Neala Marie in the nicu. Prayers appreciated - Page 4 « Back to Group Discussions

[MrsKoehn]

Sorry it was a mixed bag, but great progress for the little one! We're praying for her - and you!

[Bmorefarmgirl]

Well, it's been a long hard road and its not over yet. Just wanted to give an update. Neala is still having difficulty with her oral motor skills, so the doctors recommended, and we agreed to, getting a g-tube. She had surgery on Tuesday. The procedure went very well. She had a few rough days after the surgery, but she's been doing really awesome since then. She's coming off her reflux meds and working on getting her feeds compressed to "normal" times instead of being pumped in over a couple of hours. She's growing and adorable and these last few days have been really nice. We got to see her beautiful face with no tape or tubes attached for the first time. There still isn't a day set for getting the heck outta the nicu, but its coming. I'm hoping next week, but trying not to get my hopes up too high. She will be six weeks old next week. Having her home before Christmas would be such a blessing. We will be getting therapy for her through the infants and toddlers program to work on her oral motor skills. I still have hopes of being able to nurse her. She is getting stronger and she will suck on a pinky with some prompting and coaxing. It will just take time to develop, and with the g-tube, we can do that rehab at home instead of a hospital. It was a very tough decision, but after the last couple of days, I know it was the right decision.

Just wanted to give an update. Hope everyone else is doing well. I'll try to catch up on the forum one of these days. Happy holidays!

[Bmorefarmgirl]

Here are some photos of my cutie.

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[OceansEve]

oh she is adorable! I hope she's home before christmas! *hugs* and healing

[abouttobe5]

Oh absolutely adorable. Keep strong (both you and her!) and looking forward to the best update ever when she comes home!!!

[babychak]

Oh, I hope you get to bring her home before Christmas! I was wondering how she was doing. She is precious! Sending healing thoughts...

[sere234]

Oh wow, I can't imagine how tough it must be to have Neala still in the NICU after 6 weeks. So very glad she has all the tubes removed and you can see her sweet face, I bet that is such a relief! Fingers crossed that you get to be home as a family for Christmas. Stay strong mama and take care of yourself too!!!!! This will all be a memory one day!

[PacificMar]

You and little Neala and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers. I'm relieved to hear that she's making progress and hope she will soon be home with the family, adjusting to life on the "outside" in a beautiful way. May you all be held in the Light! 

[tekcez]

Oh, she's got such a sweet face. Hope that suck comes on strong and soon!

[Bmorefarmgirl]

She's home! She's on oxygen and a monitor. She has a tendency for apnea due to her weakened airway muscles, but hopefully she will outgrow that fast. Will be working with pt, OT, and speech therapy. Still hoping to get that suck working. It's there, but still a bit weak and uncoordinated. Thanks again for all your support. It's been a loooong 8 weeks. It's a huge relief to be home. But there's a whole new set of things to get used to here!

[babychak]

So happy to hear this news! It sounds like things are moving in the right direction. Enjoy this time settling in at home with your precious little one.

[tekcez]

Yay! So happy for you and especially little Neala. I'm hoping that you get the best therapists with exactly the right knowledge to help you guys get through these bumps in the road. The look on your face in that photo says it all! Congratulations on being home.

[leafylady]

She's so pretty and you look so happy.  

[kateaton]

Yay, congratulations on Neala's homecoming!!  Praying you adjust to being home quickly!

[bionicsquirrel]

She is so beautiful. Congratulations on getting to finally bring her home. Here is to many wonderful milestones in 2013.

[PacificMar]

Yay--welcome home to you and Neala! May she continue to grow and thrive in her warm and loving home.