Mailbag: Second opinion, quick thinking saved a life

Gracious and humble thanks go to Dr. Tashman and the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital ER staff for extraordinary expertise and medical care on the night of Feb. 25. In the face of an often undiagnosed critical sickness, Dr. Tashman recognized the possibility of bacterial meningitis and took decisive action to curtail the devastating impact the sickness can have.

That day started out like most other days, with our enthusiastic and joyful son getting ready for school. Several hours later, we received a call from school that he was very sick. Recognizing the seriousness of his symptoms that included a horrendous headache, a stop was made at urgent care on the way home. Despite an unrelenting headache and an increasing inability to stay awake, urgent care said it was just a virus and to go home, rest and take over-the-counter medicine.

After observing our son for a short time, we came to the belief the diagnosis at urgent care seemed incorrect. We rushed to USC Verdugo Hills Hospital where the exact same symptoms were treated completely differently from the moment we arrived. Within about 10 minutes, Dr. Tashman said he thought our son likely had meningitis.

Our son’s condition was rapidly deteriorating. Dr. Tashman ran tests and confirmed the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. The team at USC VHH worked quickly and immediately started our son on two powerful antibiotics. Dr. Tashman assured me that we were early enough to beat it. Yet, the most horrible trepidation crept in from the reality of this daunting situation. The care and medicine, however, began to work within three to five hours with some marginal signs of improvement, but still a very sick son. Over the course of 10 days of antibiotics, our son made a full recovery from meningitis.

As long as I walk this earth, I won’t forget the exceptional Dr. Tashman nor the staff that night at USC VHH! Early detection with this illness is key. Listen to your child if symptoms are severe and persist. Trust your gut and seek help from professionals such as Dr. Tashman and the amazing team at USC VHH.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Tammy Stradiotto
Glendale