Miracle baby Ryan Lines defies odds after common Strep A infection took devastating turn
When doctors told Jessica Lines her baby had died from Strep A complications, she refused to accept it. Ten minutes later, a miracle happened. Warning: Distressing content
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When 13-month-old Ryan was diagnosed with a common bacterial infection, parents Sam and Jessica Lines never believed they would hear the words “he didn’t make it”.
On December 8, Ryan went into severe septic shock from complications of streptococcal A.
He required intubation and was flown from Broken Hill to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide where he went into cardiac arrest.
Mrs Lines said she relives the moment everyday.
“I remember being told I’m really sorry he didn’t make it, he went into cardiac arrest and they are doing CPR,” she wrote in an emotional Instagram post.
She screamed and begged the doctors to continue CPR and after 10 excruciating minutes, baby Ryan was revived.
“Then I heard the words ‘we got him back’,” she wrote.
“I still can’t believe a simple Strep A infection had turned into a severe septic shock syndrome.”
Mrs Lines expressed the family’s anguish at not being able to hold Ryan for over a week as he was intubated and fighting for his life.
The Broken Hill mum has described Ryan as a “fighter” who “magically” came back to them.
“We have cried so many tears for Ryan, but also many tears on all the love and support we are receiving.”
Doctors told the family to expect the worst.
“Many doctors are still amazed he survived … but we were told Ryan would have severe brain damage, lose parts of his face and his full legs and hands,” Mrs Lines said.
“Thankfully that’s not the case.”
Baby Ryan also developed multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) as a result of his diagnosis.
Mrs Lines explained on a post that DIC is when small blood clots develop in the bloodstream and stops blood from flowing to parts of the body.
“Thankfully at this stage most of Ryan’s organs have repaired themselves,” she wrote.
“He struggled with a collapsed lung and also had to have dialysis treatment a few times to help his kidneys.
“Many doctors are amazed at how good his heart is.”
Over the weekend, Mrs Lines confirmed Ryan is recovering from the first of two surgeries.
Since, his legs have been amputated below the knee and he will also have multiple fingers and fingertips amputated in coming days.
“My perfect boy’s little feet, unfortunately he will have surgery to amputate both legs tomorrow … which we can’t even comprehend,” she wrote in a post before the surgery.
“He will be losing all of his finger tips and possible some fingers.
“The doctors aren’t sure if they will leave the fingers as is or do a surgery to help regenerate new cells and skin.”
The post goes on to explain that the process would include sewing Ryan’s fingers inside his stomach or groin for a few weeks.
“We don’t know what the future looks like but we are trying to focus on the positives and we do know we will do whatever we can to give Ryan the best life possible,” Mrs Lines said.
“This next chapter will be a hard one but we know we can get through it with all the love we have around us.”
Mrs Lines, alongside her husband and eldest son Rory, 3, have been in Adelaide for two months and don’t know when they will be able to return to New South Wales.
The family have had to endure more than 50 days in hospital, which has included stays in three different wards.
Mrs Lines is a small-business owner and has no income while in Adelaide.
A fundraiser has been created by friend Jenna Muscat to support the family with medical bills and with the cost of living away from home.
Started less than a week ago, it has so far raised more than $100k.
“Ryan is a little miracle who was not ready to leave our world,” Ms Muscat wrote.
“He has continued to amaze many doctors how well his organs have healed.”
Readers who would like to donate can do so here.
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