Time is approaching for me to go home and things are starting to change a bit. Apparently I was on some sort of medicine to help my lungs and the doctor decided to wean me off of the medicine, well I didn't like that too much and started to have some A's & B's. This concerned mommy and daddy very much because I had to go back on oxygen via nasal cannula (also desating during feedings - drinking 2 oz every 3 hrs). I was scheduled to be discharged around the 1st of December but mommy and daddy didn't think I was ready. Mommy and daddy roomed in with me for 2 nights in a separate room (nurses were only moment away), received infant cpr training and training on how to use the oxygen equipment, pulse ox monitor and apnea monitor. I would be going home with all this equipment (at least I get to go home) and only on vitimans.
My official discharge date was December 7th 1997, weighing 4 lbs 10 oz, but I actual didn't leave until December 8th because the doctor didn't get to sign my release papers until late that Saturday evening and the nurse wasn't available to meet us at home (I will be getting 2 visits per day for 1 week and 1 visit a day for 1 week).
I adjusted to my new home very well. Mommy and daddy put the cradle in their room, and Grandma Carter came to visit for 1 week and Grandma Sheppard came for 2 weeks (they were a big help). By the way, did I mention that Great Grandpa Carter, Grandma Carter and Aunt Jennifer furnished everything for my room. The theme is the Paddington Bear (sports), although daddy hasn't finished the room yet.
Anyway, I am at home and mommy has all these doctor appointments to take me to. Mommy and daddy just found out that my eyes have not matured as of yet and I must keep going back to the opthamalogist every week, I am on the borderline for laser surgery (ROP Stage 2). Mommy and daddy are adjusting to me being at home and all the equipment. My apnea monitor has only gone off twice (both false alarms) but the pulse ox monitor makes beeping noises all the time (I can't move at all without that stupid thing going off). Because of the noise that the pulse ox makes, daddy pretty much sleeps in my room (the noise keeps him awake). Daddy has to go to work but mommy decided to stay home with me indefinitely. Our household income is definitely short and we only have 1 car, which makes going to the doctor a little difficult to say the least, but it is definitely worth it for me to be at home with mommy all day.
We had a quiet Christmas and New Year at home. I sure am glad to bring in the New Year at home with mommy and daddy.
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