Mum issues warning to parents after son's heartbreaking Strep A battle
"Ryan is a little miracle"
Mum Jessica Carnie has opened up about her son's devastating Strep A diagnosis.
Last December, her son Ryan was diagnosed with Strep A, he was only 13 months old.
After his diagnosis, Ryan went into severe septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction.
He was also diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation.
His mum is now sharing his story to highlight the symptoms of Strep A so parents can be prepared.
"After being flown out from Broken Hill to Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, Ryan’s body was fighting so hard he went into Cardiac Arrest. After 10 horrific minutes, Ryan was revived.
"Ryan is a little miracle who was not ready to leave our world," his mum said.
View this post on Instagram
Doctors are so impressed with how far has come since he was first diagnosed with Strep A.
"He has continued to amaze many doctors with how well his organs have healed."
"Unfortunately, Ryan will now undergo many surgeries. Which includes bilateral below-knee amputation and multiple finger and fingertip amputations."
His mum explained that the first sign of Strep A was a high fever.
She told tinyheartseducation;
"A high fever was the first sign. He then quickly deteriorated, was lethargic, limp, and had a non-blanching rash.
'"Mum knew these were red flags, knew her baby boy was critically unwell and rushed him to hospital."
"He has continued to amaze many doctors with how well his organs have healed."
His family is now 550kms away from their Adelaide home and have no idea when they'll be able to return.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Ryan and his family during this heartbreaking time.
The HSE has urged parents to keep an eye out for Strep A aka scarlet fever symptoms.
Symptoms include a fever, a rash, flushed cheeks, and a sore throat. Your child will also have a swollen tongue.
The tongue may be covered in a white coating. This coating will peel and leave the tongue swollen and red. This is known as 'strawberry tongue'.
The rash is typically found in the joint creases, as well as over the child's stomach. It can also feel rough, like sandpaper.
You can donate to Ryan's fundraiser here.
