On the first day of his life, my Atticus was given surfactant and intubated. He could not breathe.
On day two, they extubated him, but he was fighting so hard to breathe that they came within minutes of re-intubating him again. But he prevailed. They then became concerned because he failed to protect his airway.
On day three, he still had no gag reflex. He was given 24 hours to develop one, or else he would be sent to a different hospital. The best hospital in the area, but we couldn't transfer Damien, so it looked like a heartbreaker. But then my firstborn gagged.
On day four, he continued to gag but failed to swallow. Repeat attempts frustrated him, caused him to de-sat (although he never aspirataed the water). We remained hopeful but decided to begin feedings through his OG tube, primarily for comfort. (He relies on TPN for nutrition.) And then, almost to the exact minute of his birth, my Atticus swallowed.
Water, water, water. Then my milk. He digested all 3 mLs--no residuals whatsoever. So he got a second small taste.
My little man, my brave sweetheart. He is determined to master something every day.
His little brother is also doing well. I will gush about him later. These two. My heart lives outside of my body now.
5 comments:
Oh man, he sounds like such a little fighter. I know it can be so scary to watch your baby outside your body, struggling to breathe, but he sounds like determined to methodically check off the things on his "to do" list! Good job, Atticus, with the eating real food, so you can get big and beat up on your little brother someday! And good job you for feeding him!
Good on him! He's a fighter just like his Mommy!!! HUGS girl!
Awww Atticus! Keep fighting little man!! :) Sounds like he is bound and determined :)
How can he NOT be a fighter with a name like Atticus? :) You named him well. I'm thinking of you all.
Keep fighting, little man.
He definitely sounds like a little fighter! I know his hard thus must all be on momma.....I can't imagine having to leave my boys. But you are strong and WILL get through this.....hang in there...I am thinking of you all!
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