Last Friday we had our first appointment back at PMH. Chris took the afternoon of work, we dropped Lucas off to be babysat by a friend and headed back up the freeway. It was a little odd travelling to PMH with Tahnee, rather than travelling to PMH for her.
When we got to PMH we were lucky enough to get a parking bay almost straight away!! A massive plus as it meant we didn't need to practically stalk people and follow them to their cars as they left :) (Plus, Chris is very lucky with parking at PMH in general...he rarely had to wait long for a car park...unlike yours truly!).
We purposely arrived early so we go stop past Ward 6B and see the nurses. We had found out beforehand that my favourite nurse would be working, meaning we would have a chance to take a photo with her and Tahnee (you would've thought we'd have at least one considering the length of time we were there...). Anyway, when we got to the Ward we saw the ambulance driver who did Tahnee's transfer from KEMH. We hadn't seen him before we left, so it was good to catch up and show him how far Tahnee has come since he first saw her.
Next we stopped at the main desk and the ward clerk went to tell any free staff that we were there. Within a minute there were about 5 staff members crowded around us, wanting to see Tahnee again :) It was nice knowing that she left an impression as much as the staff left one on us. My favourite nurse, Bec, was also one of the staff who came out. Other staff included Cathy, the nursing manager, and the midwife who works the ward. So many familiar faces, who we (I) miss every day. I would love to go back and spend a shift seeing and talking with the nurses, but I definitely don't miss the stress and anxiety associated with having a baby in hospital.
While at the ward we got to stop and talk with Jaime, a fellow CDH mum. Jaime and her husband had a baby boy a week and a half ago. Baby "B" has had his surgery and is doing very well. He is off ventilation, breathing all on his and having his first tastes of milk, and getting lots of mummy and daddy cuddles :) He is doing brilliantly and we are so happy for this family. We know that some of our readers have been praying for this family, and we thank you for that.
We also keep 2 other CDH families in our thoughts and prayers...baby girl "H" and baby boy "R" and their families are in hospitals around Australia and are at various stages in their recovery. Both babies have had their surgeries and are working towards coming off ventilation, feeding and going home. Fight hard little cherubs and stay strong!
Anyway, after talking with Jaime, we headed back down stairs to see the neonatal registrar down in the clinic. We had an opportunity to get Tahnee weighed and measured and then speak with the registrar. This doctor also works on the Ward and knew Tahnee from doing the rounds.
Tahnee is generally doing well. She continues to gain weight and is now a healthy 4.7kg. She hasn't grown in length since birth, but Lucas was a slow grower too (upwards anyway, he didn't have any issues with growing outward!!). She does have a rash over her face and body. We think it could be a heat rash, but we need to monitor it over the next few days.
The registrar also ordered another ultrasound on the lump on her side. She already had an ultrasound here and they determined that it was just her kidney. Since its a very prominent lump, the registrar just wants to make sure and be safe, rather than sorry. So that means another appointment, although the hospital is trying to organise it for the same day as our next clinic appointment early next month.
This coming week Tahnee has two appointments, one with the Child Health Nurse and one with our GP, Dr White, for her 8 week check up and first batch of immunisations. Hopefully she reacts well to these needles!
Wishing our readers a lovely week ahead and will try to update again soon :)
Tamala (& Chris)
No comments:
Post a Comment