Well it is that time of year again...flu season/rsv season. What does this mean? Well at the Molnar's it means isolation. I was really hoping to skip it this year, but lets be honest, Luke isn't ready. I think it will effect me more than him, like usual. Back to no trips out just because we can. This year we hope to do some family things that we weren't able to do last year, but it all depends on Luke. Last year it seemed a little easier to stay at home since we had the oxygen and the monitors, but now he is cord free and easier to transport. But Jonathin and I need to stay strong with it this year.
In light of the RSV and lung infections we have witnessed the past few months, I don't think we want to test it. Two preemies we know have had RSV and another NICU friend has had a horrible respiratory infection that has put her back on the ventilator. Last year we were able to get the RSV vaccine Synagis, not this year. The doctors believe that Luke could qualify, however we had to fight for it last year right out of the NICU. Also it is $3000 shot each month for 5 months. Even with our insurance it is a $400 deductible each month....hate to say it we are not made of money. This just adds to our decision for isolation.
So we are just asking a couple favors if you come to visit Luke.
1. Please be up to date on your flu shot and pertussis. If you got the pertussis shot last year, you are still good for this year.
2. Please don't visit if you or someone around you has been feeling under the weather for a day or two. This is just covering us, just in case.
3. Please wash your hands and Purell them before touching or playing with Luke. This isn't just at our house either. Please don't be afraid to ask us either, because we have a bottle of hand sanitizer either on a stroller or in the diaper bag at all times. We've learned since his birth to constantly refresh our hands throughout the day.
4. Please remove your shoes when you come in our house. This is just courtesy to keep germs down around here. I mean think of all you can bring with you from throughout your day.
Hope that you can understand our wants and needs for Luke. We very much want to keep him out of the hospital, especially with the new tube. One less thing for us to worry about. If all goes well this should be our last flu season in isolation.
In other news, Luke is doing well with the feeding tube. We are still trying to figure out the amounts and times. His tummy needs to stretch and get used to it. He doesn't seem to mind the feeds when we tube him, it doesn't always settle with him later on though. The doctors don't seem too worried since it only happens once a day. So were still testing the water. He had his sutures removed today and did great. Now we can clean around the tube a little easier. I don't know which one of us will be happier for Friday...bath day. This kid is starting to put off a stench that we can't cover with lotion much longer. I don't know how we did the wipe down baths for 3 months in the NICU.
Also, Luke will be starting speech therapy soon. First Steps has added that to our schedule of weekly activities. This will help with his feeding and his speech. They don't want to wait too long before catching him up with his communication. We don't know when that will start, but hopefully within the next month.
That seems to catch everyone up on what is going on around here. Hope everyone has a wonderful gloomy Wednesday. It is good day to read, or do some school work around here if I can Luke on board.
Jordan
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