Teeny Tiny Truman

This page is all about Truman, born Aug. 8, 2006 to Kara and Ben.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Progress Report: Wednesday, August 23rd

Weight: 1lb, 5.5 ounces

It's been a rough couple of days visiting Truman. He continues to be stable, his blood gasses continue to look good, and he continues to be able to stay on only about 30% oxygen. But, his blood pressure and oxygen seem to require constant tweaking now, so there are a lot more monitors going off when we are with them. Also, now that his umbilical stump has fallen off (he now has a belly button), the replacement lines in both arms and one leg mean that he has three limbs that are immobilized. He has little splints on his arms, and the line in his leg, although not splinted, seems to keep him from moving it much. It's not that these lines are a bad thing for him, it's just hard to see him where he can't move as much because we've discovered that it's his nature to do a lot of wiggling. And, with both of us back at work now, we're more tired for that last evening visit, which makes it harder as well.

We also had a brief scare on Tuesday because the first line that went in his leg didn't really work adequately to get him the nutrition that he needed, so Dr. Redfield said he would need a surgically implanted line into his chest. The surgery was supposed to be last night or this morning. But, they tried one more time in the other leg to get a regular line in. They were successful, so no more surgery for now.

Truman has also been stuck in a catch-22 with regard to feedings. In order to get off his blood pressure medication, he needs to get bigger. In order to get bigger, he needs to eat. In order to eat, it would be very helpful to be off the blood pressure medication which constricts his blood vessels (see the catch-22). A feeding was attempted on Monday, but he didn't process any of it, so they discontinued them again. Another problem he's having is that he has not stooled since birth, so they think he's a bit plugged up with some the meconium that formed in utero plus the first three days of successful feeding. However, he made some progress in that arena yesterday, but the nurses think there is still more that needs to pass. He's getting daily enemas until he can get everything moved out. At that point, he'll start feeds again. The goal for micro-preemies is to be back at their birth weight by two weeks. You may notice the weight gain above, but at least some of the weight gain is due to the splints on his arms. Dr. Redfield is concerned about his nutrition issues, so let's keep our fingers crossed that our little boy can start back on breast milk soon and start growing.

For some happy news, another miletone -- Truman has opened his eyes. Of course the next question is, "What color are they?" He's not able to open them very wide or very long, so all we can really see is that they are dark. However, considering that he is an Anglo baby with two blue-eyed parents, I'm putting my money that those baby blues are going to lighten as time goes on. His eyelashes are white-blond like his hair.

He does respond to sounds and voices by looking toward them now. Last night whenever Ben would talk to him, he would turn his eyes toward Ben. He also gets more active when Ben talks to him. When I talk to him, he tends to close his eyes and fall asleep. I guess we know which parent he finds more interesting and which one he finds more soothing.

Truman is also finished with his light therapy for jaundice. Not only is that a second milestone down this week, it means he doesn't have to wear his eye shades anymore, so he's much more interesting to look at and more interactive.

More soon,
Kara

14 Comments:

Blogger FFF said...

I'm so glad Truman's eyes are open and he can see you! What a nice thought that he finds his parents both exciting and comforting.

10:28 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update. Have been checking in to see how the little man is doing. Continued prayers for you, Truman and Ben.

11:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am glad to here a that Truman continues to make progress.

I will continue to think of you all in this time of need.

Sincerly,
Christi
CL for - Feb 2004 Luv Bugs PG (I Villiage)

11:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kara and Ben,

I'm so very sorry for what your little family is going through. Kara, you're one of the toughest people I know, and there's no doubt your boy has that same strength. From my family to your, we wish you the best. Please let me know if there is anything at all I can do for you.

Deon

1:00 PM  
Blogger K said...

I'll keep checking on your updates as well and I pray for the day you'll take him home too (I know, probably I'll have my own baby - due a day after Truman - home too by then). Keep the faith, he'll be just fine :)

4:57 PM  
Blogger hallegracesmama said...

What a trooper you have! Praying for blood pressure issues to resolve and for POOP!

BTW- Dr Redfield was one of our favorite doctors. Dr Nama was another. Isn't it nice when they take the time to talk and explain things to you?

9:17 PM  
Blogger Maggie (Sarah's mom) said...

I'll never forget the day Sarah opened her eyes. I'm glad that Truman now has his open.

I'm continuing to pray for Truman.

9:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that Little T is doing well and that he is starting to react to all the stimuliting contact he gets.

We really can't wait to see some pictures of Truman but continue to keep in our thoughts.

Regards,

Kris & Tammy

8:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just wanted to let you know that 6 (almost 7) years ago I had a littleboy named Justin. He was 24 weeks along and weighed in at a wopping 1lb. 10 oz. and was 11 3/4 inches long. We faced a long and rough road but now Justin is a happy 1st grade boy showing no signs from the rough road he started out on. I know it can be scary (I was 16 when Justin was born.) but just have faith. You and that little one have lost of prayers coming your way. If you need to talk you can find me on the Feb. 2007 Expcting Club (i village) I have gone on to have 2 successful full-term pregnancies after Justin so it can be done.

My thoughts are with you,
Christy
CMI1010 (i-village)

10:28 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been reading your updates since your blog was posted on our prayer thread on the November 2006 Babycenter board. I'm so glad to see that Truman is doing good!! We will continue to keep you in our prayers!! Stay strong!

10:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your posts are giving me hope -- The perinate team at our hospital is hoping to get me to 24 weeks but it is a hope. Keep fighting Truman!!!

Angela
Ivillage Dec Board/EDD 12/25
Peadee1975

12:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is really an absolutly amazing story and it just shows how strong your family is! Please keep posting pictures of your beautiful baby boy so we can see how he grows and progresses over time! Thanks and good luck!

12:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been keeping up with Truman's progress and I keep your family in my thoughts. How exciting that he is opening his eyes and recognizing his parents! Best of luck.

1:44 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Keep growing, Baby T!

Noni

5:16 PM  

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