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When does it stop being so overwhelming?

Preemie-l discussion forum       http://home.vicnet.net.au/~garyh/preemie_forum/

Trudy responds, "Ditto the other moms who answered. I think Karin pretty much covered it all. And this is NOT trivial sweetie - this is your life! So no need to apologize. Tyler sounds like he is doing great, and so are you. The doctors make their recommendations based on the myriad of possible situations that you may encounter (or may never), so that you will be prepared. As his mother and the one who knows him best, you can make decisions based on how he is doing. And of course, as you know, you just "do it" because you must. You will make it just fine to your older son's football game. Just a suggestion (and you may have already planned this): my older son doesn't want to play football, so I'm not really familiar with the spectator part of it, I'm figuring in the outdoors and bleachers here. When he played baseball and I had an infant (FT this time, so I did not have the extra baggage) I would spread a blanket on the ground rather than sit in the bleachers. Then she could play and move around. As if infant baggage alone isn't enough, maybe this would give you room to spread out everything you need to take with you! "

Cheyrl M adds, "I know how you feel. Last summer we had to lug around all of Lucas's O2 stuff and every time I wanted to take him for a walk I had to reconnect him to this yukky portable O2 tank and throw that on my back and walk. Not to mention taking him in the car and making sure the darn portable tank didn't tip 'cause the O2 leaks when it tips! I know whatta drag it is.
BUT, I gotta tell ya, it DOES end! The O2 part anyway. Eventually Tyler will be able to handle no O2. I'm not a respiratory therapist, but I don't think it's a good idea to take him off oxygen unless you are absolutely CERTAIN that his saturation is good. Are you able to get a sat monitor? We had one once Lucas was showing signs of being able to come off. The oxygen co. lent us the sat monitor and I was able to slowly wean him as his sat's stayed above 90 for the most part. It's important that Tyler get his oxygen not only so he doesn't labour his breathing but also so he grows well and there is no damage to the brain. Sorry that I've rambled, but I REALLY CAN relate."

Liz aggress, "I can't imagine ever losing this feeling, perhaps it is how we can cope, it becomes a part of your life. As time goes on I am learning to live with all these new feelings, I just have to find the right place in my life to place them. We go along with our now normal routine, feeling very good with life in general, when all of a sudden these feelings pop up, such as Bridget's birthday, a very emotional day for all. I now look at these situations and highlight the positive things and I am learning to through out the negative things. There is no room in our lives for negativity, good things come from positive things and this is helping me cope."

Kelley remembers, "I know how you feel! I don't have any other children and I feel overwhelmed 99% of the time! I usually can't even sit still, I'm always pacing and very restless. I do believe that some day this will all be a memory, I just pray that that day comes soon for all of us.  God bless you!!!"

Jenny notes, "AHHHH.........when they leave home!!!!!!!!
I only suggest that- can someone else get your son to the football and you follow as soon as you can? We have done that before when my no. 3 and no.4 were babies. If the pulmonologist feels he won't need to see you again after this next appt. chances are Tyler is OK for a little while off his oxygen. It is easy to say" hang in there, it will end", because I know that at sometimes there seems no light at the end of the tunnel.
I read somewhere once that "If there WAS no light there, you just have to bloodywell stride down there and light the thing yourself!" I believe a Lady by the name of Sara Henderson said that."