The Nose Hose

Well, we're back in the hospital. We took Hannah in for a weight check on Friday afternoon and she lost more weight so the cardiologist decided to admit her. I have to say I'm actually relieved. It was so stressful feeding her and she wouldn't finish a bottle and I knew she wasn't taking in enough calories or fluids and then the weight checks every four days, I think it was time. We tried, we really tried, to give Hsnnah as long as we could, the docs and I both kept thinking she was about to break out any minute and just start guzzling down formula but no deal. So here we are, on the pediatric unit at PSL for the weekend. We're hoping to go home on Monday. Hannah has an NG tube in her left nostril that runs down to her stomach, a nose hose, as one of the cardiologist calls it. She still nipples as much as she wants from the bottle but then the nurse just runs the rest into the NG. It's nice to not worry about how much she's eating. The hope is that we can stretch out her stomach and help her grow with enough volume and calories and then she will take over and start finishing her bottles. Now to just get Hannah to follow the plan. She will be going home with the NG tube. I'm excited to play with it. Did I really just say that? She has tolerated the NG pretty well so far, she did throw up after two separate feedings today. Big dramatic, retching, crying and choking episodes, it's hard to watch and I'm sure it's even more unpleasant for Hannah. I pray as she gets used to the larger volume she does better. That tube sits in her stomach and holds the sphincter open so I'm not surprised she vomits when she does. Overall she is still the smiley happy Hannah who charms all the doctors and nurses with her smile and personality. We had only been here for about two hours when one of the PICU nurses came over to say hi! Hannah has a fan club here. Much love to all, and thank you for all your prayers and well wishes!