Tuesday: Archer saw a urologist for the first time. While he was in the NICU, Archer had a urinary tract infection and an ultrasound showed that he had a mild case of hydronephrosis of the kidneys. Since this ultrasound he has been on a daily dose of Amoxicillin to help prevent any future infections. For this latest appointment he had another ultrasound of the kidneys. The urologist said that the hydronephrosis was cleared and that he did not have any reason to see Archer at a later date or keep him on Amoxicillin.
Wednesday: Archer, along with Mom and Dad, stayed overnight in a hospital room for Archer's pneumogram study. They arrived at 4:00pm and stayed until 8:00am the next morning. Archer was hooked up to two pulse oximeters to measure his oxygen saturation levels. One was for recording and the other was to alert nurses if he needed assistance. These also measured his heart rate and respirations. Archer also had a cannula that measured his outgoing airflow. It was also capable of pumping oxygen if needed, though the study tested how well he would do without oxygen. Archer was content for the evening and played, slept, and ate as he would at home. His oxygenation levels stayed around 96 or 97 percent for the majority of the evening! He only dipped in the 80s when he choked a couple of times (once during a feeding and once while waking up and refluxing). His new pulmonologist and a respiratory therapist visited in the morning to see how Archer did. They were very impressed and gave Mom and Dad a call later in the day on Thursday with the results. The pulmonologist was comfortable with taking Archer off oxygen permanently, along with the apnea monitor! Mom and Dad opted to keep the apnea monitor for a few more weeks while they attempt to have Archer sleep in his crib, instead of a rock'n play, and use it as a safety net while Archer is in another room from Mom and Dad while sleeping. Mom, Dad, and Archer are all pretty excited to get rid of the cannulas and oxygen (except the cat, who enjoyed playing with the tubing)!
Thursday: Archer met with speech, physical, and occupational therapists again to help with developmental skills. Archer's milk intake has been slowly increasing and has been taking 2 1/2 to 3 ounces per feeding. The speech therapist recommended some teething toys to help him get used to textures for when he starts solid foods, and these will also help when he starts to teethe. The physical and occupational therapists were impressed with his muscle improvements as he holds his head high and steady and is using other muscles to help twist, turn, and explore. It shouldn't be long before he starts rolling over on his own.
Friday: Archer had a follow up appointment with the pediatric surgeon who performed the hernia operation and circumcision. Archer had his sutures removed from the incision. The surgeon was pleased with the results and he has cleared Archer from any future appointments.
Current Doctors and Medications: Since Archer has been able to stop seeing a couple of doctors and get rid of some medications, here is an updated list of doctors, medications, and other concerns:
- Archer sees a pediatrician on the same schedule as any other baby would for well check-ups and vaccinations.
- Archer sees a pulmonologist monthly, who is helping to take him off, or reduce, medications and to monitor any oxygen and respiratory needs.
- Archer will see a pediatric ophthalmologist again in 6 months to look for any concerns of eye issues that result from prematurity, though currently his eyes are "perfect."
- Archer has a follow up appointment with a neurologist. He will most likely be cleared from seeing this doctor for any future appointments.
- Archer is currently seeing speech, physical, and occupational therapists, which Mom and Dad hope to continue seeing through the winter months at home.
- Archer is taking a daily reflux medication, which was just reduced from 3 1/2 ml twice a day to 5 ml once day.
- Archer is taking a daily diuretic to help reduce fluid in his lungs.
- Archer is taking a daily breathing treatment to help his lungs mature.
- Archer will receive preventative RSV shots, once a month, when the season begins in the fall.
All in all, Archer is surprising many with the numerous accomplishments he has achieved since his premature birth and leaving the NICU, thanks to many doctors, nurses, family, friends, and prayers!
Archer all hooked up during the pneumogram. That bundle of
wires was pretty heavy and made diaper changes difficult!
Archer's head control during tummy time has greatly improved!
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