Day 75
Weight: 3 lbs 6 oz
Since Friday, we have been concerned about the fluid coming from Samuel's stomach via his OG tube. Originally the doctors thought Samuel had some plumbing issues and just needed to make a dirty diaper. He's had plenty of diapers since that point and he is still making a lot of fluid. Then they thought that the high flow into his nasal cannula was keeping the valve at the bottom of the stomach open - causing the milk to come up from the intestines. Yesterday they lowered his flow and that didn't help either. In fact, Samuel had more fluid last night than he has had ever before. It will be interesting to see what other theories the doctor has today. I'm praying so hard that its something that can easily be corrected or that the fluid will just stop.
Despite this issue, Samuel's vitals were VERY stable last night. He didn't have any events! He is so much happier when his flow is turned down. I don't blame him. I wouldn't want a hurricane shooting up my nose either. His oxygen is still at 23%.
Samuel's isolette is covered with a blanket. The blanket keeps out extra light to help him rest and to protect his eyes. Recently he has taken to exploring his shaded domain. Carolyn will lift up the cover to his isolette to check on him, only to find that he has crawled to the top or bottom of the bed. Last week I found him with his head in the porthole! He's a wild man! I can't decide if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I love to see him active because I associate that with feeling good. At the same time, I don't want him burning calories.
When things are relatively stable, I start to think and pray about Samuel's future. What will he be like? Will he have physical problems? Will he be smart? Will he make friends? Will his early birth define him? I know when I start to worry like this that I am a mom. All moms do this. All moms worry about how their kids will turn out. I guess that will never get easier....
Welcome to motherhood Sarah Pope.
Well said Momma Pope. You are a mommy. We all worry most of the time.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteYou probably don't remember me, but my husband and I were in community group with the Martins and met you at the cookout in August of 2008 (that seems like such a long time ago..) Anyway, I saw you with the Duggers and somehow remembered you and found your blog. My little boy, Andrew, is 2 and a half and he was born 2 months premature, so I understand the difficulty of a preemie. Even though Andrew's case was quite a bit different from Samuel. I am praying for Samuel. I also have quite a few preemie clothes that I have saved to give to someone who has a preemie and can understand just how difficult it is to find things to fit. Andrew was 4 lbs. 3 ozs. when he was born and dropped to 3 lbs. 12 ozs. in the hospital. I e-mailed Christie the other day and she said that she would get them to you if you would like them. I know it gets discouraging and you feel helpless because you can't do enough and your expectations were so different then the reality, but God continues to do amazing things and has a plan for sweet Samuel! Amy Horn
Sarah, welcome to the mommy world. You will always worry about your kid. That is a natural mommy thing. My biggest baby is 17 and I still worry about her. Don't worry about the stuff on his developments and physical problems he might or might not have. He is your baby. He is precious no matter what. You can deal with anything that happens. Trust me. God will never give you more than you can handle. Lean on Him. That is what he wants you to do. You are also a teacher and can deal with any of those problems you have mentioned. Remember, that has prepared you more than you know. My cousin has an autistic child and a downs child. Both were normal pregnancies and births. They thought it was the end of the world. It is not. Just vent when you need to on here. But just love him like you are doing every day. That is your job. You're doing great. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie - I don't know if I'm doing 'great' but I'm trying my best. Of course I will love Samuel no matter what....but it doesn't hurt to pray that he won't have any problems! :)
ReplyDeleteAmy...you are so sweet! I will try to get your contact info from Christie so that I can talk to you. I agree with you and believe whole-heartedly that God has a special plan for Samuel. Thank you for sharing your story!