18-month-old Rivan from Wigan was admitted to Alder Hey at the end of November after a week at Warrington Hospital.
Rivan was suffering from a collapsed lung and pneumonia due to a viral infection. Rivan’s parents, Lucy and Simon had noticed that Rivan had a high temperature which they couldn’t control, a runny nose and was losing weight rapidly. He also started to grunt when he was breathing.
Dr Louise Crawley at Alder Hey said: “Rivan was admitted to Alder Hey with very high temperatures and high infection markers. An ultrasound scan showed that Rivan had something called an empyema which is where pus from a chest infection leaks into the gap between the lung and the chest wall. This can make children very unwell, so he was treated with IV antibiotics and a chest drain (with the help of Mr Hennessey’s surgical team).”
Unfortunately, Rivan ended up on the High Dependency Unit (HDU) for a brief spell but he is now thankfully on the road to recovery and has been discharged. This Christmas is extra special as it will be the families first Christmas with little sister Orla, who is just five months old. Rivan also has a big sister called Morgan who can’t wait for him to be back home messing up her bedroom!
Dr Louise Crawley said: “Fortunately, I am pleased to say, Rivan responded very well to treatment, and he was discharged on oral antibiotics a few days ago. We wish Rivan and his family best wishes for Christmas and the new year!”
Mum Lucy said: “It’s been a really scary period, especially when Rivan was on HDU, but the staff have been phenomenal and really looked after us. I just want to thank Alderhey really. It’s the first time we’ve had to use them and will be an unforgettable experience especially regarding the care our son received. From being admitted there to going home Rivan was their priority, and nothing was too much to ask. Rivan is now on the mend and we’re so excited to get home and spend our first Christmas together as a family of five. Me and his dad Simon couldn’t thank Alder Hey enough.”