Given a 30% chance of surviving just 30 days of life. On his second day of life we found out he had a level 4 brain bleed (IVH) on one half of his brain. Doctors had to discuss the range of possible damage from zero control of 1/2 of his body, cerebral palsy, or just learning disabilities on top of the challenges of being born at 23 weeks gestation. We were asked several times in the following days and weeks exactly how much we wanted to do to keep Ryan alive. I had to find the words to express how much faith we had in our son and state we couldn’t give up on him, he had no option to give up and neither did we. He made it through the extremely critical first couple days, overcoming many seamingly impassable hurtles. At just 3.5lbs he survived open chest surgery to shut his PDA. Diagnosed with a rare form of ROP disease, Rush and Plus disease but laser surgery and a later injection saved him from going blind. 13 blood transfusions. Was on almost all the different modes on the ventilator, oscillator, NIV NAVA, CPAP, high flow, low flow, and the nasal cannula and now he’s going home on no respiratory support! Only started eating by mouth 10 days ago and he takes his full feeds whenever he is awake. Such an incredible feat for babies on his similar path. At 5 months and one day, Our 1.5lb now 10lb miracle warrior is starting his life on the outside of the hospital!
Now to battle RSV /flue season number 1, begin a journey from Washington through California, and then ending in Clearwater Florida.
Discharged at 4565 grams! Those that guessed 10-10.25 congratulation! 10.064 pounds!!
Preemie Pop 