 |
Tommy's
Preemie
Web Online since 1995! Home ::: Preemie Story ::: Pictures ::: Links ::: About |
 |
|
What can we say, More Messages...
Hi Tommy: Our son, Kyle, was a 26 weeker so you two have some common elements. Kyle was l lb 13 1/2 oz at birth, 13 inches. He was born after his mom spent only 3 days in the hospital (bedrest) due to an "incompetent" cervix. Due to infertility problems, it took 5 years to conceive, but less than 6 months to give birth -- must be some sort of record. Kyle was on a respirator 3 weeks and had many elements common to micro-preemies. He spent 3 months in the NICU at St. Paul Children's Hospital and came home a week before his actual due date at 4 lbs 9 oz. Kyle is now 3 years old and doing great! He has some developmental delays primarily in terms of speech/language. However, he also has had speech therapy for the past year and will continue to get speech therapy even when he begins school. The speech delay is a minor issue and we know that with the speech and therapy he will be quite a talker in time. Given his early birth, and the time spent in the NICU, we know that we truly were fortunate in that he has no long term disabilities. I think that the angels were watching over him in the NICU. Thanks for Tommy's mom and dad for starting this site! Even though Kyle is 3 years old now he is still a preemie in many ways. It is good to have this web site so we can share information and/or ideas on preemie development--there certainly isn't much available in the medical world since more children are surviving at an earlier age. Thanks again -- Vivian, Scott and Kyle Skordahl Vivian Skordahl
Hi Tommy: I am very glad to find this page. I hope and pray the best for you. I am an "adopted aunt" of a preemie. A very close neighbor had a baby at 25 weeks. She was 1lb and 11 ounces when she was born. Then she went down to 1lb 7 ounces just a week ago at 6 weeks old. I would appreciate information how Tommy is doing. Victoria's Mom and Dad do not have a computer. They are closer to the hospital and staff, so they know much more about it than I do. I look forward to hearing of this story. Thanks, Joyce Joyce Brown
Hi Tommy: I am so happy to read that you are doing so well! My little boy, Bryan, was born at 33 wks gestation, at 5 lbs. 5 1/2 oz, and 19" long. I know what you're mom and dad went through, and how excited they must be with every new feat you accomplish! When Bryan was born, we spent the first couple of days wondering if he would make it through his tough time. His lungs were not developed and he was intubated for a week, and he was pretty sick. It took another couple of weeks before he was able to eat without assistance. I was so excited when he finally took just 30 cc from a bottle!! He went home after 3 wks. My husband and I were happy to finally be able to hold Bryan without wires hanging from his little body. It was wonderful to be able to bring him home. Now Bryan is 18 months (16 mo adj) old, weighs about 33 lbs.(he's a big guy!), and is walking all over and talking up a storm. Bryan has an aspiration problem that affects his swallowing of liquids, but that is being handled. Other than that, he is a healthy and happy little boy! Best wishes to you Tommy, and to your mommy and daddy too! Suzy Sands
Hi Tommy: I love the web site, but you knew that already. Here is a link to our new web site. Actually, here are two links. One for the main page, and one for Matthew's page. http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/6225/index.html Tom, Melinda, & Matthew (from Preemie-L) Tom Hannah
I just wanted to let you know, that my brother was born when my mom was 30 weeks, and because of that I am now going into nursing, and will be working in the NICU. I think it is wonderful, how well Tommy is doing, and with the medical field changing everyday, I am sure many more, and even younger babies, will be save. Thank you so much for offering you experiences, so others will know what to expect, and to help them. Teresa
Hi Tommy: Hello, my son Thomas Clark Saladin was born July 16 1996 2lbs 8ozs a 30 weeker at Brigham & Womans Hospital in Boston MA. he was our second child. Our first boy Richard Clark Saladin was born August 14, 1992 1lb 6oz's a 24 weeker in the same hospital. Both are doing very well with no problems at all. Richard very hyper active enough to drive us crazy. Early intervention has helped a lot. Ricky has been going to school since he was 1. I like your web very much and have been thinking of making a small web page of Ricky and Tommy. Thanks for yours Don Saladin
Hi Tommy: Thirty-five years ago, I was born two months premature, weighing in at 3 lbs. 6 oz. which was considered very small in the 50's and 60's. Our area had acquired an incubator just a few years before I was born, and I spent the best part of a month in the thing. It took that long for me to gain enough weight to be able to go home. The nurses were beginning to think they would have to put their thumbs on the scales to weigh me out at 5 pounds! I was a very lucky little girl, for I had a very special grandma who made several trips a day to see me in order to get me to eat (I would not eat for my mother or for the nurses). My grandma worked in the baby ward of another hospital in town and used her break times to come for a visit. She also stopped in on her way to work and on the way home from work. When I finally was released from the hospital, I was not allowed to have any visitors or to go out in public for another month or so. My parents worked on a farm and had to take turns looking after me, as well as doing all the chores that were required ( including milking about 120 head twice a day). As far as I know, the only real problems that I have because of being premature are severe allergies and a slight mental problem which is of not much consequence. I still have both of my parents, but my loving grandmother died when I was 16 years old. I will always remember the special bond we had together and hope to pass the love on to some other child who needs it someday. God bless the little children. Phyllis Decker
Hi Tommy: I'm so glad to hear you are doing so well. I am the mommy of a 16 month old who was also a 25 weeker. Karen Wheaton
Hi Tommy: What a wonderful job your Dad & Mom have done in putting together this page. The memories of the birth, NICU, emotions are right on. You were a beautiful baby . . . I had to look twice to see if you were my own child, we have very similar pictures. Sean was born at 26 weeks, 1 lb 9oz, 8/14/93, KU Med Center (Kansas City). I also had an abruption and C-Section. He was hospitalized until 10/26/93 . . . we were lucky that he had few problems out of the ordinary "A's & B's", blood transfusions, and two steps forward, one step back progressions. Today is Sean's 3rd Birthday. I found your page yesterday and thought today would be a great day to contact you . . . Celebration Of Life. Sean is still very small for his chronological age, still wearing 24mo-2T and weighing in at 22 1/2 lbs. He has had 7 eye surgeries for ROP, and is doing wonderful. He looks adorable in his little glasses and just loves to wear them. We were among the lucky parents who had children with few medical problems and prognosis that are kids will catch-up by age 3-4. Sean begins school in a few weeks in a Early Childhood Development Special Ed Preschool (we live in Missouri). The children are given developmental testing and must have a 3-4 month delayed form their chronological age. Being 14 weeks earlier, he is on target with his adjusted age but qualified for this program. The kids are retested during mid-school year . . . and whenever they are considered to be in their chronological range, they are asked to leave. You may want to look into the school district about proactive programs available to you. Participation within this program is voluntary and records are sealed from the developmental tester who provide the K screening. Your child will not be labeled!!!!!!! I have a BS in Psychology/Child Life. Being educated to work with children (0-21 years) with special needs and having one of my own were two different things. Although much of my training and education as helpful . . . I still read, look-up information in books/journals (anywhere I can find it), and have a need for the information to assure myself that we are doing the right thing. My current job allows me to work with about 6-8 families per year who also have micro-preemies. I am usually introduced to them within the first weeks of their child's life. This page is wonderful for them so that they will know they are not alone. Thanks again for sharing your story . . . the King Family must be pretty special too. Sean Munley's Mom (Diane Munley)
Hi Tommy: I am looking for info and stories about people who used 'double bedding' in the NICU for their premature multiple birth children. I am trying to write an article about this fairly new concept for my twins club newsletter. I would sincerely appreciate any help with locating info on this topic. The only thing I have currently is a very short article from Reader's Digest. Thanks in Advance
Hi Tommy: I enjoyed reading your story that your daddy wrote about you. Your parents went through a lot, and it looks like you are doing fine now. Karen W
Hi Tommy: I have a son, Brian Thomas who was also a 24 week preemie and weighed in at 1lb 9oz when he was born. He was born at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan and spent the next 3 1/2 months of his life trying to come off the respirator, nasal cannula, eat on his own etc. I would really like to know if there if there is a newsletter or something I can hook up to on this subject. BT is now 9 months old chronologically and 5 1/2 months old developmentally and it would be a real help to know if there is a newsletter or something that addresses development expectations. BT had a Brain hemmorhage when he was born in the motor part of his brain. It was reabsorbed mostly but we're still anxious about residual effects as he develops hand to eye etc. I have a book that I wrote a page for every day he was in the hospital after he was born. It includes the nurse that cared for him that day, his weight, the workups they did everything. BT is now 16 lbs and is doing very well. He's the light of our lives and I too thank God for neonatal research and discovery. Robyn
Hi Tommy: My name is Mel Olson. My son Nathaniel was 12 weeks premature and was in the hospital (Children's Hospital of Orange County) for 4 1/2 months. He spent 7 weeks on the respirator and went four major infections. One of the infections(necrotising endro- colitis) caused the removal of 1/2 of his small intestine. Even though he has now been home for three weeks with oxygen, apnea monitor, and a feeding pump it is good to read about you and your apparent fine recovery from your premature birth. It gives us great encouragement to know that our son is going to eventually recover from his early setbacks (one step forward, two steps back) and go on to have a happy life. Mel and Bekie Olson
Hi Tommy: My name is Eilish and I have a son who was born 12 and half weeks premature, he weighed in at 2lb 9oz and is now almost 15 mths old. I have set up a support group for parents of premature babies in Ireland called INCU-BABES is anyone would like to contact me I would be delighted to talk to them about where to get information on preemies. I'm glad to see your a real beauty and hope to hear from your parents or other parents to set up a transfer of information.. Eilish Devine, Dublin, Ireland.
Dear Webmaster We congratulate you on developing an excellent website. The information you provide has the potential to benefit all mankind. HealthAtoZ is a comprehensive search engine and database of thousands of sites in Health and Medicine. All sites have been manually catalogued by medical professionals. Please visit HealthAtoZ at http://www.HealthAtoZ.com and submit your site if it is not already listed. You can also modify the description of your site by resubmitting it. HealthAtoZ is undertaking an extensive marketing campaign in the next few months. All sites listed will receive many more hits by this marketing campaign. Please also provide us with a link from your site. Thank you. Raj Lakhanpal, MD, FRCS
Hi Tommy: My son Quinten was also born premature (8 weeks) but we were very lucky he weighed a whopping 5lbs and 13 oz, the doctor said if I had went full term he would have been over 10 pounds. And although the two weeks he spent in the hospital seemed like a lifetime overall it was a short stay for a baby born at 32 weeks. Now at 12 months he is 23 lbs and 31 1/2 inches long and does everything a 1 year should do and much MORE. I would like to offer all the other parents my support and prayers for their preemies. Gigi Goforth
Hi Tommy: Technically Macey was not premature. She came into this world 4 weeks early. I was already severely underweight for my pregnancy and with a history of lung problems in my family things looked bleak. She started off on a home air filter system, nebulizer treatments every 2 hours, chronic ear infections (even at 1 month old) and a very unstable family life. As a result of the problems encountered with Macey as an infant I have decided to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant in Pediatric Rehabilitation. I currently work in a Physical Therapy department that has an active Neonatal program and have recently been "shadowing" our P.T. director on her rounds to the NICU. It makes me realize as Macey turns 1 yr that I don't have it as bad as I could and that Pediatrics is where my true calling is. I hope that everything turns out well for you. Ursula Holleman, mother of Katie (4) and Macey (1)
Was just surfing and found your site, great job! I am sure it's been great for people to learn from... Keep up the excellent work! ----------------------------------------- Providing you with Resources and Information to make
Hi Tommy: My name is Ali and I am visiting my Uncle George in Saskatoon and using his computer. I live way up North in Thompson, Manitoba, Canada. I was born 8 Weeks early, five months ago and weighed 5 pounds, which was big for my gestation and I was lucky. I was flown to Winnipeg, Manitoba right after I was born and didn't see mom and dad for a whole day. I am doing very well now and weigh 12 pounds. Mom and dad are very interested in seeing all the stories about preemies and enjoyed reading them. Take care.
We had a baby boy Ben at 25 weeks and 4 days gestation. He is doing OK - and is now 1 week old (see preemie-l discussion forum if you want to know more). Your page helped to prepare me when I realized that a preemie was a likely outcome. Thankyou so much. Chris McWwhinnie
Hi Tommy: Our names are Jack and Jennifer. We have had 3 preemies. The 1st weighing at 5lbs 12 oz's on 4/9/89. The 2nd born @ 21 weeks weighing 14 1/2 oz living for only 3 short hours on 11/17/92. And our 3rd was a 26 weeker born @ 2lbs 5 oz and going down to 1lb 5oz on 01/01/95. We like many of you have been through the mill. Laiken is now 18 mos. and still has a lot of reoccurring illnesses. She to came home on a apnea monitor and later needed oxygen frequently. Jack and I went on to become Emergency Medical Technicians-Defibrilation to help us to better help our daughter. And we give a lot back to the community with volunteering w/ our rescue squad. Laiken had a 2 month NICU stay with many hospital visits after her homecoming. We now go through Physical Therapy and Special Education and have found it to make a big difference. She is now starting to walk, although speech is very delayed she is learning more. She along with our son brightens our every day. I'm glad to see that there are other people just like us. Unfortunately our area Saratoga, NY does not have a lot on preemies so this is GREAT!! Good Luck to all of you and God Bless. Jack & Jennifer Frost
Hi Tommy: I'm Jacob (aka the Rat Boy) and I joined my Mom and Dad 6 days ago. I am 2lbs and 5oz and was born at 28 weeks. I was born in Hong Kong, a long way from the US....but thank goodness Mom and Dad made it out of China where we live. Your stories and the attachments really helped "Dad" as he was dealing with Mom and me. I've still got a long way to go, but now Dad isn't nearly as spooked when I "forget to breath." I'll write again. Jacob
Rob, Suzanne and Jacob Jelinek
Hi Tommy: I have a 3 year old girl Catherine who is very bossy. Unfortunately my wife is in hospital with her second pregnancy, having lost all amniotic fluid... She is a couple of days short of 25 weeks pregnant. We are therefore expecting a baby to be delivered soon. The doctors are trying to get the pregnancy to last until 26 weeks or 28 at best. Your story was wonderful - tho I cried and the desk in front of my computer is still wet ! Your site helped a lot - thankyou - and you look like every child should.....happy. bless you...and your parent and all the message senders too xx
Hi Tommy: I am so glad you a healthy big boy! I want to thank your Mommy and Daddy for sharing your story with all of us. I think it is a wonderful and brave gesture to undertake the task of educating everyone about preemies. Someone must be watching over you. I wish you and your family all the best wishes. Thank you again for contributing something positive for all to see and experience. Jenn Branson
Hi Tommy: We are an Israeli family who have a preemie who was born in hospital in Tel Aviv Israel,on the 25 week and was 1pound 10. Today Yuval (boy) is 20 month old still very small but very well developed. Reading the stories in your web sight proves how small is our world, We passed the same troubled period with the same problems and the same solutions by hospital personal. Miri and Shabtai Tagger
Hi Tommy: fun commercial site, but a great- free- health column updated bi-monthly with tips for new parents just for stopping by, easy to access without looking at all the rest. Millett O'Connell
Hi Tommy: Our son Jacob was born exactly 6 weeks early. He weighed 3lbs. 13 oz. He was born with a Tracheal-Esophageal Fistula ("TEF")which is where the trachea and the esophagus have one little connection and the esophagus has a pouch. He underwent surgery 13 hours after he was born and came through it with flying colors. The surgery totally corrected the problem. He spent 23 days in the hospital. Jacob is now approximately 10 1/2 lbs. at a little over three months. We look forward each day to all the exciting things he does. If anyone else has a child who had "TEF" please let us know. Suzie and Brian Wynne
My name is Jennifer Kragt. I am the mother of 15-month old, full-term Elijah and two-day old (corrected age), 26-week preemie, Jonah. He was born March 16, 1996 following maternal lung surgery. I had developed serious pneumonia which would not respond to antibiotics. Surgery was required to clean the pus from the pleural space between my lung and chest wall. Twenty-three hours after a very successful surgery, throughout which Jonah remained stable, I went into labor. He was taken by emergency c-section because he was breech. Jonah weighed 2 lbs. 1 oz. at birth and was 14 inches long. He was immediately intubated and was on a respirator for 33 days and CPAP for another 4-5 weeks. Finally, after two weeks of oxygen therapy via nasal cannula, he was breathing room air, totally on his own. At two days birth age, he required a chest tube to treat a collapsed lung--just like his Mom. We had matching tubes, something at which only a preemie parent could smile. Jonah's due date was June 17, 1996. He was released on June 2, weighing 5 lbs. 5 oz. Today, June 18, he is 6 lbs. 6 oz. and very active. In fact, last night, he rolled over in his crib!! Thank you for posting your story. It is so nice to know others have gone through a similar situation and have survived. Please feel free to post my letter. Jennifer Kragt
Hi Tommy: You are blessed, my dear w/ wonderful parents, (plus, a incredibly talented dad w/ great html capabilities.. Let him know that Adam Sturgill's Mom is in this midst of building a "Preemie Power" home page, but her education in html has been limited to the "Idiot's Guide to HTML", so it will be awful comparing her's to your dad's.) Adam was born 5/2/96, at 24 weeks, 1lb 13 oz. Your story, Tommy, is an inspiration to Adam's parents. Adam had a IVH, grade IV at 3 days old, unfortunately, but we pray that he is an fortunate & as blessed as you. YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! Plus, you look like you have "Super Baby" attitude (The "do anything, anywhere, anytime" attitude.....& thank God that you do..just be easy on your dad's computer(Other than that, attack the house...it's ok!!!) The entire Sturgill family looks forward to the next chapter of the web site. God Bless you!! Adam Sturgill(Still in NICU at Methodist Hosp., San Antonio,
TX) Jackie Sturgill
Hi Tommy: We want to do a page in Australia. It is at www.ozemail.com.au/~karlat. Do you know of anything in Aus? Thanks Your boy is beautiful! Karla
|
|
Home ::: NICU Story ::: Pictures ::: Links ::: About Please message us via our fan page on Facebook KingProductions.com |
