His stats:
He's TINY. He's measuring several weeks behind and weighs 1 lb 10 oz. right now- which puts him at the 2nd percentile for gestational age. Since he is growing at a good rate, they don't seem too concerned about his size- but they said to expect him to be a VERY small baby. His heartbeat was 146 bpm, nice and strong. He is still breech.
The bad:
My amniotic fluid levels are low. Not low enough to be SUPER concerned, but they are rechecking me again in two weeks. If my fluid levels are the same or lower, I'll be checked into the hospital for bed rest and monitoring, and Elliot will probably need to be born around then... probably at 29 or 30 weeks. So until then I'll be drinking tons of water, relaxing, and trying not to worry. HOPEFULLY everything turns out all right and they can keep him in there longer- the longer the better. Because he is AWFULLY small.
The good:
The neonatologists, doctors, surgeon, and social worker all told me the same thing: that EVEN if he were to be born TODAY, he would have an 80-90% chance of survival.
Elliot's pediatric surgeon is the nation's leader for gastroschisis. He and his colleagues published the largest study of gastroschisis babies ever made, and he actually CREATED the silos and closure methods that have become standard practice for gastroschisis babies today. He treats a large number of these babies a year, and said that 95% of them go on to lead completely normal lives. I have absolutely NO DOUBT that Elliot is in good hands.
The NICU was fantastic- very modern and nice. There were approximately 5-6 babies per room. The staff was extremely friendly, positive, and helpful. They answered all of my questions and gave me a wealth of information and resources. It feels so much better to have actually SEEN where I will be spending so much of my time.
Well, folks, that's about it.
Unfortunately, we didn't get any really good ultrasound pictures, because there wasn't enough fluid up by his face/head. Honestly, now it's just a waiting game- they told me to come to my next appointment (in 2 weeks) with my bags packed, because there is a good chance that I won't be coming home.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!
I've been anxiously waiting for this update. First of all-what a blessing that his heartbeat is so good. It must be SUCH A relief to hear that even if he came today he will most likely be ok and how amazing is it that he will be in such wonderful hands!
ReplyDeleteAs for the fluid, I hope it comes up for you so he can stay in there as long as possible! I've heard a lot of stories of it coming back to a normal or close to normal level so hopefully that will happen with you.
Praying as always!
tons of T&P for you guys & your baby!!!
ReplyDeletethoughts and prayers with you<3. i don't know if you've seen my blog lately but i had the same thing with low fluid. what were your numbers? are you on complete bedrest? my number was an 8 and i was told to limit physical activity and drink lots of water... so i wasn't on complete b/r. i went back a few days later and it dropped even more... to a 5. so be careful! i wasn't even doing anything... just went out a few times walking around, shopping sort of thing... nothing strenuous! just be careful! wanna keep your little man in there as long as possible! i'll be thinking of you! keep us posted! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update! Still thinking about and praying for you!
ReplyDeleteI hope your fluid levels come up! It's so nice to know that you've got such a great team by your side and that everyone is just as positive as we are that your little man is going to be just fine.
ReplyDeleteYou will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers!!
oh it is so good to hear those stats that he would be ok if he was born today. that makes it so reassuring about how much better your chances are with each passing day. just take it easy & think of elliot's best interests in everything you do... this is such a short time in the grand scheme of things & will be so worth it! praying for him! :)
ReplyDeletePS: i want your new button i saw on TBB! so cute.
It seems that Elliot couldn't be in better hands. That is awesome!. I hope your levels go up in these two weeks. As you said, try to drink tons of water and rest as much as you can. I'll be praying for you and your little one.
ReplyDeletewow that all sounds so tricky and like a blessing all at once.
ReplyDeleteWill be praying that all goes well and whatever happens Elliot will come into this world in safe hands.
:)
Aww, hun... just keep a positive attitude and take it easy for your precious boy in there!
ReplyDeleteglad he seems to be doing well.. i hope the fluid levels get better soon!! XOXO
ReplyDeleteDefinately keepng the both of you in my thoughts. It sounds like you have a really great team behind you so I'm sure everything will work out
ReplyDeleteSaw a link to this post on Sara's blog. I'm a veteran bedrester, a mom of 2 preemies, and also a respiratory therapist who has worked with preemies for years, so I had to drop by and say hello, and I will say a prayer for you.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog on Top Baby Blogs today and I just couldn't resist commenting.
ReplyDeleteI was born in 82 with gastroschisis, underdeveloped lungs, and two holes in my heart. I was on oxygen and tube fed for the first year plus of my life. Today, I'm a "perfectly" healthy adult with a son of my own. Technology has come a long long long ways since then for the better in every aspect.
I don't quite know what I'm trying to say, other than I'm living proof that these things really do end up just fine - you guys may be off for a rocky start and lots of worry now, but he'll be fine when it's all said and done.
Lots of good thoughts that Elliot stays cooking for a bit longer and all goes really great for you guys!