Last week the girls saw Dr. Rivera (Neurologist) and got a good report. He seemed extremely happy and somewhat surprised with how well the girls are progressing considering what they have been through and how early they were born. Rachel and Haley both had MRI'S at the end of October, so we went into this appointment with lots of questions regarding what the MRI's showed. Dr. Rivera explained the MRI results and said that Haley's grade 4 bleed had completely resolved. He said that the brains of babies who have had brain bleeds are able to make connections in other parts of the brain to compensate for the part of the brain with the bleed. We wanted to know how this would affect her in the future. He said that right now all they have to go by is how she is doing mobility wise. We won't know if there will be any effect with behavior or learning until she gets older. So far though we don't see any abnormal behavior. She acts like a normal baby. Rachel also got a fairly good report despite her diagnosis of PVL (periventricular leukomalacia). She is mildly hypotonic which means she is a little floppy (or has low muscle tone). Physical therapy will help her to get stronger. She has made progress with her mobility. She is doing so much better at rolling, lifting her head and getting up on her knees in preparation to crawl.
Today the girls saw Dr. Robertson (pulmonologist) who said the girls lungs sound good despite them being sick with colds right now. He doesn't want to see them again until May 2011. We hope for a healthy as possible fall/winter season.
We are so grateful for the good reports that the girls have gotten. It's so nice to get good reports. As a mom, I worry about Rachel and Haley a lot. I know that seeing how early they were born they are going to struggle with some challenges, but I hope the challenges will get easier and better with time. They have gotten better since being home from the NICU. I have faith that things will get better as they get older and stronger. The Lord has truly blessed them to this point in their lives. He will continue to bless them. I know that God will do what is best for our little girls, whether that they will be completely healed from all their difficulties or they will have challenges that we do not for see right now. The Lord knows the future, he knows what is best for the girls and he will do according to their individual needs and what he sees will be most beneficial to them eternally speaking.
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| Rachel being silly |
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| Haley having fun |
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| Haley and Rachel playing together |
Thanks for sharing the good reports! I'm so impressed with the strength and spirit of your two little troopers... and your entire family! Rachel and Haley look more adorable and happy with each picture I see you post!
ReplyDeleteGlad you got good news from the doctor! I love watching your girls continue to grow and thrive.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful girls...And an amazing update on their progress! God is truly awesome!
ReplyDeleteGreat news! And your girls are beautiful. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is SUCH a good feeling to get good reports! I'm so glad that you heard such good things from these two doctors - neurology and pulmonology are the biggies! :) For us, it has gotten easier and easier as Becca has gotten older. We've had a few rough patches here and there, but overall (at nearly 2.5), we go to the doctors a whole lot less - most have gone to every 6-9 months and a couple have discharged us completely! Sometimes it's so hard to "wait and see" about delays, isn't it? But you are right - the important part is that they are doing so well right now and making progress at their own rates.
ReplyDeleteRachel and Haley you are both just the cutest and such living witness to the amazing miracles that surround us, all things are possible through our Lord. I look forward to seeing pictures of you and your wonderful Mommy and Daddy :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful news!! I was thinking by the various pictures that Rachel might be a little "floppy" and you have confirmed it by telling us her diagnosis. Even though,in the picture with the purple dresses she is sitting very well. They both are!! All your efforts and prayers for these babies are paying off. Good luck with their continued progress.
ReplyDeleteGreat news!!! The girls are so darn cute and I love seeing how much they have grown and changed!!! What wonderful sweet little girls!!!
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