Intro. and walking question
Carey, Jacqueline M. (NET2!PO2!CareyJ@aba.attmail.com)
Fri, 29 Mar 1996 15:01:00 +0000
I'm Jackie Carey, and my daughter Jessica was born on 8/24/94 at 30 weeks
due to preeclempsia and H.E.L.L.P sydrome. I have been following the
recent discussions on H.E.L.L.P. and have found them quite informative.
Thanks to everyone for their input.
Jessica was 1lb 6 oz, and 13 inches at birth. Jessica was in NICU for
four months, and suffered through NEC, pneumonia, a hernia operation, and we
thought she would have to undergo a procedure for ROP, but she avoided that.
She was on the ventilator for 70 days, CPAP for 2 days, and she went home
on oxygen. In May, she will have been off oxygen for the year.
We've been fortunate since Jessica has been home because she's only had two
colds and two ear infections. Even at 19 months she is still a lightweight,
about 17 pounds. She eats as well as most children her age, but she's
extremely active, so she burns a lot of calories. I am concerned that she
is not walking on her own yet. She cruises (actually runs) around furniture
and the walls. She also climbs up and down on everything. She will also be
sitting in the middle of the floor, stand up with pulling up on everything
and dance. What is driving me crazy is her refusal to take steps. The only
time she takes steps on her own are when other children are around
(unfortunately, that isn't often). Our peditrician is giving us to Jess's
next check-up before she recommends physical therapy (she believes part of
the problem is Jessica doesn't perceive walking as effective as crawling or
crusing.) Has anyone else had preemies who were rather late walkers? Any
ideas to encourage Jessica to take those steps on her own?
Thanks,
Jackie Carey