This photograph of Iman was taken exactly four years ago. Iman was not well and had been having high fever for about 2 days. It was we thought viral but after four nights the fever was still persistant. By then the skin on the tips of her fingers were peeling. We took her to RIPAS still not knowing what to expect and the fantastic paediatrician did not take too long to diagnose Iman with kawasaki disease.
She said "Please go home, pack your things and bring Iman back. We will have to admit her for treatment".
Our minds started racing. What is this disease? Is she going to be OK? And furthermore I have not mentioned that I was heavily pregnant with Jack and due anyday!
Basically the disease is an inflammation of middle-sized arteries affecting many organs. The biggest danger if left untreated is damage to the heart and is a leading cause of heart disease in children. It is unknown what causes the disease but once detected and treated, recovery will only take a couple of days. At the time we were told that RIPAS sees up to 5 cases a month.
Anyway we packed what we thought we would need including my hospital bag. Poor Iman was on a continuous drip as soon as we got there and we endured the conditions of the ward though they were kind enough to put us in a small room considering my state. Not that I saw much of it - I went into labour that very night and Jack was born just after 1am. Donncha was down in paediatric with Iman's fever still high.
Thankfully Iman made a full recovery within days and it was a big relief when we were all allowed to home!
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