be critical. After that, we were told the following 24 hours would also be critical, but he started to make a great recovery on day three," Denise recalls. Ryan spent eight days in hospital altogether, two of them in the intensive care unit. "We were devastated and we both stayed at the hospital for the full eight days. His grandparents, aunts and uncles were all holding vigil," she said. While he recovered fully from the meningitis, Ryan seemed to be more prone to other infections and colds for the rest of that year, but has since grown into a fit and happy little boy who started school last September. "We were worried about the neurological effects and he was slow to crawl and sit up, but he has caught up and is now one of the top in his class." Denise said the Meningitis Trust were a wonderful support during that terrible time. "They told all our friends and family what to do to prevent anyone else getting the illness and Temple Street were also very good to us," she said. Many people believe that meningitis and septicaemia - the blood poisoning form of the disease - only occurs during winter, but they can strike anyone, of any age, at any time of the year, anywhere in the world. The Meningitis Research Foundation estimates that there are around 250-300 cases in Ireland every year. About half of those cases are in babies and children and more than half are MenB (Group B meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia). Despite encouraging signs, a possible MenB vaccination is still a number of years away. Meningitis Research Foundation's Ireland manager, Diane McConnell, commented: "Meningitis and septicaemia are diseases that can leave a baby, child or adult fighting for their life within hours of the first symptoms. Don't be complacent during the summer months, knowing the symptoms and acting fast can save lives." The charity operates a Freefone 24 hour helpline - 1800 41 33 44 - providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and health professionals. Information on meningitis and septicaemia is also available on the Foundation's world-renowned website - www.meningitis.org - in 22 languages. Symptoms of meningitis to look out for are: • fever/vomiting • severe headache • stiff neck • dislike of bright lights • limb/joint/muscle pain • cold hands and feet/shivering • pale or mottled skin • breathing fast/breathlessness • rash anywhere on the body • very sleepy/vacant/difficult to wake • confusion/delirium. The Meningitis Trust is encouraging people to take part in their 'Mellow Yellow' fundraiser this year. The idea behind Mellow Yellow is to take a few minutes out of your busy day to spend time with colleagues or friends. People can dress in yellow for the day, have a desk-decorating competition, or choose one of the many other options included in a Mellow Yellow Fun Pack, which is available to download free from www.meningitis-trust.ie The parents' website Mykidstime.ie and the Meningitis Trust have also created a special 'Mellow Yellow Recipe Booklet' available with 'yellow-themed' recipes from some of Ireland's best-loved chefs, including Rachel Allen and Kevin Thornton.It can be downloaded from website www.mykidstime.ie/recipesbooklet for only €5, and all proceeds go to the Meningitis Trust.