Whispers of a Homecoming*
As Eric reported earlier, Emma's nasogastric tube was removed today. She's been doing really well with her feeds (bottling all of them in the past 24 hours), so she's officially tube-free!! (Her oxygen nasal prongs were removed last Friday).
She still has rather significant desaturations while she's feeding as she tends to WANT TO EAT RIGHT NOW!!! and sucks so hard she forgets to breathe. We have to watch her carefully and pace her feedings over about 20 minutes (she's getting 26 cc every 3 hours) to give her a chance to breathe between gulps. We've been assured that Emma just needs to get a bit bigger before she gets this whole "suck-swallow-breathe" thing down.
The bestest news, though, is that Emma might be able to come home sooner than we thought!! Her nurse said today that Emma will likely move out of her incubator in a day or two. As she is now 35+ weeks, is off oxygen and the feeding tube, is maintaining her temperature well, and is gaining weight, the only other discharge criterion she needs to meet is 7 days without having a spell. She hasn't had one since Saturday, so she is well on her way to meeting that goal, too.
* We say "whispers of a Homecoming" because we haven't officially been given a discharge date and we're being very optimistic. We also have to beware of what is known as "The curse of the NICU." This happens when you let micropreemies know they'll be going home soon and they find a way to prove you wrong. As one of her nurses said, "don't tell her until she's strapped into the car seat." So, keep your fingers crossed, and don't tell Emma, but our little girl might be able to come home in a couple of weeks!!! :)
She still has rather significant desaturations while she's feeding as she tends to WANT TO EAT RIGHT NOW!!! and sucks so hard she forgets to breathe. We have to watch her carefully and pace her feedings over about 20 minutes (she's getting 26 cc every 3 hours) to give her a chance to breathe between gulps. We've been assured that Emma just needs to get a bit bigger before she gets this whole "suck-swallow-breathe" thing down.
The bestest news, though, is that Emma might be able to come home sooner than we thought!! Her nurse said today that Emma will likely move out of her incubator in a day or two. As she is now 35+ weeks, is off oxygen and the feeding tube, is maintaining her temperature well, and is gaining weight, the only other discharge criterion she needs to meet is 7 days without having a spell. She hasn't had one since Saturday, so she is well on her way to meeting that goal, too.
* We say "whispers of a Homecoming" because we haven't officially been given a discharge date and we're being very optimistic. We also have to beware of what is known as "The curse of the NICU." This happens when you let micropreemies know they'll be going home soon and they find a way to prove you wrong. As one of her nurses said, "don't tell her until she's strapped into the car seat." So, keep your fingers crossed, and don't tell Emma, but our little girl might be able to come home in a couple of weeks!!! :)
posted by Laurie at 22:46
6 Comments:
Tears in eyes. Lump in my throat. Oh so happy to read that Emma going home may soon be a reality. The bestest news ever - but I promise not to tell her.
What fantastic news!! How awesome that Emma is doing so well and that she may be home with you very soon. Won't share the news for sure, but hope that Michaela is getting ready ;)
Anna
When I was a little girl, any time a vacation or exciting event was planned, my parents never told me or sure as spades I'd be sick that day. And I wasn't even a preemie!!
Just wanted to let you know that of all things, it was the image of you strapping Emma into her car seat that brought tears to my eyes this morning... what a lovely, healthy, normal thing to look forward to!
xo Dani
I too, have lump in my throat and my eyes have welled-up. I am so happy for you all. Bigs hugs and continued well wishes coming your way.
Donna
(pssst, don't tell Emma, but I am very excited about the thought of her being strapped into her little car seat...off to a home full of tube free hugs and kisses!)
Wow. Not saying anything...
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