preemie-l RE: Pain
AngieRuttr@aol.com
Wed, 12 Jun 1996 15:35:25 -0400
Sarina (25 weeker, now almost 5) does seem to have a bit of tactile
defensiveness. Not enough to interfere with normal life, but enough to annoy
her, (and us). Tags in her clothes drive her nuts. I've noticed, too, that
she hears and sees absolutely every single detail. . .even things that we
often miss. She too, is not a hugger. . . something that I have shed many
tears over. She squirms away when held. I always figured that it had
something to do with the fact that I couldn't hold her for the first two
months of her life. She never was a snuggly baby, and even now I find myself
wanting to have another baby just so I can have the snuggling I missed with
Sarina. Does anyone know if her lack of affection is indicative of emotional
problems in preemies or if preemies are more prone to emotional problems????
She seems well-adjusted otherwise. . .mostly happy, plays well alone or with
others, and very verbal.
As for pain. . . Sarina sheds long, loud tears over the slightest hurt. I
still remember the NICU nurses telling us that she would not remember her
pain, since preemies, esp. really early ones do not have the capacity to feel
or process pain. I was skeptical then and now. We are just thankful that she
had less pain than most 25 weekers. She had no surgeries. . .just countless
IV's and heel sticks for blood gases.(sometimes every hour). Her little heels
are covered with scar tissue, and you can see faint scars on the tops of her
feet where they had the IV's.
Angie Rutter----mom to "princess"Sarina (25 weeker, now 4 3/4)