Viral meningitis: Beaconsfield baby Lucas Baker resuscitated twice after he stopped breathing

Little premmie Lucas did not just surprise his parents six weeks early – the biggest shock came 10 days later when he was diagnosed every parent’s worst nightmare.

Beaconsfield mum Samantha with her babies Matilda, 16 months, and newborn Lucas Baker who arrived six weeks early and was then diagnosed with viral meningitis. Picture: Contributed

Little Lucas Baker did not just surprise his parents by arriving six weeks early – the biggest shock came 10 days later when he was diagnosed with viral meningitis.

The Beaconsfield baby was resuscitated twice after he stopped breathing in the Special Care Nursery at Mackay Base Hospital.

For mum Samantha, this day still feels like yesterday even though it was five years ago and Lucas is now a happy kindy kid.

Beaconsfield parents Samantha and Craig look over their bub Lucas Baker who not only arrived six weeks early but found himself flown to Townsville Hospital after a scary diagnosis. Picture: Contributed

Lucas was born by emergency caesarean section in December 2016 after Samantha woke up in agony, prompting fears her scar from a previous caesarean section was rupturing.

“If it had ruptured, both our lives would have been in danger,” Samantha said.

Beaconsfield baby Lucas Baker did not just surprise his parents by arriving six weeks early – the biggest shock came 10 days later when he was diagnosed with viral meningitis. Picture: Contributed

Just when Lucas seemed to be doing well, he developed severe respiratory problems and was flown to Townsville University Hospital for specialist care.

“We were flown to Townsville and spent 12 days in hospital where he was diagnosed with viral meningitis,” Samantha said.

“We have no idea how he caught the infection but we wonder whether this was the cause of my extreme pain,” she said.

Beaconsfield baby Lucas Baker did not just surprise his parents by arriving six weeks early – the biggest shock came 10 days later when he was diagnosed with viral meningitis. Picture: Contributed

The family came home just in time to spend their first Christmas together as a family of four.

When Lucas was five-months-old, he developed a persistent wet cough and at 18 months was diagnosed with tracheomalacia, a rare condition that happens when the cartilage of the windpipe, or trachea, is soft and floppy.

Beaconsfield baby Lucas Baker did not just surprise his parents by arriving six weeks early – the biggest shock came 10 days later when he was diagnosed with viral meningitis. Picture: Contributed

This can cause the tracheal wall to collapse and block the airway, making it hard to breathe.

Samantha and Lucas returned to Townsville for surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids to create more room in his airway.

Beaconsfield baby Lucas Baker did not just surprise his parents by arriving six weeks early – the biggest shock came 10 days later when he was diagnosed with viral meningitis. Picture: Contributed

Samantha was alone in Townsville, with partner Chris staying in Mackay to continue working and caring for their daughter Matilda who was just 16 months old.

“The surgery was high risk but went really well and after he was out of ICU on the ward all he wanted to eat was a vegemite sandwich,” she said.

Beaconsfield baby Lucas Baker did not just surprise his parents by arriving six weeks early – the biggest shock came 10 days later when he was diagnosed with viral meningitis. Picture: Contributed

“I went to a cafe to buy one and it cost me $9. I went back to the ward and then found out about the Ronald McDonald family room.

“When I walked in there and saw how much food was available, I thought of my gosh, I can make him all the vegemite sandwiches he wants,” she said.

All profits from the sale of the Daily Mercury newspaper when it relaunches on Friday, August 27 will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia’s plans for a family room at Mackay Base Hospital.

The family room because a place of respite for both of them during recovery.

“I was able to sit down and have a cuppa and a chat with a volunteer while Lucas was in the playroom.

“I was very stressed and just to speak to another adult was helpful.

Beaconsfield baby Lucas Baker did not just surprise his parents by arriving six weeks early – the biggest shock came 10 days later when he was diagnosed with viral meningitis. Picture: Contributed

“Knowing Lucas had a safe space to play and I could just allow myself to sit and relax was amazing.

“We could also curl up together and have a rest in the sleep room. After two nights on the ward I was just exhausted.”

Beaconsfield parents Samantha and Craig with their children Matilda and Lucas Baker. Picture: Contributed

Samantha is now leading the local drive to establish a family room at the base hospital so it can be a sanity saver to others.

“Until you are in the situation you don’t realise how amazing it is.

“Not having to worry about how you are going to afford food is such a relief.”

Samantha and her family expect they will also benefit from the room with Lucas still needing hospital admissions and day-procedure visits to support his ongoing care.

He has a PICC line for two weeks every winter to allow him to receive antibiotics directly into the large vein that carries blood into the heart.

“Most children with his condition eventually grow out of it, so we are keeping our fingers crossed.

Beaconsfield baby Lucas Baker did not just surprise his parents by arriving six weeks early – the biggest shock came 10 days later when he was diagnosed with viral meningitis. Picture: Contributed

“Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia is a charity close to my heart and I just love driving the capital campaign and meeting people who are supporting this project,” Samantha said.

All profits from the sale of the Daily Mercury newspaper when it relaunches on Friday, August 27 will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia’s plans for a family room at Mackay Base Hospital.