This didn't have to happen

One of the hardest parts of what we have been through is the fact that this did not have to happen. While we cannot change what has transpired, we know without a shadow of a doubt that things could have been different if we had been listened too.

I don't know how or when but there has to be a way to stop this from happening to another family. No one should have to go through this. There needs to be more awareness about the symptoms of this disease, and the doctors and nurses must not get so caught up in their routines and paperwork that concerns are dismissed as no big deal.

Johnny had clear symptoms of Sepsis, which can quickly turn to meningitis if not treated, and we were bringing them to their attention.

Here are some of the technical terms of the symptoms:

Bacterial meningitis, early onset

* Symptoms appearing in the first 48 hours of life are referable primarily to systemic illness rather than meningitis. These include temperature instability, episodes of apnea or bradycardia, hypotension, feeding difficulty, hepatic dysfunction, and irritability alternating with lethargy.1
* Respiratory symptoms can become prominent within hours of birth in GBS infection; however, the symptom complex also is seen with infection by Escherichia coli(E-Coli) or Listeria species.

His breathing was labored, he wasn't feeding well and then stopped completely, he was very irritable when he was touched, and he had a high pitched scream, (the doctor mentioned he was a screamer, it is one of the first signs of sepsis/meningitis) he had vomited, stopped breathing on occasion, had blue hands, feet and around his mouth off and on, low temperature, really the list goes on and on. Even with all these things happening, if they didn't see it they didn't believe it. We brought things up off and on during our first 2 days in the hospital, and yet not one time did they have any concern, nor did they put it in the records that we were concerned for Johnny.

While we can't go back and change what happened to us, I am determined that it not happen again. It's not right, and it didn't have to happen. That being said, I can't be bitter and hateful about it, so in turn I will do everything I can to be sure I get the word out to those I know to try to prevent it from happening again.

I'm not sure how, but we will find a way to spread the word. If you have any ideas on what we can do, I would be glad to hear them.

We want to thank you all once again for your support and prayers as we walk this journey. We feel more peace everyday, and while some days are harder than others, we get through because of our faith, hope and our love. Thank God for those three things!