My son was born on the 31 July 2009 on a Friday. He was 24 weeks premature and weighed 1lbs 5 ounces. Everything was fine til we noticed his stomach had bloated. We questioned this and was told it was just wind. That was on Saturday. Sunday morning we made our way to St Peters SCBO to spend time with Alex, but when we got there, they were already getting him ready for transfer to Brighton hospital for an operation. We followed the ambulance down to Brighton and met the specialist who told us that he only had a 10% survival. An ulcer had burst in his bowels and that they had to cut bowels and put them on the stomach. We signed the consent forms and waited. Our lives had turned upside down, as we sat there like zombies.4 hours later we were told that the operation was a success, but had to stay here for 3 months.

My partner stayed and I went home to my other son who was 5 at the time. Everyday was a nightmare not knowing if he would survive. After 3 months at Brighton Alex was transferred to St Peters Chertsey where he stayed for a further 3 months. During that time it was lovely to see him, but still not knowing what will happen.There were times when we showed up and had to come away as another premature baby had passed away. We couldn't bear it .The specialist asked if we would consent for his operation to be put in the medical journal without his name mentioned, as this was the first ever operation of this procedure on a 24 week premature baby, which we agreed. 3 months later he had his bowels put back together, within 9 months he was home.

He came out of all of this with just a murmur on the heart, which eventually past, and a war scar across his stomach. He is now 11 happy go lucky guy. There is hope for everyone, please never give up hope,10% is better than nothing.

paul west paulwest2@ntlworld.com No Yes