One day, 3-year-old Reuben Harvey-Smith accidentally burned himself. His mother, Lou, rushed him to the hospital when he also became sick with a fever and sore throat.
Doctors diagnosed the boy with tonsillitis, gave him antibiotics, and sent him on his way. The next day, he was on the brink of death.
The hospital failed to connect Rueben's burn to his symptoms. The little boy had toxic shock syndrome, a condition caused by an infection of staphylococcus aureus and group A streptococcus bacteria, typically associated with tampon use, the condition can be a rare result of burns in young children.
According to ToxicShock.com, if you child has a burn, look out for these symptoms:
- Confusion
- Fever
- Low blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Rash
Moreover, parents should always request a blood pressure test at the hospital — this is key in diagnosing TSS.
Reuben had to have both legs and seven fingers amputated due to the infection. The hospital has admitted liability for the misdiagnosis and are financially settling the issue with the family.
Fortunately, the 3-year-old is strong and has hardly made a fuss about the life-changing surgeries.
"He came round from the operation, and the first thing he did was ask for 'mummy cuddles' and his dinner," Lou said. "He just accepts it and gets on with things. He never gets frustrated.
Lou says there is no use in being upset about what should have happened. She can only share her story to prevent it from happening to another child.
"I try not to waste energy getting angry because at the end of the day I've still got my son, but what I have got to do now is make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else."
Please SHARE this important message to let other parents know about burn-related toxic shock syndrome.
