Caleb's Story

My hubby and I got pregnant with Caleb on our honeymoon. Everything went along pretty smoothly with just some really bad morning sickness until about 19 weeks. When I started just really hurting off and on. Getting lots of pain in my side, but putting it off as "growing" pains until a couple of weeks later. It was Christmas Eve when I called my OB's office and told them I needed to see someone - but all they could recommend since it was the holiday was to schedule an ultrasound or to go to the emergency room if things felt any worse.

On Dec. 26th I just could not stand the pain anymore. My hubby took me to the emergency room. When I got there they rushed me right up to Labor and Delivery. Started running test. My BP was 217/185 and I had protein of 4+. They told me my liver was swollen and that was what was causing all my pain. I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. And all they could do was schedule a delivery. ! We were just barely past the 22 week mark. The OB asked us if the baby was planned - like if it hadn't it would be somehow easier to lose? - we were not happy with her.

They tried to induce but Caleb's heart rate kept dropping. So they finally did a c-section. Caleb was born on Dec. 27th was 1 lb 3 oz when he was born and 11.5 inches. He had a pretty good NICU course all things considered. Was on a vent for 7.5 weeks and a nasal cannula for 6 more. He had hernia repair on both sides before coming home. ROP stage 3 but regressed and needed no surgery.He was in NICU for a total of 104 days. Came home on an apnea monitor and diuretics. He is now 3.5 yrs old. He has mild CP and just had heel cord lengthening surgery on both feet. Even before the surgery people could barely believe he had been that premature, and we believe after this he will not have too many more problems to show for his extreme prematurity.

Dana, WAH Web Designer, Mommy to Caleb Alan x 22.5 weeker, 1 lb 3 oz and 11.5 inches. Now 3 years old and 31+ lbs. And Camryn Brooke x 25 weeker, 1 lb 3 oz and 12.5 inches. Now 1 year old and 16+lbs.