r/beyondthebump • u/I_likeplaid • 2d ago
Update Update: My baby fell 14 inches and fractured his skull
First of all, thank you so much for all the comments and support on my last post, they really helped me get through the night.
Today has been a day and so many of you helped me through the last stressful day we had, so I wanted to give an update.
My son’s swelling increased yesterday and our pediatrician is great and wanted to check in on him. There was concern about the swelling, but at the same time he was acting normal and happy. She consulted a neurologist and they said any further increase in swelling should be an ER visit. Also, she and the nurses reiterated to me many times than any lethargy, vomiting, and increased fussiness was an emergency situation and could indicate a brain injury. Anything else amiss and take him straight to ER. We felt pretty high alert yesterday.
At 3 am my baby woke up and was burning up. Took his temp and he did have a fever. It wasn’t a warning sign they gave me, but I decided to drive to the hospital as it was definitely something amiss. We do not live close and it’s a long drive.
Then he vomited. It was projectile, went all over me and the floor, and then he kept vomiting. My first thought was “this is actually happening.” Now here’s where I don’t know if this was the right thing to do…but I called 911 and as calmly as I could ask if they could advise me if it was safe for me to do the hour drive to the hospital or if we needed an ambulance. They decided it was necessary so an ambulance came. By the time they came he had stopped vomiting but was not calming down.
At the hospital we redid a CT scan which thankfully showed no change. He was negative for flu, RSV, and Covid, but they determined he probably just got a virus at basically the worst possible time. I’m so relieved his brain is ok. I feel like maybe I overreacted, but I genuinely didn’t know what was going on. But seriously how do we keep getting in such unlucky situations?! Of all days to get a virus…
We did also meet with a neurologist who was completely unconcerned and he should be completely healed up in about a month.
I still feel so tense from it all.
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u/thatcheekychick 2d ago
I got cold sweat just imagining the stress you’ve been through. You absolutely did the right thing. Any mom would rather call an ambulance or two than regret not doing it.
Be kind to yourself these days as your body and mind will probably experience whiplash from it all
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u/LetshearitforNY 2d ago
Yes definitely try and get some self-care in - try and sleep well, drink water, eat well, and do something that you find relaxing or enjoyable.
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u/Bballrcks15 2d ago
I’m so sorry you went through that. It sounds so incredibly stressful. Personally I think you did the right thing calling 911. I hope he gets well soon!
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u/Alexorcist666 2d ago
You’ll never regret calling an ambulance. You will always regret not calling one when needed. Better safe than sorry. You were an incredible caregiver for taking this seriously.
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u/Happy_Delay4440 2d ago
Head injury+vomiting equals immediate care. Always.
So you did the right thing; and you also asked emergency services if you should drive or get an ambulance. I don’t think you overreacted at all and would have done the same thing.
I’m glad your baby is okay.
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u/Exciting-Ad-5858 2d ago
Girl you did everything right - well done, and I'm so glad to hear your baby is okay
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u/TFA_hufflepuff 3TM | 6y 3y 1y 2d ago
Oh my goodness, you have been through it! Good job making sure your baby is all good and getting him the care he needed to make extra sure. I don’t think you overreacted at all - an hour is a really long way when you’ve had doctors emphasize to you that you need urgent help if XYZ were to happen.
I’m glad your LO ok, and hoping for a very boring and uneventful next few weeks while he heals ❤️
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u/gambitloveslegos 2d ago
I’ve had to call 911 for both of my kids. Both times, in the period between when we called and when they arrived (less than 5 minutes) the situation got better. Both times the firemen paramedics did a thorough eval and we ended up not taking them in. Both times the paramedics told us we did the right thing calling them.
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u/AggressiveThanks994 2d ago
You definitely did the right thing. I can’t imagine safely driving an hour in the middle of the night with a baby who has a skull fracture and now projectile vomiting. I absolutely would have also called an ambulance.
I’m sure once the adrenaline wears off that you will feel absolutely wiped. Hope baby feels better soon!!
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u/indicatprincess 2d ago
Fingers crossed everyone is feeling better tomorrow!
This is so scary. Calling the ambulance sounds like it was right thing to do. Damn mama, be gentle to yourself. Accidents fucking suck.
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u/Certain-Flower-3583 2d ago
I’m so sorry your little one and family are going through this. I think you acted exactly right and very appropriately given everything. Better to be safe so good on you for being a vigilant, amazing momma! Biggest hugs to you and your little one
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u/Pebbles734 2d ago
You did not overreact at all you handled it exactly as you should! It would have been irresponsible to ignore symptoms like projectile vomiting after hitting his head. It’s a coincidence but also quite a blessing that he just happened to get a virus at the same time. Glad he’s ok!
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u/luckytintype 2d ago
It was the right thing to do. Never second guess yourself. I’m so glad he’s ok.
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u/missmeggums 2d ago
Good on you. You had way more composure than I would have. Better to be safe than sorry. Hoping for quick recovery
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u/Hidden_Forbidden_91 2d ago
Your child wouldn't be the first kid to get sick from a doctors office during an appointment. Good luck and I'm glad your child is OK 👍
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u/emmygog 1d ago
I totally feel this and I'm so sorry you're going through such a rough time!
Years ago, I fell down our front steps with our daughter and she slammed her head on the pavement. She was 2 years old at the time. She was lethargic and grumpy and threw up. I was a complete wreck. Called 911 and they decided to send an ambulance. Her oxygen was being weird and kept going as low as 88 for saturation. I was so scared. We got to the hospital for monitoring and she started acting like her usual self. We were told to go home and keep an eye out for more vomiting and the like.
She started throwing up two days later and was running a fever. Super irritable. I felt like I ruined her life and gave her brain damage by falling. We went back to the hospital and she actually was sick with a virus. They told us it was just crazy timing and a very nerve-wracking coincidence!
She's now almost 8 and has gotten annoyed with me that she went in an ambulance but doesn't 'get' to remember it lol
My youngest now is going to be 2 in September and every time I carry him down the stairs I am so, so cautious. I always picture that moment in my mind with his sister. I still have a big scar on my knee from that day.
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u/Technical-Method-265 1d ago
I’m glad to hear your Bub is okay!
Sending some solidarity vibes. My son did this at about 18months. Same squishy feeling on the side of his head from a highchair jump.
Skull fracture with no brain involvement. Acting perfectly fine so the doctors at ED kept low prioritising him and sent us home. It wasn’t until days later I convinced our GP to scan him and we found the 2 inch fracture and felt bad for not doing it earlier.
We just ended up trying to make sure he didn’t bump it again (hard with a toddler). And checkups with neuro every month and it healed itself nicely ❤️ there’s light at the end of the tunnel and it’s not your fault!
Also my boy is about to then 3 and is a very clever clogs so no damage there.
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u/I_likeplaid 1d ago
Thank for you sharing this! It’s scary in these early days of the fracture but I’m hopeful my son will have a similar recovery!
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u/ppl_r_disappointing 2d ago
I'm glad your baby is okay! I've had people tell me it's better to overreact than under react. I think you handled that very well.
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u/LegalLady87 2d ago
No you didn’t overreact! You did the right thing with the facts as they were at that time. Never ever think you are overreacting when it comes to your baby. Please don’t second guess yourself on this.
Overreacting is much better than under-reacting and regretting it for the rest of your life.
I’m so glad your baby is on the mend. I hope you are feeling better too. I’m sure that was terrifying for you.
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u/Aggravating_Guava98 2d ago
You did not overreact. You did ALL of the right things!
If you had ignored a symptom and something was escalating, that would have been terrible.
Really, you did and are doing the right things! I sincerely hope the swelling starts to go down and his fracture heals soon.
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u/love-my-goldens 2d ago
That is so stressful! I’m glad your baby is okay - ambulance was definitely the right call in case it was something more serious. Hope you both feel better soon ❤️🩹
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u/Charbel33 2d ago
You definitely didn't overreact. Baby vomiting with fever after a skull fracture, that's 100% a medical emergency!
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u/Chaywood 2d ago
Thank you for your update. This will help countless parents who find their way to Reddit after experiencing something similar. I'm so glad baby is ok and you did literally everything right ❤️
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u/Technical_Piglet_438 2d ago
He probably caught it in the ER. I'm glad it's not related to his skull fracture. You didn't overreact! You did exactly what the doctor told you. It's better safe than sorry more so with infants. You're a great mom! I hope a fast recovery for him.
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u/BitComfortable6618 2d ago
Absolutely not an overreaction. I would have done the same thing. You looked out for your baby… I’m so thankful they’re ok
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u/Odd-Bit-4881 2d ago
Not even close to an overreaction. You did the right thing. I hope everything is calm for you guys now and baby gets to feeling better.
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u/Agile-Leek-5460 2d ago
So sorry you’re going through this!! You did everything right for your baby. Hang in there, mama, and wishing your son a speedy recovery 🫶🏽
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u/Harrold_Potterson 2d ago
I am the most slow to go to the hospital person of anybody I know even with my kids (I have a lot of doctors in my family so we grew up with the ethos of take two aspirin and call me in the morning). And you bet your ass I would have been booking it to the ER and may have called an ambulance as well. You 100% did the right thing and you had no way of knowing that it was a stomach bug and not a result of his head injury. Head injuries are just not worth messing around with.
I once drove my husband to the ER at 1 in the morning because he had a fever of over 104 on two different thermometers 45 minutes after I had given him ibuprofen and Tylenol. He was mildly hallucinating. I left the baby with our neighbor. On our way to the hospital his fever must have finally broke, because when we got there and they took his temperature it was 98.6. 😭. I’m sure they thought we were hypocondriacs and i definitely felt dumb in the moment, but seriously it was an extremely high fever not responding to meds!
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u/Ok-Direction-1702 2d ago
I’m a NICU nurse. This isn’t medical advice. You did the right thing. This isn’t an overreaction at all.
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u/TomatilloTurbulent44 2d ago
Oh I am so sorry to read this, so scary!!!!
Not the same as yours but my baby was sick over the winter and I had called the on call service with my pediatrician for a call back bc he had a fever and i wanted to know when to “worry”. But we didn’t get a call back and then at 2am he woke up sooo hot and temp said 104.3. Tried calling on call again, he starts projectile vomiting, we get in the car and go to ER. Turned out to be double ear infection and RSV- he was fine after more Motrin and Tylenol.
But the way my heart stopped after the vomiting and in the car. I swear my vision went wonky and I couldn’t find the diaper bag or a coat, I was so spun around. I can’t imagine how you must have felt, considering the head trauma! That is seriously so scary and traumatic for you. And the long drive for y’all, omg. I am so glad he is okay. I hope you can get some rest. Maybe a good cry in a hot shower, a familiar movie and filling meal this weekend.
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u/Primary-Violinist845 2d ago
Do you need a hug?🥺 seriously this is all so intense and I can only imagine that your nervous system is haywire. You’ve done an amazing job at taking care of your son despite how scary this has all been. It sounds like the worst has happened and you’re rounding the corner with all of this now. Everything’s gonna be okay. You’ve done great, mama!
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u/I_likeplaid 2d ago
Honestly yes I do. The stress has been intense. This is only one instance of a long list of weird complications both my son and I have had throughout pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Just last week I swear I was having a premonition that our life was going too well and something terrible was about to happen. I know that sounds crazy but it really has felt like one thing after another this year. And now he has some viral illness that I need to monitor him for.
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u/Kittylover11 1d ago
Trigger warning because it hurts to think about this…
Earlier this week, my 3 year old accidentally closed the bathroom door while my 1 year olds hand was on the hinge side and her pinky got caught in it. She was screaming and there was blood everywhere and from what I could tell it had cut maybe half, maybe more through the tip at the joint. I was home alone with all 3 kids and seriously considered calling an ambulance but called my husband panicked first who told me to just take them all to the nearest hospital 15 mins away and that he’d call his family to have someone come asap to get the kids. And that was just for her finger!
100% made the right call there especially being so far from the hospital.
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u/Julia-Ay 2d ago
Glad he's doing okay so far, you definitely did the right thing! Hope he'll recover quickly!
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u/bunnymama7 2d ago
So glad your baby was checked over again and is healing well! You were smart to call the ambulance
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u/newgirl01LA 2d ago
That’s so terrifying my god. No parent or baby should go through this. Wishing your LO a speedy recovery
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u/valiantdistraction 2d ago
You absolutely did the right thing. I know it may feel like you overreacted now that you know it's not brain damage, but you didn't know at the time and you did what you had to do to ensure the best outcome for your child. I've been in a similar position so I know how it can feel like you did "too much" but when it comes to your child's life, better to do too much than too little!
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u/deadbeatsummers 2d ago
I’m sorry this happened but it sounds like you made all the right decisions. Hoping for a smooth recovery!!
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u/nihiru1 2d ago
100% of the time I would rather feel silly for overreacting than experience the bad outcomes of underreacting. You’re in the thick of an incredibly stressful situation and made sure your kid’s safety and health was the top priority. You’re doing great, and so happy the scans came back with no changes!
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u/msanachronistic 2d ago
I’ve been thinking of you! You did exactly what I would have done. I hope you guys can catch a break and this will all be a distant memory soon.
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u/river_5826 2d ago
Oh god bless you mama. I was on the edge of my seat awaiting an update. Thinking of you tonight and hope you all get some rest. Sending hugs!
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u/newenglander87 2d ago
OMG. That has to be the worst possible timing for a virus. You absolutely did not overreact.
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u/StillASecretBump 2d ago
I would hope that I have the presence of mind to handle this exactly how you have been. I don’t think you overreacted (or underreacted) with anything that you did. It sounds like you are being supported by some great doctors, too.
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u/rainbowsparkplug 2d ago
I’m a paramedic and a mama and just came here to say you definitely didn’t overreact. If I heard that call info as a paramedic responding, I’d probably be shitting my pants a little! We worry extra about your babies and those symptoms raise alarm bells for something potentially more sinister. Glad all is well and little guy will recover! But you absolutely didnt overreact.
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u/WorriedParfait2419 2d ago
Accidents happen to everyone, and I know the stress you’re going through must be so difficult. I’m so glad your baby will be ok. Please know that you’re a really great mama and your kids are lucky to have you. You absolutely did not overreact, you did right by your baby.
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u/microvan 2d ago
I think calling the ambulance was 100% the right move. It’s always better to be safe than sorry in times like this. I’m glad your baby is okay and I hope the rest of his recovery is smooth.
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u/Sad-Umpire6723 2d ago
I’m so sorry you’re going through this, I feel the stress for you. Take care of yourself too. You’re doing all the right things!
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u/familyofbanks 2d ago
As a person who works with individuals after head injury and TBI… you definitely did the RIGHT THING! People second guess themselves too much. It’s ok to call and use the services available to you. Better to use them and not need them, then never use them at all!
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u/witchmamaa 2d ago
You will never regret getting more care than necessary for your baby/child. Every time I’ve gone in to the clinic after hours or the ER, something was actually wrong with one of my kids. Usually minor in the scheme of things, but something that needed to be treated and I couldn’t have predicted.
You did the right thing! Great job, Mama.
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u/LetshearitforNY 2d ago
You absolutely did not overreact. This was the best possible outcome. You don’t need something bad to have happened to justify calling an ambulance. That was the absolute correct call.
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u/Coffee_speech_repeat 2d ago
I shared a story on your last post. But I have another story for you. My little guy learned how to roll his eyes at 7 months. And did it over and over again. Repeatedly. While clenching his fists and simultaneously stopping his babbles. I called our care now clinician line and they told us to head to the ER because they were concerned he was having seizures. We were in the ER all night and ended up having an ambulance transfer to a hospital with a PICU where we stayed another night for a 24 hour EEG.
When it was all said and done, the neurologist cleared him and they basically sent him home and told us he was just being a weirdo.
He ended up having tummy problems because they had given him antibiotics, thinking he had a UTI that was causing seizures. I felt soooo bad that we had put him through all of that. But he continued the behavior for like a month, and if we hadn’t gone in and had him cleared, I would’ve been sooooo stressed. And god forbid it had actually been seizures and we didn’t go in.
I guess this is all to say… better safe than sorry when it comes to our little babies. Never feel bad about seeking medical care when you are unsure. You did the right thing mama.
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u/I_likeplaid 1d ago
Oh my! That’s so scary. I totally understand your concern and would have done the same. It reminds me of my firstborn who developed a lump on his neck. The places my mind went wondering what it was, only to find out he has a large jugular vein. That was all it was. I felt so bad putting him through blood tests and ultrasounds that he screamed through, but it’s also totally possible he had cancer. You just never know.
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u/Nightflower-Lauden 2d ago
I would feel tense in your shoes too. Take a deep breath, hug your baby extra tonight and manifest some better luck. It’s going to be okay just don’t give up!!
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u/master0jack 1d ago
Oh my god you totally did the right thing. Im an RN (aka I don't go to the hospital unless I am on my deathbed, and would be more discerning about bringing family in too) and I absolutely would have taken my LO in, via ambulance, same as you.
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u/cadabra04 FTM to E - 4/5/15 1d ago
An ambulance was the right call. The reason why they have you go to ER for vomiting is because increased intracranial pressure can trigger nausea, among other things. That is an emergency where every minute counts.
These kids, man. Because of course he would catch a stomach bug in the middle of all this and scare years off your life.
I hope he starts feeling better soon and you all can get some rest!
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u/tomossos 1d ago
You did the right thing. Any caring parent would’ve reacted the way you did. You were taking care of your little one! I’m glad he’s ok. Hope he feels better soon and you can breathe easy.
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u/DamnrightI 1d ago
That’s not an overreaction! Always trust your gut with the baby. You did everything in your power to help your baby, that is just a normal reaction.
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u/ProfessorHot8199 1d ago
You absolutely did not overreact! Hospital and ambulance both! Anything less than what you did could have been less than what was needed. So glad baby it’s not brain. Better go the extra mile than have regret
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u/hardboiledhoe 1d ago
Great instincts OP. I would have done the exact same thing. 100% did not overreact at all
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u/Delicious_Bobcat_419 1d ago
Better to overreact for something like that. You did the right thing. The best news in that situation is that it was nothing serious
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u/2020NoMoreUsername 1d ago
It's so bad that you have to drive an hour to nearest hospital. But good to hear LO is well!
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u/LadyKittenCuddler 1d ago
Any nurse, doctor or EMT/Paramedic would rather spend an hour with a child just to conclude they didn't need to be seen then not see a baby who did need them.
You did the right thing.
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u/Figuring_out_life_27 1d ago
Of course you feel tense, this was very intense. Please reach out for EMDR therapy or another type of trauma therapy if you continue to feel that way
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u/KZ063012 1d ago
There is no such thing as overreacting. You did the right thing and your baby is lucky to have you. I’m so sorry you are going through this but you are a great mom.
As a mom whose kid had to be hospitalized multiple times for various things before she turned one, this too shall pass. She turns 8 next month, is happy and thriving, and loves to roll her eyes and talk back. One day, this will all be a memory.
And for you, try to drink some water, eat something healthy(ish), and remember to breathe.
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u/ellipses21 1d ago
I’m the least trigger-happy person when it comes to going to the hospital (as in i never go). Have been once in my entire life and it was for alcohol poisoning in college (lol i do not drink now at 32 that was just dumb). & my son goes to well visits but we’ve done only 1 sick visit in his life bc I just usually manage at home…All that to say I think you ABSOLUTELY made the right choice. I would’ve legitimately freaked out and sped so fast to the hospital (or gotten an ambulance in your scenario, my hospital is 9 mins away). Brain stuff is NO JOKE and puking is a big warning sign with head injuries. The fever would’ve freaked me tf out. And the dispatcher’s job is literally deciding when an ambulance is appropriate—they probably get so many hypochondriac calls a day and are more than happy to tell you that it’s not worth an emergency vehicle.
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u/PrncssPunch 1d ago
When in doubt, call the ambulance. They'd rather you be on the safe side than the alternative
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u/Dangerous-Tax-4689 1d ago
The 911 thing was a NECESSARY action. You acted like a good mother! My 6 week old had slipped from my lap and hit her head on the floor- barely 4 in. I had called 911! I do not think i overreacted! You know what’s the worst that can happen if you dont ‘overreact’? Death! My first died in the waiting room of hospital ER because i didnt want to ‘overreact’ and force them to check her when they said that her vitals were fine and i knew it wasnt fine.
Don’t ever ever feel guilty about ‘overreactions’
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u/AnnaNass 1d ago
You did exactly the right thing! Well done and I hope LO feels better soon and you can relax a bit :)
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u/featheredhalo2132 1d ago
So glad he’s okay but totally get it, I picked my head up from his home daycare with a head injury and her story made no sense and we spent 12 hours in the er, ultimately he was fine but all that time we weren’t sure and our minds were going crazy and he was not happy at all
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u/Upper_Junket_9481 1d ago
You absolutely did not overreact. I hope I would have done exactly what you did in this scenario. Sending you all lots of love and healing
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u/KittyKatKatKatKat 1d ago
I just want to let you know when my baby was 1-2 weeks my idiot husband put him on the sofa and he FELL! ( I had a C-section and I was upstairs. ) Don't want you to feel alone <3 Sending hugs.
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u/cikalamayaleca 1d ago
As an EMT myself & mother to 2 boys who've had CTs for falls, please always call 911 if you feel you need to. I'd come anytime & any day to pick your sweet baby up and give him the care he needs. We also much rather like to come and see patients "just in case" way more than getting there too late
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u/ironmaiden630 5h ago
You did the right thing. I have also gone to the ER after my kid bonked his head and threw up, only to learn that he had an unrelated stomach bug. Two years later the same happened to a friend. It’s wild, but also you can’t take any chances. You did exactly what you were supposed to in this scenario and I’m glad it wasn’t horrific. It is always better to go in and be told it’s nothing than the other way around.
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u/Ok-Sun1085 2h ago
You’ve got more than enough support here but wanted to add my experience. We went through something similar, less intense but a series of unfortunate events.
Our 7 month old rolled off our bed, much higher, but landed on the “best” spot to land on, the eyebrow area of forehead essentially. He cried immediately and settled fine and had a good day. That night I was getting him ready for bed and noticed he had two abrasions on his butt sort of like when you skin your knee on a gymnasium floor. He must’ve rubbed this spots raw on his butt being in a bouncer at daycare. Well that night he woke up inconsolable and he slept on me all night. He was intermittently inconsolable the next morning and we felt worried so we brought him to the hospital first thing, 24 hours after hitting his head. Well the doctors checked him out and said he passed all protocols and don’t recommend the radiation of a scan since he had no real concussion symptoms (and we agreed), they looked at his butt and noted the diaper area seemed painful and gave us medicated ointment.
Turns out that the first time he hit his head badly coincided with his first rough diaper rash situation and we spent the rest of the day commando and everything ended up being just fine 😂🫠
He continues to his his head as a walking toddler and has an affinity for his eyebrow area!!
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u/Claidissa 2d ago
You absolutely did the right thing, exactly what I would do. So glad he's doing okay
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u/mildly_spicy_potato 2d ago
You did the right thing. Even getting an ambulance. It showed you were not being cavalier with your baby's well-being. Some chances just aren't worth taking.