new granddaughter

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 11:15 am

I hope the feeding tube will help her to gain weight. My first reaction was that she might try to pull it out. The other concern is that the area can easily get infected. I hope all goes smoothly and, as Lesley wrote, she'll enlarge her stomach capacity and begin eating more.

Gloria

Martha · Post by **Martha** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 11:49 am

Gloria, it's pretty well taped on to her face. Is the danger of infection from the tape on her face, or is there something else that we should be watching out for?

It hadn't occurred to me that Abigail might not be eating because her stomach is small. Now that I think of it, that seems like a logical thing.

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 12:25 pm

I was thinking that the opening for the feeding tube was surgically created in her stomach, but it sounds like it is going through her mouth into her stomach.

My mother's feeding tube was inserted through an opening surgically made in her abdomen. The infection risk was at the opening. It's very common for nursing home residents with feeding tubes to have infections.

Gloria

Martha · Post by **Martha** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 12:58 pm

Yes, it's a tube snaked through her nose, down into her stomach. We thought they might put in a tube straight into her stomach, but that does involve surgery. My guess is that the doctors think that Abigail does not need such drastic intervention, and that she will be able to learn to eat after some time with the nasal tube. I don't know if she will try to pull at the tube on her face. I hope not.

maestraz · Post by **maestraz** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 8:25 pm

Martha, I have thought of Baby Abigail many times over the past months, and have looked for your posts about her. Sending all good hopes that she will thrive and grow, and that her parents will be able to find some equilibrium/relief after the last rough months. Kudos to them...

Martha · Post by **Martha** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 6:43 pm

Ugh. Now Abigail has pneumonia. She was very wheezy yesterday and this morning at church, so they took her to Urgent Care late this afternoon. The doctor says she has pneumonia, but the feeding tube is still in correctly. So apparently it is just a nasty coincidence. Or she aspirated some of the thickened milk that she took by mouth--her one mouth feeding per day. Mama is out looking for a pharmacy that is open on Sunday evening to get her antibiotic prescription filled.

Does it never end??

I'm discouraged.

Martha

maestraz · Post by **maestraz** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 6:54 pm

OH, boy. That's rough. Your family has been riding a roller coaster these last months. But, seems like Abigail, along with her parents and grandparents, are hanging tough. Sending good karma to all.

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:21 pm

Oh, how unfortunate, Martha! I can't even imagine a baby with pneumonia. And a feeding tube on top of it. I hope she gets over it quickly. I feel for the entire family; this is too much.

Gloria

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:48 pm

Martha,
It's so rough, but when Abigail gets older you will see the reward. Down's kids are the most loving and lovable you can find. As she grows many of the difficulties you are facing now will resolve, and she will give you more joy than you can imagine!

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 10:20 pm

Hello Martha---just caught up on news-----my prayers are with all of the family----
please do keep us updated--

luve Barbara

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 7:13 am

I do hope there is improvement today.

Love, Shirley

susan · Post by **susan** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 8:56 am

Thinking of you and your family, Martha, and praying that Abigail will feel better very soon.

Martha · Post by **Martha** » Wed Feb 01, 2012 11:39 am

Abigail is getting better. She's had antibiotics, a steroid, and breathing treatments. Her oxygen level was down to 90 Monday morning, but it went up to 95 after the breathing treatment. Her mom says she still has a rattle in her lungs, but is happy and playing.

Thanks for your prayers, good wishes, and concern.

Love,
Martha

Stanz · Post by **Stanz** » Wed Feb 01, 2012 12:03 pm

Good to hear of Abigail's progress, Martha, thanks for checking in and updating us.

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Wed Feb 01, 2012 4:47 pm

I'm so glad to know that she's improving. Thank you for keeping us informed.

Gloria