Before y'all panic...Campbell is fine. There are just a few things that she needs to have lifted up in prayer and you guys have a great track record of success so we thought we'd recruit your prayers again!
As you may remember, while in the NICU Campbell required several blood transfusions (once when she was sick and twice when her amount of red blood cells fell and she became anemic). This was very common and each time it made a great difference in how she felt and acted. We knew when she came home that she would probably become anemic again but hoped it wouldn't get too bad. Well, we've been monitoring it and her numbers are getting pretty low. We can tell she is anemic because she is quite pale, she is sleeping a lot, and her heart rate is elevated. Her pediatrician would rather not give her another blood transfusion if possible. The reasons for this are that there are potential complications and also her body has to learn to make the blood cells rather than depending on us giving them to her. We have an appointment with her pediatrician on Friday to discuss our options. She currently is on vitamins with iron and we supplement her food (breast milk) with a special formula that has extra calories, vitamins, and iron. Our hope is that these supplements will be enough to help her make her own red blood cells. We know her numbers have gone down so please pray that we would have the wisdom to make the best decision for her, whether that decision is to wait another week and test then or try something else.
Also on Friday she has an appointment with the pediatric gastroenterologist. At this appointment we will find out the results of some lab work related to her liver function. Another common complication for preemies is a form of jaundice caused by the IV fluids that she was on for so long. We have been giving her medication since she came home and we're hoping her numbers have fallen to the point where she no longer needs the medicine. We're also hoping that he can give us some insight into her reflux, including tips for us to manage her feedings and maybe adjusting her medications.
Thank you and we'll keep you all posted on her appointments on Friday! Love you all!
9 comments:
Lots of thoughts and prayers with you Compton family! You have done a great job thus far, I am sure you will make the right decision for you and Campbell.
I will definately pray. Some of the photos you put up look so much like our preemie that has a similar story to yours. My daughter and I have both noticed that in many of her pictures, your Campbell looks like our Avery. Check out her blog and see if you think so too. http://miraclenamedavery.blogspot.com/
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jennifer P.
sending prayers to you all!
I love your cute picture, Campbell! We'll definitely keep you in our prayers as you make progress every day. You've got such great parents that make good decisions for you. Now get to making those red blood cells, missy. Love Heather, Patrick and Anna
Martha and Robbie, Please know we are praying for you and the decisions that you will be having to make. The three of you have come a very long way and I believe that is because of the power of prayer. Know that the same power of prayer is going to pull you through this and anything yet to come. I love you all very much. Well, maybe at this very time, I might just love Campbell a WHOLE lot more. jk of course. I'm calling the church now to put her back on the prayer list.
Martha, Robbie and Campbell, You are always in my prayers. I will pray especially for the decisions you have to make as parents. God has gotten you this far and I am sure He will be with you now. Hang in there Campbell, you just keep getting prettier everyday!
Love
Cousin Susan
We are praying for good news on Friday from Dr. Hansen (are you still seeing him?) That's my doctor too! We know that all the prayers will be answered because you are a special little girl, Campbell. Looking forward to playing with you when you get older!
Love,
Eleanor (down the street)
My family and I will have you in our prayers, for all to go well and for you both to have the strength the make the right decisions. We've been through this in the past and we know how difficult in can be. much love!
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