8.24.2011




Life at home is SO much better than life at the hospital. SO, so much better. Really, did I mention it's better?

Since we brought Pierce home, we've pretty much had the same daily routine. Per doctors orders, we only leave the home for doctors appointments. This week, we've only had one. Last week, two. Which means we've already logged A LOT of hours inside our teeny, tiny townhouse. Oh, it's going to be a long winter (sigh). But I don't want to complain. This is the time we've waited and prayed for. Every time I start to feel frustrated, I take one look at P and am reminded of the miracle that he is. I also am deeply aware that he won't stay this little for long. And so I'm hanging on to every moment, trying to soak up all that I can while in this season.



Not much has changed since I last posted, but here's the quick recap: We met with P's neurosurgeon last week. He said that the ventricles, though still very much enlarged, have not changed in size (classified as stable) and that we could either choose to place a shunt, or wait. We chose to wait. He said that there was still a chance P could avoid a permanent shunt (yay!). He also said that we are (and will likely be for awhile) in a "wait and see" mode. What this means is that over the next few months, the neurosurgeon will be monitoring P's ventricles by monthly ultrasounds. Our prayer is that they would begin to decrease in size (if they do not decrease, we will be forced to place a shunt) and not grow any bigger. Please join us in praying this. With every head ultrasound (and we've had oh so many), I feel God working out the impatience in my heart. How I wish I had a magic 8 ball that would let me peer in and see whether or not P was going to need this surgery. But the truth is, I don't. In fact, I don't know anything about any aspect of Pierce's (or my own) future. And so I'm learning. Learning to trust in God, every step of the way, and to be content in waiting on His timing.

We have also seen Pierce's ophthalmologist twice since I last updated. His eyes are healing from the laser surgery and Dr.Gillig was very impressed with how well they're looking. The hemorrhaging has almost completely resolved and there is no more ROP. What a HUGE answer to prayer!

Pierce is doing so well at home. He's eating like a champ (taking about 3-4.5 ounces every 4 hours) and sometimes (actually only twice, but it's a start!) goes up to 6 hours at night without eating! He really is such a fun, content baby.

We did have to start Pierce on Zantac for reflux. Reflux is VERY common in preemies. We had a few days where P was screaming during and after his feeds and we knew this needed to change. So we called our pediatrician and she immediately called him in a prescription. Fortunately, we are on day 3 with the medicine and it seems to be working well. Please, please pray that Pierce's reflux does not develop into anything more serious and that the Zantac continues to work. Pray that he would continue to enjoy taking his bottles and that he would not develop an oral aversion.
Yep, this picture pretty much sums up what P was like before the zantac.

And this is him after.

Nik's mom stopped by for some cuddle time shortly after Pierce came home

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

Much love,
Lindsay

8 comments:

  1. oh how i love to read about how well he is doing!! you should start knitting or sewing or painting or something... so you don't go stir crazy staying inside ya know... or just be a photographer and blogger of your sweet little boy!! i am jealous of pierce sleeping that long at night... haha still praying for you 3! lots of love!!

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  2. I loved reading this update! I know the isolation is hard and will be hard through the winter. I will be praying specifically for that (among the health related stuff). P is so beautiful. I am so impressed by his eating skills and he just looks so healthy! Makes me smile.

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  3. Baby Pierce has grown so much since I held him. Thank you for the new post. If most of us are like myself, we can't wait to hear from you guys.

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  4. Hooray! So happy things are well at home! I do hate winter, and even more so now with little ones, so I will be saying extra prayers for you! I am so encouraged by your attitude Lindsay. I know you don't always feel strong or upbeat, but God's strength is apparent in you even when you feel weak. I have always thought you owned a beautiful humility, but even more so now. Thanks for keeping us updated. And for the pictures--Pierce is so freaking cute!

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  5. Pray that he would continue to enjoy taking his bottles and that he would not develop an oral aversion.

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  6. so glad to hear he is doing great!! i know all about the reflux, my daughter has GERD and until she was 7 mos old and they changed her meds she screamed all day and all night :/ it was rough! He is a handsome little man!

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  7. so very glad he's doing so well! Before you know it, you'll be begging for a quiet day at home!

    www.followtheknapps.com

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  8. I've been a silent reader to your journey, but wanted to tell you that I pray for you guys all the time. I'm so happy for you all that he's home now and I'm continuing to pray that he won't need the shunt. Our son had to have a shunt put in at 4 months to drain fluid from severe birth trauma his first pediatrician missed. He then had it removed at 18 months, and while he did well, I hope it's not something you have to add to his already long list of surgeries. Lots of love for your sweet baby boy - and prayers of course too!

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