Calling all Nicu nurses-This post is NOT band related!

Denamara · November 27, 2007

OK a little background. My sister gave birth to a baby boy on the 19th. She was only 25 weeks along. He was 1 lb 8 ounces at birth. So he has been hanging in there for almost a week now. He is on a respirator (which I understand is normal at that stage). He developed a problem called P.I.E in his lungs and they switched ventilators to try and improve this condition. It has not been helping much so far by looks of the X -Rays. Can someone explain what PIE is, and if it is a common condition in premature babies, and how concerned we should actually be.

They also keep taking almost daily pics of his head, they say they are checking for bleeding since his skull is not developed yet. Is this normal to check so often or are they concerned about something they are not telling us about?

How about the mortality rate after they make it a whole week...when do you usually consider them "out of the woods?"

I would love to do some Christmas shopping for him, but I am to scared too at this point.

any input is appreciated!

AmberWaves · November 27, 2007

I don't have any advice to lend you, I'm not a nurse nor have I had any experience with a premie. I just wanted to tell you that he's in my thoughts and prayers, your whole family is.

Denamara · November 28, 2007

Thanks for your thoughts & prayers, I just got an update and he pooped for the 1st time on his own this morning! Apparently that is really good! :clap2:

Wyatt's Mom · December 5, 2007

Hi,

I'm not a nurse but I have been through a premature birth. My son was born at 24 wks weighing only 1lb 9oz in 2004. After 3 long months of staying in the hospital he came home and is a perfectly healthy 3 year old. While he was in the hospital they were constantly doing scans of his brain, lungs and heart. The scans of his brain are to look for bleeds that can pop up at anytime.

I know that things are scary at this time, but know that Lord willingly things will get better. We had a few scary days were we didn't know if he would survive but you'd be suprised by what little fighters these guys are. If you have any specific questions you would like to ask, please feel free to email me at angdglover@yahoo.com. I will answer any and all questions that I can.

Denamara · December 5, 2007

I guess what everyone is really wondering is when do you consider them "out of the woods" for surviving? We can deal w/any health issues that come after the fact as long as he makes it, we have a large very supportive family in every way.

Wyatt's Mom · December 6, 2007

The point that I knew every thing would be okay is the day the breathing tube was removed. He was about a month and a half and it was the fist time that I got to hear him cry. He actually pulled the tube out himself.

After having my son (and when he was on the upswing) I talked to a couple who had just had a preemie. I told them that sometimes it gets worse before it gets better, but it will get there.

Just know that your family is in my prayers and I hope everything continues to look up. I firmly believe that prayers are what got us through our trying time. If you would like, email me the little guy's name and I'll be sure to put him on our prayer list at church.

becky42 · December 12, 2007

I will be praying for your family and the little one. I have good news though - my daughter was born at 24 weeks, was 12.5 inches long and weighed 1 lb and 7 ozs. She developed PIE and a grade 2 brain bleed. She is 19 months old now, perfectly healthy with absolutely no residuals. We consider her our little miracle. Please help your sister hang in there. We went through the change of ventilators several times and she was actually on a ventilator for at least 6 weeks. There is hope!!! WYATT'S MOM - congrats on your little victory too. Sounds like you went through almost exactly what we did - only a few years earlier!

Denamara · December 12, 2007

Thanks for the replys. He hit 2 lbs yesterday so that is encouraging. He developed some Fluid on his lungs so they are giving him diuretics & changed respirators again. He also has a slight heart murmur but they seem to think it will correct itself. He had his 3 week birthday yesterday too that was a milestone to us....The PIE seems to be much better though.

I broke down & bought him a couple of X-mas presents, it was too hard to resist. I am from North Dakota, so the poor little guy doesn't know how lucky he is to have to stay inside!

Thanks again for the info, it is very comforting to hear happy endings.

becky42 · December 12, 2007

That's awesome news!!! We'll put him on our prayer list at church. If I remember right when Bridget hit the 2 lb mark things started looking up and she gained weight steadily for a while.