Still growing...

The girls continue to feed and grow. They have both been a little disinterested in their bottles for the last day or so. OT (Occupational Therapy) and Speech have been working with them each once a day. As soon as I am well enough to see and hold the girls again (hopefully tomorrow - Friday), I am going to start trying to breastfeed and give their bottles. Maybe they will respond better for their Mommy.

Review and Update:
starting Tuesday, July 24
Abigail
Tues -1427g (3.2lb)
Wed - 1440g
Thurs - 1457g
Fri -
Sat - 1553g
Sun - 1584g
Mon - 1624g
Tues - 1652g
Wed -
Thurs - 1687g
Fri - 1735g (3.13lb)

Natalie
Tues - 1162g (2.8lb)
Wed - 1186g
Thurs - 1207g
Fri -
Sat - 1247g
Sun - 1281g
Mon - 1302g
Tues - 1322g
Wed -
Thurs - 1342g (2.15lb)
Fri -

On Wednesday, I spoke with the doctor about how the girls are doing and what the plan is for the next few weeks. I also got a run down of what kind of drugs they are still on and why.

They will have another eye exam on Friday to check the progression (or hopefully non-progression) of the ROP.

Right now, they are both still receiving hydrocortizone for an adrenal insufficiency. The adrenal glands produce cortisal which is one of the hormones involved in stress situations. Sometimes preemies don't make enough. They are tapering it off and it will end on Aug 6. On August 13 they will have a stimulation test that involves introducing a different hormone that prompts the adrenal glands to produce cortisal so they can measure how much is produced and see if the glands are working properly.

They are also each receiving elemental iron to help maintain their red blood count. There's still a chance one or both may need another blood transfusion before they are discharged.

They also receive calitril - a calcium-type supplement for their bones. It also helps prevent a baby form of rickets.

Because of the possibility of a bladder infection that could be caused by the back flow of urine into the bladder, they are receiving a prophylactic dose of amoxicilin. Before they leave the hospital, they will have a VCUG test. I have no idea what that stands for, but basically they will insert a catheter into the bladder and inject a radioactive dye to allow them to see where the urine is going. If it's backing up, they will go home with antibiotics.

To help add additional vitamins and minerals and nutrition, they receive a special boost of pregestimil powder, a special preemie formula.

Natalie is also receiving a boost of microlipids to her feeds. It's to give her extra calories so she can grow faster.

We talked about the forecast for their homecoming. As expected, the doctor was non-committal. They have to meet the criteria I've mentioned before - 4lbs, maintain their temps, and take all their feeds orally.

The doctor did not indicate that they are having any major problems or areas of concern which is really great. They continue to do very well.

The main concern right now is their inconsistently in taking their bottles. Please pray for them to develop a sudden liking for bottle feeding.