He celebrated his 1st Birthday in hospital

It was 4am on 16th May 2008 when I woke up to hear Aaron's soft cry for milk. Touched his hands and was shocked that his body was hot. I got up to make his milk and while he drank, I rushed to the kitchen to grab the thermometer. It was 38.5deg. I put a wet towel on his forehead, fed him paracetamol and patted him to sleep.

At 6am when I woke up, his temperature didn’t subside amid the fever medication given earlier. And at 8am when he woke up I gave him another dose of his fever meds. He was very lethargic and simply lie down in his cot quietly. I left with Ashraf at 9.00am to his school for Parent-Teachers Conference and came back at 10.00am.

I was trying to put him to sleep when I felt his body jerking - like he was startled. He looked his usual self. Then 15 minute later another jerking. He was still having high fever. I quickly rushed him to the clinic and while waiting for his turn, his body startled a few times. I requested that the doctor see him first. Doc was shocked that his heart-beat was beating extremely fast. Advised me to give him Brufen immediately and in one half hour to 2 hours, if temperature still at 38 deg, I must rush him to KKH A&E.

I could not wait for one half hour, I quickly told my maid to pack his bags after his body jerks 3 times continuously at home. I rushed him to KKH with Azirul. As the doctor was afraid that it might be fits (despite me telling them its not), he was warded. In the observation room, it happened again and this time it was in front of a nurse. She was shocked that she holds him like she was afraid he was going to fall from the bed. She asked me what happen.... well... I wish I knew what is happening. I really don’t know!! hmmm..

He was sent to the ward and I got my brother to sent Azirul home while my youngest sis went to my place to collect my bag - going camping at KKH!!!! Aaron was extremely cranky the first night. Refused to be put down in his cot and only wanted me to carry him. Imagine carrying an 11kg boy in your arm for hours!!! I had to be strong for him... physically!!!

My poor baby had to celebrate his 1st birthday in the hospital!!!! As if it’s not bad enough that Daddy is not around for him...

I called up my helper, Su to tell her to take good care of the 3 boys while I am taking care of Aaron at the hospital.

SU - Ibu, Amirul dan Azirul ke rumah nenek aja ya? Saya dan Ashraf ke hospital besok. Saya tolong ibu jaga Aaron.
ME - Ya... anak2 ke rumah nenek aja. Tapi kamu tak usah ke mari.
SU - Ibu tak bisa jaga Aaron sendiri. Kasihan ibu angkat dia terus. Ngak apa... nanti saya ke sana dengan Ashraf naik taxi ya.
ME - Nak tolong saya ke atau rindu Aaron?
SU - hehehe.. ya... rindu juga...
ME - suka hati kamu lah Su.....

Alhamdulillah my helper is so thoughtful and reliable.

True enough, I needed that help. I was so dead tired. My arms were aching so bad that I felt like crying. When she came the next day with Ashraf, Aaron was so happy to see them. He started to play with Ashraf and was his usual self. I requested from the doctor to discharge him but was told to wait for his urine test result.

Unfortunately at 3pm his temperature shot up to 39 deg and he was again so cranky. This is despite the regular fever medicine given to him. Doctor came and told me that there were traces of infection in his urine but was unable to confirm. They need another specimen to run the test again. Wadoohhhh... By 5pm I decided that we had to stay another night. I needed my helper to stay with me for the night to help look after him. From 4pm till 10pm Aaron didn’t even pee. He refused to drink his milk, juices, glucose or water. I had to use the syringe to feed him some water so that he did not get dehydrated.

My youngest sis came with her family and was kind enough to sent Ashraf to my MIL place.

And another night of crankiness with Aaron but it was not as bad as the 1^st night as my helper and I took turns pacifying him. We managed to get some rest...but hospital is hospital.. you can never get good rest... I hate it!..heheh

The 3rd day, Aaron was still having fever. It was not getting better at all. However I was determine to take him home. At home, he could play and crawl and he would sweat it out. It’s better than staying in the hospital and not being able to move freely.  Also, the urine test showed no infection at all. A few doctors came to advise me on the implication of taking him home. I am fully aware of the consequences and I take full responsibility should anything happen to him. And it’s a no-brainer... if my son is terribly sick wouldn't I be rushing him to the hospital again?? hmm... so anyway, they had a Senior Doctor to talk to me. I was firm with my decision and assured them that home would be an ideal place for him to recuperate. Not the noisy hospital!

My SIL called later to tell me that Ashraf has been feeling so down. He misses his mama. Adoiiii... She did everything to cheer him up and nothing works. She then sent him to see me at 7.00pm - as I was getting ready to go home. And my Ashraf was having fever!!!! SIL said it just started about half an hour earlier and before that he was alright. Aikkk... you miss Mama sampai demam demam?

SIL sent us home and at home.... I was busy attending to 2 sick boys. But Alhamdulillah their fever subsided the very next day.

Well... it was a long weekend and a very tiring one. For Aaron, this will be the most memorable birthday to him... celebrated his 1st birthday at the hospital!!!!