To be able to leave the hospital with Natalie, we have to learn her medications and how to feed her via NG (Nasogastric) Tube (feeding tube). She gets tired during her feeds, so we give her what she will take by mouth and put the rest in her NG Tube.
Since she will be leaving the hospital with the NG Tube, I had to learn how to insert it into her nose. I just decided the best way to do it was to dive in and go for it. I practiced a few times on a fake baby and then did it Natalie...successful!
Since I have accomplished that, the doctors are preparing us to leave the hospital first of next week, hopefully. Can you believe after 6 weeks in the hospital we might be leaving?
Since she will be leaving the hospital with the NG Tube, I had to learn how to insert it into her nose. I just decided the best way to do it was to dive in and go for it. I practiced a few times on a fake baby and then did it Natalie...successful!
Since I have accomplished that, the doctors are preparing us to leave the hospital first of next week, hopefully. Can you believe after 6 weeks in the hospital we might be leaving?
That is Fabulous!!! NG tube huh....maybe we can hire you down in the ICU;)
ReplyDeleteLibby,
ReplyDeleteI learned about your little girl from my aunt, Tisha Peterson. I am from Pampa and am also really good family friends of the Sparkmans. My son Jameson has Hypoplastic Left Heart, so they are almost identical in surgeries, sats, meds, etc. We have had the BT shunt, and the Glenn, and of course the grueling hospital stay. Our prayers are with you, that she will continue to do well from her first surgery and be eligible for the Glenn and hopefully the Glenn will get her out of the woods for the transplant. We live in McKinney, so we are close enough to help you in any way. We kept Jameson in "lock down" for the first six months of his life, to keep him healthy for that second surgery, I am assuming you are probably doing the same, so if you ever need me to bring you lunch, or even stay with her so you can run some errands, I promise I will come germ free!
I have our story and pictures posted on my blog and Jameson's Caringbridge site(link on the blog) if you want to take a look, I always found it comforting to see pictures of healthy looking babies who had been through similar situations.
I look forward to following Natalie's progress and praying for your entire family.
Heart Hugs,
Laura-Marie (Imel) Finley
Laura-Marie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement. Yes, you are right about finding comfort in reading other's blogs. I hate for anyone to go through what all we have been through, but it is nice to be able to visit with someone who has been there and read what lies ahead in future surgeries. We have been blessed to meet other couple who have a kiddo with a similar or the same defect. I was able to read a blog before Natalie was even born, which was nice to see pictures before you see your child hooked up to so many machines.
Natalie foresure will be only leaving the house to attend doctor's appointments. Children's is on lock down due to the flu, I am worried about this season.
Thank you for your offer to help, I appreciate it. I think we are good for now. I have some family in the area and they have been a huge help.
I wish you and your family blessings! I will definitely check out your blog. Thanks again for everything. I will be praying for your family as well.
Libby