Viih Tube and Eliezer, popular influencers and former reality TV contestants, shared the harrowing experience of their newborn son, Ravi, who was hospitalized due to enterocolitis shortly after his birth. The emotional account unfolded during their interview on Globo's Fantástico, where they recounted the troubling moments leading to Ravi’s diagnosis and subsequent recovery.
Ravi was born on November 11, 2023, but it was just 15 days later—on November 25—when his health took a serious turn. Concerned parents discovered blood in his stool, which prompted Viih to share alarming images with Ravi's pediatrician. Initially, there was speculation about hemorrhagic disease caused by vitamin K deficiency. Though he was treated with vitamin K, subsequent stools revealed even more alarming signs, prompting urgency for hospitalization.
During their heartfelt interview, Viih emotionally recalled, "I cried when I learned I couldn’t breastfeed. I managed to nurse him for 15 days, which was magical. Now, I focus on the fact he is safe." Eliezer reflected on the fear and uncertainty concerning their son's health, describing the diagnosis process which revealed "suggestive images" of intestinal distress through ultrasound and X-ray examinations. The pediatrician, Dr. Paula Woo, confirmed enterocolitis as the diagnosis, underscoring the rarity of this condition appearing in full-term infants.
Both parents alluded to the immense pressure surrounding Ravi's condition, which is typically more prevalent among premature babies. "It’s challenging when symptoms aren’t typical," Dr. Woo explained, highlighting how complex Ravi’s case was without common symptoms like fever or distension. Left with no choice but to suspend breastfeeding, they turned to formula feeding as Ravi’s primary source of nutrition.
The hospital stay lasted for 19 exhausting days, during which Ravi had to endure not only the unsettling medical procedures but also ten days of fasting—receiving only intravenous fluids and antibiotics. "Every day was anxiety-ridden but also hopeful," said Eliezer. Thankfully, surgery was not necessary; the couple revealed their overwhelming gratitude for the medical team and divine support throughout the ordeal.
Eventually, Ravi was sent home on December 14, 2023, triumphantly after the family had feared they might not be able to spend the holiday together. Eliezer posted on social media, documenting their emotional return home, declaring, "Don’t cry, mom. It’s happiness! We are going home now!" The family was welcomed home with tears of relief and celebration.
Reflecting on the loss of breastfeeding, Viih concluded, "This stays just as part of our story, and I’m content knowing there are ways to care for our son." Grateful for Ravi's stability, the family is resolute about their upcoming festive plans, now with hopes for "a magical reunion for Christmas." Despite the strain caused by coping with Ravi’s health crisis, Viih Tube and Eliezer feel strengthened by their experiences, concluding with gratitude for family support through trying times, including handling separate personal medical emergencies and financial strains.
Ravi’s well-being continues to be monitored, with future allergy tests planned for when he reaches 18 months, potentially confirming any food allergies related to the enterocolitis. Meanwhile, his recovery marks the beginning of joyful holiday plans for the family.
