This Morning star Ashley James reveals ‘scary’ hospital dash after young son suffers a terrifying seizure
THIS Morning star Ashley James has revealed her “world stopped spinning” after her young son fell ill and had a seizure.
Ashley, 37, has told fans about the “scary” moment her three-year-old boy Alfie was rushed to hospital after becoming unwell.
The mum-of-two had just given Alfie and his little sister Ada a bath when he complained of having a “bad tummy”.
Seconds later, Ashley says he began ‘convulsing’ on the floor and was whisked to A&E.
Thankfully, Alfie is now on the mend and Ashley has decided to speak out to raise awareness of febrile seizures.
Ashley has shared several sweet pictures of her children on Instagram while explaining that their medical emergency happened last Friday.
She says the photos she picked were taken once Alfie was on the mend, rather than her posting “distressing” pictures of her son in hospital.
Ashley, who regularly appears on This Morning to discuss current affairs, wrote: “A slightly scary weekend over here as on Friday night Alfie had a seizure totally out of the blue.
“I debated sharing this but wanted to spread awareness as apparently it can be something really common in under 5s!”
The former Made In Chelsea star continued: “So on Friday night Alf and Ada had a bath together as always.
“Tommy took Ada downstairs to bed, and then Alf suddenly said he had a bed tummy. I got him out of the bath and lay him down think he maybe had trapped wind and then he started to convulse.
“Long story short we ended up in A&E (eternal thank yous as always to our amazing NHS, long may we fight to protect you!) and I’m about to take him to a dr appointment today for a follow up just because he still wasn’t sure right on Saturday.”
Ashley added: “The doctor told me about Febrile Seizures – which is hopefully what Alf had. They are super common in under 5s when a child has a fever over 38C.”
The star revealed that Alfie’s temperature was 38.1C following his seizure, before going up to 39.8C the following day.
“They usually last for a few minutes and stop on their own and you just need to stay with them and put them in the recovery position. And of course in doubt call 111!” Ashley said.
“I hope that’s all it is but want to get reassurance!
“When your child is sick it’s like the whole world stops spinning, it was so scary! But hopefully passing this information on will help any of you who might experience it.”
What is a febrile seizure?
Febrile seizures may be something that new parents have never heard of or experienced but, while it may look frightening, simple actions can help keep your child safe.
They’re caused by a child’s developing brain being unable to deal with a fever or high temperature.
A baby or child who is having a febrile seizure may be less responsive or unresponsive, arch their back, clench their fists, stiffen their body and shake vigorously.
They may look red-faced, be hot to the touch and sweating.
You may also notice their eyes roll upwards and they may hold their breath.
Stay calm. You can help by protecting them from injury, but do not restrain them.
Move things that could injure them while are having a seizure and use pillows or soft padding to protect their head.
As febrile seizures are caused by a raised temperature, take off their outer clothing to help cool them and open windows and doors.
When the seizure is over, help them to rest on their side in the recovery position with their head tilted back – this will help keep their airway open.
Call 999 or 112 for emergency help. Monitor and reassure them while you wait.
Ashley, who lives in London, shares Alfie and one-year-old Ada with her advertising executive partner Tommy Andrews.
Since becoming a mum, the star has spoken openly about the realities of parenting young children.
Just last month, she told fans how Alfie had also visited A&E after falling in the school playground and hurting his ankle.
Last week, Ashley even revealed she was reported to social services by online trolls when she was pregnant with Ada.
She told the podcast A Gentle Start: The Showcast By Timotei: “When I was pregnant with my daughter Ada, I experienced trolling to a different level.
“I basically was reported to social services for neglect and it all kind of came back to this online anonymous gossip website.
“I think at the time it really upset me, but actually I think quickly that sadness or fear was actually replaced by anger.
“I know how loved my children are and I know that I’m such a good mum, that’s weirdly one thing I’ve never ever doubted.”