The month did actually start in the Penthouse of the Mater Childrens Hospital, Brisbane. Never a particularly happy place of mine but this time things changed.
After, reluctantly, making the decision to try a new drug on Ruby to make her more comfortable and put on some weight it seemed she had other ideas! NOT HAPPY JAN! Ruby decided that this was NOT the drug for her and made no attempt to hide the fact. With hours of screaming, off feeding, rigid and fever we were off to the Emergency department. This time I was equipped with a new frame of mind and belief in mine and Ruby's rights. I knew I could question the nurses and doctors. I knew I could object to any drugs and I knew I could challenge the medical staff- those are our rights.
So after seeing many doctors, who were absolutely THE NICEST we have seen by far. They showed compassion and truly listened to the story so far and what the main issues are. These being Ruby's gut pain. It's only taken 18 months for someone to actually listen to this and put the 'neurological' symptoms to one side.
The lovely doctors, Vinita and Sebastian continued to visit Ruby and I each day to check in on us and follow up on the story. The nine days that Ruby and I spent in hospital were quite life changing!
Ruby celebrated her second birthday in hospital with some special friends and family. With presents piling everywhere from lovely nurses and doctors- it made us realise how special Ruby is to everyone in her life.
With the right meds to treat the reflux and gut issues Ruby started to really come out of herself and has become so much happier. We even had giggles in hospital- this might seem a given for most babies but for Ruby we've hardly had any smiles or giggles for over 18 months- can you imagine 18 months of screaming??!!!!
So with only a few days left of July we have gone nearly a whole week without crying- YIPPEEEE!!! Ruby is enjoying her food much more and LOVES going for walks with me- YAY! I haven't been able to have her in a pram for more than 15 mins previously without crying. We're going for hour plus walks and she's taking it all in.
So I am finally getting people to actually listen to me- the mother! I tell you- if there's one thing i've learnt so far that's to not give up- NEVER give up on what you believe in. In times of doubt and days of depression- just take a moment to reconnect with yourself and what you truly believe in. NEVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU OTHERWISE.
We're on the upward hill now- get ready for the next chapter!
Much love Mummy and Rubestar xxxx
