Meningococcal Septicaemia Type W

Meningococcal Septicaemia Type W is the most common cause of Bacterial Meningitis.
The disease can cause meningitis, septicaemia or both together.
There are various types such as A, B, C, W, X and Y.
This alarming disease can affect man, woman and child - any sex, any age!
It is a life threatening disease, most do recover however in some cases, those who do recover can suffer long term effects and some disabilities.
This disease is a result of bacteria that breaks through the protective lining of the nose and throat, it enters into the bloodstream.
Once there it multiples every 30 minutes.

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Taylor Marshall was diagnosed with this disease and his mother kindly agreed to an interview so as to help raise awareness for others.  

What is your son's name and age?
Taylor Lewis Marshall, 20 months old.

When was he diagnosed with Meningococcal Septicaemia Type W? April 20th 2015, he was taken ill with this.

What symptoms did he have? Temperature, being sick, sleepy and wouldn't respond to me, wouldn't eat or drink.
Then the rash came but that was the last thing.

How was the condition treated?
Lots and lots of different things, he was hooked up to so many machines I'm not sure what he was on.

How long was he in a coma for?
The first induced coma was for 17 days then he was put back into a induced coma after his first amputation on the 1st of June due to septic shock.

How long was his stay in hospital?
7 and a half months.

What body parts were removed and why? He lost his left leg through knee, all of his right toes and all fingers and thumbs, due to the septicaemia.

When did he receive his prosthetics?
It would of been some time in December he received his first prosthetic to do physio once a week on.

How has he adjusted to his prosthetics? He is still adjusting to his prosthetic now, it will take some time, due to him being so young.

What after effects have there been?
He has kidney damage and liver damage he also has no spleen due to this happening, which means he's on meds for life.

How has the charity Meningitis Now supported you?
They have been there for me since he fell ill, one of the gentleman came to the hospital to see me and Taylor, and they are still there now helping if we need it.

What advice would you give to other parents/guardians who's child has this condition?
There is light at the end of the tunnel but it may be a long tunnel, keep pushing through and your child will surprise you.

"We are raising money for Taylor's fund and also the the ward he was on in the hospital called D35 and also the burns and plastics unit"
https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/TerriLewsley?utm_id=65

Some Helpful Information:
http://www.meningitis.org/menw