A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 107
clot in one of the sinuses in his brain. Once again,
we were told this was very rare and that doctors
were actually unsure how to treat it in a premature
baby. They were able to get rid of this with a blood
thinner and the neonatologist is now writing a
research paper about this that will be published
in a medical journal. Tex has also had multiple
infections, blood transfusions and been on many
different medications as well as being on and off
many different oxygen supports.
The stoma reversal surgery went well, but was very complex given the
large wound on his abdomen from the skin breakdown. He has a large
confronting scar on his abdomen and no belly button which we joke will
be his party trick when he is older. His biggest challenge now is his ability
to tolerate and absorb his feeds, so he will be coming home very soon on
Parenteral Nutrition and with a nasogastric tube.
We spent 166 days in the NICU and have been in a paediatric ward since.
Iit has been a hell of a ride but we take comfort in knowing Tex will be going
home soon. Life’s Little Treasures Foundation have helped our family in
many ways. Their morning teas in the parent room allowed us to connect
with other parents who know what we’re going through and their lovely gifts
on Easter and Mother’s Day put a smile on our faces. In addition, being able
to celebrate NICU related milestones such as coming off CPAP and wearing
clothes for the first time was made even more special with LLTF’s beautiful
milestone cards.
If we had any advice for other parents going through
the NICU experience, it would be to lean on one
another and take the time you need to prioritise your
mental health. The NICU experience is a marathon
filled with highs and lows but there is a light at the
end of the tunnel.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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