No more feeding tubes!
CURRENT WEIGHT: 4 LBS, 1.5 OUNCES (1866 GRAMS)
Truman has been the quite the champ at breastfeeding for some time now and appears to have officially gotten the hang of bottle feeding, although sometimes he tries to go too fast and gets his mouth too full. As a result, he no longer will receive any tube feeding. He will be getting everything from breast or bottle.
His feeds have increased to 35 ccs, which is about 1.2 ounces per feed or about 9.3 ounces per day, which doesn't seem to be enough to satisfy his hunger. However, because of his size and ostomy, they can't really increase food dramatically. It must be done incrementally so that he doesn't stool out too much. He hasn't shown any reflux symptoms in a couple of days.
Truman officially joined a South Hall (feeder grower) only team of doctors yesterday.
His microflow canula has been weaned to .02, and there is talk that it will be turned off tomorrow. His caffiene, which was given to help prevent brady spells, has been discontinued.
Truman's hernia is getting visibly worse. The bulge is now quite prominent even when he is not crying (initially it only showed when he strained). The nurses assure us that hernias are routine, particularly in baby boys, but it looks scary and painful nonetheless. Some of you have asked what a hernia is. When part of an organ or tissue in the body (In Truman's case, a loop of intestine) pushes through an opening or weak spot in a muscle wall, it can protrude into a space where it does not belong. This protrusion is called a hernia, and they look like a bulge or lump. Truman's is a large bulge just above his ostomy bag.
The increasing size of the hernia may be an impetus to push his surgeon (known for best both the best, but also for being a serious procrastinator) to do the reconnection surgery sooner. That means Truman needs some "Grow, Baby, Grow" vibes for that last 5 ounces.
--Kara
posted by Kara @ 11:26 AM
7 Comments:
As a first-time commenter, I wonder just how many people out there are following your beautiful baby boy's story. Like all of them, I am so impressed with Truman's strength and progress, and with that of his parents too. I am awed by all of you. Thank you so much for posting Truman's story. I am planning on trying for a baby next year and premature delivery is a serious risk for me. It has been an education learning about Truman's experience. Not to mention how much I enjoy his pictures! I check this blog several times a day looking for updates of that cutie! Good luck to everyone and - as requested - Grow!!! Truman - GROW!!!!!
I have been following precious Truman's story for several weeks now and have wanted to comment for some time. What an amazing, strong, miracle he is. I have a former 29 weeker who spent 3 months in the NICU in Fort Worth. She had NEC twice and two bowel obstruction surgeries. She too had a large hernia (hers was the size of a lemon - on a 6lb little body) that was fixed about a month after we came home. All of your posts hit so close to home. I pray daily for Truman and your family. I know firsthand how hard the NICU journey is. Your strength and your faith keep you going. I am so proud of Truman. YEA for the move to the "feeder/grower" nursery. What a HUGE accomplishment. Again, you are in my prayers daily. As I rock my little one to sleep we pray for Truman and the other little preemies.
Jule White
jwhite@rjcarroll.com
Ok-here it is-Truman- GROW-GROW! The pics of him meeting his paternal grandparents are beautiful! Especially the one with his finger wrapped around grandma's-he is getting so big! It is hard to believe that all that is needed is 5 ounces, so Truman, little man-keep up the great work, you got rid of that tube in your nose, you are slowly getting rid of the prongs in your nose- so GROW Truman GROW!
Grow grow grow!!!!! Come on 5 ounces! I know you can do it Truman!!! That is such great news about the tube! I can't wait to hear your news that he has gained the weight and is ready for surgery since that is closer to getting him home!!!!!!
Hey Ben, Kara, and Truman,
I am glad to hear things are progressing well. I hope Truman continues to grow, and that the Doctor doesn't procrastinate too long.
See you later,
J.J.
Come on, Truman, 5 more ounces!!!
So excited for all of you!!! Praying that the surgery will take place soon, and will be a complete success!!!
Grow, baby, GROW!
My son had 3 hernias repaired-it was a breeze! Good luck!
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