| The NICU Experience | Aaron update 54 |
| Subject: Aaron update 54 Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2003 10:06 AM From: Kevin Quick To: Aaron Update List Aaron is doing fine today, and is up to 1465 grams (3.23 pounds). Just before leaving the hospital yesterday, Kathleen and I had a good consultation with Dr. Lewis. She reiterated all the ways that Aaron was doing exceptionally well, and said that if he stays on this course, he could be ready to come home in 3 or 4 weeks! This would be about a month before his due date. Something that I probably ought to mention now while it’s fresh in my mind: Dr. Lewis said that once Aaron comes home, he will still be considerably more susceptible to lung infections than a full-term baby. This is due to the fact that the damaged parts of his lungs will be lacking in the cilia that are needed to move foreign bacteria up and out of his lungs. Because of this, the doctor is “ordering” us to restrict Aaron’s contact with other people, especially children, who might be harboring colds or other bugs, for a period of six months. This is NOT Kathleen and my desire; we want to show Aaron off to everyone who’s been supporting him and us, especially, but the doctor says that we have to look out for Aaron’s interests first. She said that a limited amount of contact with older people is OK, but we must not allow kids to visit him, and we cannot not bring him to church, etc. Again, this is just for the first six months that he’s home. After that, and especially as he grows out of any remaining preemie-related problems, we’ll eventually be able to treat him as we would any normal, full-term child. Thank you all for your understanding on this, and for working with us!! Love, Kevin & Kathleen |
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