Suite 869

*This is after the nurses got him all settled in,his first day there*

Derek had his own room at CHP(Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh)as he did at Magee,but this room was more like a suite..state of the art machines,computers,the building was new so it was all redone and was really done to feel more like home,to feel more comfortable in a exteremly stressful time. Derek,looked so tiny in his huge bed,almost doll like.John and I would spend countless number of hours here(me alot more than he,cause he had to work & care for JR-but he came wit JR or alone in the evenings)some good times,some really bad time,but each time was a blessing and we werent taking any of those moments for granted. Id sit and talk to Derek,about how proud I was of him and always tell him how strong and brave he was being,and of course that me and his father loved him to the moon and back! When we arrived here on August 21st,2010 we never imagined that we would be calling this 'home' for the next 4-1/2 mths..nor did we know that what lied ahead would prove to make us stronger as a couple as individuals as parents,than we ever expected it to..it was a life changing experience!!

Derek's first road trip!

Remember Buckle-Up!
(yep he's even wearing a seatbelt)






We arrived to what would be Derek's new 'home' for the next 4-1/2 mths.
As we walked the halls of Magee Woman's Hospital(where I had him)it was a strange feeling.I questioned myself weither this was the right thing to do for Derek.Is this the best,should we take the risk and transport him to Children's Hospital? Are they going to give us/help us in ways Magee wasnt able to or is this a losing battle? I got to ride in the front of the ambulance and John followed in our car behind. It felt like the longest ride ever,but I think it took maybe 20 minutes.(Notice the ambulance is called:"Guardian Angel"-I got chills when i seen the name-this is Derek,being loaded in at Magee)


Once we got there and they unloaded Derek from the back,we started walking towards huge doors that opened automatically..and in the transport team walked pushing Derek,as I follwed behind. We would walk through a long hallway and get onto a elevator and take it to the 8th floor,where the doors opened to the NICU(the back way that only staff and transports are premitted),two long 'hallways' all occupied by tiny sick babies....like Derek! No they all didnt have NEC,but they were all sick and all in need of a MIRACLE!



Arriving at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh



We meet with the day nurse and I was allowed to see them take him from the transport bed to the NICU bed(room#869) and then was asked to wait in the waiting area or go and grab some dinner,so they could check him over and get him settled in. I kissed him and then went searching for John,who was still parking the car and navigating his way through this huge beautiful hospital.(the walk from ambulance to Derek's room only took 3 minutes)John,was getting off the elevator as I was about to enter,I explained to him that the said,it would be a hour to go and get a bite to eat,we'd been at Magee early that morning to sign papers and what not,so we were in need of some food to give us some energy.

We ate our very impressively yummy meals,made some calls to family and friends and headed back to 8A..where our son lay waiting for us. Once in his room we were greeted by his day nurse,charge nurse and many doctor's soon followed! John,and i stayed for most of the evening and spent time with Derek.It's so hard to leave your baby alone,when he is so sick..especially when you dont know if it's the last time you will see him alive.I hated leaving,it made me sick to my stomach!!

Diagnosed with NEC

August 21,2010

NEC this is what the doctor's diagnosed Derek with at 1 week old on August 21,2010
Dr.William McCarren called and told me over the phone that he was sick with this and we needed to come in and discuss more..he was a very sick little boy,I was afraid of what lied ahead.

*NOTE PICTURES*


#1 Derek,before they found NEC-looks great for 2lbs 11oz & 10 weeks early!(always trying to pull something out,notice the finger grabbing the nose canula)





#2 Is Derek,right after they diagnosed him with NEC,receiving a blood transfusion-1 of what would be 15 transfusions,during the course of his stay!(notice the dark red in color tube,that he is holding, running into the IV in his head..thats the transfusion)





#3&4 This is Derek,the week after they diagnosed him with NEC he was 3 weeks old..I was allowed to pick him up and carry him to the transport bed..I got emotional,this was a BIG day! (Notice how bloated/swallon he was..every pic still makes me cry.)


What is NEC you ask?

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of them. "Necrotizing" means the death of tissue, "entero" refers to the small intestine, "colo" to the large intestine, and "itis" means inflammation. But knowing what the words mean is only the start of understanding this infant disease.

A gastrointestinal disease that mostly affects premature infants, NEC involves infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the bowel (intestine) or part of the bowel. Although it affects only 1 in 2,000 to 4,000 births, or between 1% and 5% of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, NEC is the most common and serious gastrointestinal disorder among hospitalized preterm infants.

NEC usually occurs within the first 2 weeks of life, usually after milk feeding has begun (at first, feedings are usually given through a tube that goes directly to the baby's stomach). About 10% of babies weighing less than 3 lbs.-5 oz. (1,500 grams) experience NEC. These premature infants have immature bowels, which are sensitive to changes in blood flow and prone to infection. They may have difficulty with blood and oxygen circulation and digestion, which increases their chances of developing NEC.


Causes
The exact cause of NEC is unknown, but one theory is that the intestinal tissues of premature infants are weakened by too little oxygen or blood flow. So when feedings are started, the added stress of food moving through the intestine allows bacteria normally found in the intestine to invade and damage the wall of the intestinal tissues. The damage may affect only a short segment of the intestine or can progress quickly to involve a much larger portion.

The infant is unable to continue feedings and starts to appear ill if bacteria continue to spread through the wall of the intestines and sometimes into the bloodstream. He or she may also develop imbalances in the minerals in the blood.

In severe cases of NEC, a hole (perforation) may develop in the intestine, allowing bacteria to leak into the abdomen and cause life-threatening infection (peritonitis). Because the infant's body systems are immature, even with quick treatment for NEC there may be serious complications.

Other factors seem to increase the risk of developing NEC. Some experts believe that the makeup of infant formula, the rate of delivery of the formula, or the immaturity of the mucous membranes in the intestines can cause NEC. (Babies who are fed breast milk can also develop NEC, but their risk is lower.)

Another theory is that babies born through difficult deliveries with lowered oxygen levels can develop NEC. When there isn't enough oxygen, the body sends the available oxygen and blood to vital organs instead of the gastrointestinal tract, and NEC can result.Babies with an increased number of red blood cells (polycythemia) in circulation also seem to be at higher risk for NEC. Too many red blood cells thicken the blood and hinder the transport of oxygen to the intestines.

NEC sometimes seems to occur in "epidemics," affecting several infants in the same nursery. Although this may be due to coincidence, it suggests the possibility that it could in some cases be spread from one baby to another, despite the fact that all nurseries have very strict precautions to prevent the spread of infection



Signs and Symptoms-(Derek had all these symptoms)
The symptoms of NEC can resemble those of other digestive conditions, and may vary from infant to infant. Common symptoms include:

•poor tolerance to feedings
•feedings stay in stomach longer than expected
•decreased bowel sounds
•abdominal distension (bloating) and tenderness
•greenish (bile-colored) vomit
•redness of the abdomen
•increase in stools, or lack of stools
•bloody stools
More subtle signs of NEC might include apnea (periodic stoppage of breathing), bradycardia (slowed heart rate)lethargy, and fluctuating body temperature. Advanced cases may show fluid in the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity, peritonitis (infection of the membrane lining the abdomen).



Diagnosis and Treatment-
The diagnosis of NEC is usually confirmed by the presence of an abnormal gas pattern as seen on an X-ray. This is indicated by a "bubbly" appearance of gas in the walls of the intestine, large veins of the liver, or the presence of air outside of the intestines in the abdominal cavity. A surgeon may insert a needle into the abdominal cavity to withdraw fluid to determine whether there is a hole in the intestines.

Most infants with NEC are treated medically, and symptoms end without the need for surgery. Treatment includes:

•stopping feedings
•nasogastric drainage (inserting a tube through the nasal passages down to the stomach to remove air and fluid from the stomach and intestine)
•intravenous (IV) fluids for fluid replacement and nutrition
•antibiotics for infection
•frequent examinations and X-rays of the abdomen
The baby's belly size is measured and watched carefully, and periodic blood samples are taken to look for bacteria. Stools are also checked for blood. If the abdomen is so swollen that it interferes with breathing, extra oxygen or mechanically assisted breathing (a ventilator) is used to help the baby breathe.

A baby who responds favorably may be back on regular feedings within 72 hours, although in most cases feedings are withheld and antibiotics are continued for 7 to 10 days. If the bowel perforates (tears) or the condition worsens, surgery may be indicated.

(THIS HAPPENED IN DEREK'S CASE)Severe cases of NEC may require removal of a segment of intestine. Sometimes after removal of diseased bowel, the healthy areas can be sewn back together. Other times, especially if the baby is very ill or there is spillage of stool in the abdomen, the surgeon will bring an area of the intestine or bowel to an opening on the abdomen (called an ostomy).

Most infants who develop NEC recover fully and do not have further feeding problems. In some cases, scarring and narrowing of the bowel may occur and can cause future intestinal obstruction or blockage.

Another residual problem may be malabsorption (the inability of the bowel to absorb nutrients normally). This is more common in children who required surgery for NEC and had part of their intestine removed.

The BIG day...Derek's William's Arrival!

August 14th,2010

8-14-2010 This Saturday was like no other. Started the mid-morning with slight discomfort,still thinking they were contractions.(not gas as most nurses has thought for the past few days) Anywho,they thought maybe I just need some fluids and so hooked to a bag of IV fluids I went,as well as being hooked up to the Fetal Monitor,for a hour or so,checked my cervix and it was still at the 2cm it had been since I came there. Had my little breakfast,wasn't very hungry and then took a nap. Woke and it was about 3pm and I still had the contractions,so I said I was taking a walk down the long hallway and wanted to see if that made it better,made it okay then walked to the nurses station and as I turned to walk away to go back to room,Anita,seen my face go white and the tears started rolling. She said to go back to bed and she'd call for Melissa(the OBGYN) to come back up and check me.Well from that point on until 4:15 they kept me in bed and on another IV and on the monitor,for contractions. That whole time I could feel them,but they only detected 2 contractions in that hour. Ugh,come on people Im telling you,Im having real contractions and they are becoming stronger and closer. They took the machine off and said lets wait and see,in a hour what happens...I told them,once they shut the door and walked away everything would start.Talk about being right on the money!

At exactly 4:20pm the contraction made themselves very known,Im talking about 5-8 minutes apart,lasting 30-35 seconds each. At 5 I told the nurses and they called Mellisa again and she came up and checked me,she couldnt see my cervix because I was in so much discomfort that I couldn't hold still enough,so she decided to just rush me down to the L&D (labor and delivery room) and check me there..well thank God she did that,cause while she was checking my the contractions were about 2-3 minutes apart,last a bit longer. Got to the L&D and they bed wasn't even fully stopped and Melissa swung open my legs and was like holy crap,get her into the OR NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
So off they run a few doors down with me..and with Melissa holding the baby's bum in,I was 9+cm and he wasnt playing around. I remembered to call John,as I was hitting the OR door,tossed the phone to a nurse there and had here tell him to come home NOW! (he and JR were in Ohio,enjoying a day of racing,like I asked them to do)After a HUGE PAINFUL contraction,I moved over onto the OR bed and they began shoving IV's in my hand and as I was having another HUGE one..while listing to Melissa,calming voice and squeezing the life out of a pillow I made it through the contraction and the Epidural,they did at the same time.(the epi,was nothing)The contractions at that point were smack dab on top of one another and they were lasting a while,maybe a full minute. OUCH!! They were different from the contractions I had with JR though,JR's weren't fun at all..maybe as strong but a totally differ place.These were from the top middle of my stomach,down the left side and in between the crack of my leg and out the who-ha! THEY HURT! They didn't even have me laid down and I was already numb and I couldn't feel anything,from my toes up to my neck-NUMB! The guy was talking to me the whole time,his name was Mike.He was telling me about what was going on,that was nice,cause I felt nothing in fact I barley felt them pushing and pulling.I had to if he was out twice,cause I didn't feel it happen. During this time Melissa was taking a few pic's for me and daddy.Elizabeth come peeking around the curtain,just before Derek was born and that made me feel even more at ease.There was a lot of doctors and nurses in the OR,I believe there was 30.
When Mike said he was here I heard the doctor say,'He's here 7:01 pm'! I looked at the clock in disbelief. WoW I just gave birth to my baby..and did it alone,dad had no clue what was going on,while heading back to the Burgh,and as all that rushed through my head I heard a whimper,no it wasn't a whimper,it was a full cry,that was just soft gentle and it was my baby boy!!! I asked if that was him crying and Mike,said,"Yes thats your baby crying" Wow at that very moment I had a tear trickle down my face. I was so overwhelmed yet relieved,because I knew that Cry was a great sign that his lungs were good,and he was okay!!

It seemed to take forever,for them to put me back together,though they did do a tubal while in there,so it took a bit longer. They brought Derek over for me to see once they did his vitals and cleaned him up..wrapped up like a bug in a rug he looked at me with his dark eyes wide open,and I was amazed at how tiny and and beautiful he was. Melissa was taking pics and I was even able to give Derek,a kiss. Before they cleaned him up and were finished with him,Melissa brought the pics over for me to see..he was perfect.After our first met they continued to finish up with me and took Derek to the NICU. I laid there for about 20 minutes while they did all they had to,thinking how damn lucky I was and how much life had just changed at that moment...and I was hoping Duke and JR made it soon. Once I was done they hauled me off to the L&D room again and there waiting was John's mom,she had just gotten there,two seconds before I was pushed in. At this point I dont remember a whole lot,and I was in and out of sleep,almost a drunk feeling,but a lot worse. I remember talking with here a few seconds and hearing her talk to the nurses,they told her I was gonna be in and out for a while..yea that was the truth. She sat and waited for John and JR to come in,which was maybe 15 minutes later. I was still in and out and cold. It was nice to have Duke there(and JR)even if I was sleeping.During one of my 'in' moments I remembered I didn't even call my mom and tell here,and it had been about 9:30 pm already I felt bad,but I was so out of it,Im lucky I remembered at all.

The New Daddy BIG Brother and Gram,were able to go and see Derek in the NICU,before I was able...that was a relief,knowing someone was with him. They stayed and visited a while with Derek,and then Duke myself and JR went down to the NICU together so I could see him for the first time since birth,as a family..it was nice. They took me there on my bed and I was able to see him for about 15 minutes,then I was taken back to my room where I needed to rest for the night. Duke and JR went home soon after I guess it was about 1 or 2 am maybe later. The baby looked good and we were all very happy to be a complete family of 4.Melissa,told John while I was in the recovery stage that she was holding Derek's bum in and that he shouldn't be upset or mad at himself,for not being there when I had the baby,cause from the time she tried to check me in my room,wheeled me to the L&D up to the moment Derek was born,it was 10 minutes flat! He would've never made it from home,and more than likely he probably would've made it for the birth,from the hospitals parking lot...it was a SUPER FAST Delivery!

August 14th,2010 What a Day to remember!!

DEREK WILLIAM SNYDER was born AUGUST 14TH 2010 at 7:01 PM
He weighed: 2 POUNDS 11 OUNCES & was 14 1/2 INCHES LONG.
He was here looked good and he was all ours...he is beautiful,perfect and a true miracle! He made me fall in love all over!

It's getting closer..

August 10,2010

The day we get to meet our son,is creeping up on us fast. I have my calendar out each day and "X" out the date as it ends..knowing we are one day closer,to one of them biggest days of our lives. I think it's going to be a bitter sweet moment..we want him here,safely and healthy,but we'd prefer it be a later date. We know he is in the best place,he can be and will receive the best care imaginable! We have faith in God and the doctors. John and I have decided on a date,and that being 8-24-10,if the doctors agree and they can book the operating room that day,then were set and it will be Derek's,official birthday!

Derek,will still be 2 months early,and I was told he will more than likely be here until his actual due date or close too,that being October 17th,2010. Then again,no one knows for sure and he could come home a lot sooner,perhaps later..all depends on how well he does,with meeting his goals! I know 3 of the goals are the following: Keep own body temp,eating without tubes,and breathing with out oxygen..anything beyond that I don't know. We had decided to pump my breast milk to feed him through the tubes,so he can get the most nutrients he can possibly receive...there is antibodies and such in my milk,that can prevent infections,etc. So I hope Im able to pump and eventually nurse him as he becomes strong enough to nurse. I set here typing this,thinking OMG-he will be here really soon,holy crap! I know I've been here for 3 weeks,but gesh,I never expected him so early..WOW! We haven't even started to purchase diapers or wipes yet,nor do we have a crib.I have a bassinet and a pack and play for the time being,but we will eventually need to purchase a crib,luckily no time soon. We have friends who are more than willing to help us out with getting things we need,thank God for good friends,especially at times like this.
John's,getting all the clothes I sorted through(2 weeks prior to coming in here) and taking them to his mom's house to have her wash them,so they are ready and it's one less thing I have to worry about! John,and I will set the rooms up with the baby's things when I get home after having the baby. Though I wont be able to do much if anything,I will be there to get the ball rolling and things done right! I also have to get to the store to stock up on things such as food,diapers,wipes and some other odds and ends. We are planning on having the living room and our bed room painted before we bring Derek home,so we don't have to rearrange things at a later date. Wow,I just had a flash of Christmas..it's going to be a special one this year for sure.

Jessica,has agreed to take day off of work,to come in the day I have Derek,she will be taking pics,for us. She's awesome,the bestest friend anyone could have.I know she'll capture many special moments..one's we'll treasure always.I needed someone to come in and take pic's,because my camera broke months back and we hadn't planned on purchasing one until Sept,but now with the unexpected madness,things are on a hold for the camera. I was borrowing my aunts,but she took it back to use,while they went camping. Jess,is a photo-fanatic,just like me so I know she'll do a great job,and take many! We decided not to tell anyone when my c-section date is,so that there aren't 50 people here. There's no point having anyone here,since he will be rushed to the NICU and even we wont see him for a few hours,while they get him situated and things with me finished.John and I really just want a peaceful moment between just the two of us,we went to let things register emotionally,with us before we have a rush of people with a million questions in our face. We know they mean well,but we've/I've been through a lot in the past few weeks. It's our right and if no one likes it,tough shit,kiss my ass. This insert kind of took a right turn,and went off track a bit,but I had a million things running through my head,and just typed it all out here. Possibly 13 more days,from today..it's getting closer!!!!

Bio Physical-Let me Out-NOW!

August 9th,2010

Today is a day of many answers,at least we hope.
They are going to measure the baby and see if he is growing and doing well.
Im excited to see what's going on,however I'm a bit nervous,that there could be something wrong,so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and saying a prayer.

Well the ultrasound was done early in the morning and I was told the following:

He is a bit smaller than where he should be,but no big worries.
Since this is the 3rd time in a row,without having measurable fluids that I would be having him at 32 weeks,not 34.

I could pick a date to have my C-section,and talk it over with MFM and have them set the date with the operating room. ( I can't wait to see If our date picked will work)

He has a great heartbeat,and is a strong little boy,that is still butt down..little brat.

Seen the baby turn toward the monitor and open and close his mouth as if he were talking..saying,"Let Me Outta Here,NOW"!!! It was too cute.

Tricks are for Kids..

July 29th 2010

The doctor's informed me today that,they won't let me stay pregnant past 34 weeks,due to the higher chance of infection. During my ultrasound I was told you decided to go and do a trick for everyone,and flip over and go breech. Are you serious,gesh kid your giving us the run for our money already and your not even here.Such a trouble maker! If the baby doesn't flip back over,which is very unlikely because of the fluid levels,or there lack of. So as of right now it's looking like a c-section,something I was trying to avoid. I enjoyed my labor and delivery with JR and was really looking forward to doing it again..insane? Maybe. So every night I have a talk with Derek,and tell him he will be grounded forever if he doesn't flip back over,but I guess threats don't work with him.So I've turned to begging..Please Please Baby Derek,turn back around for mama. Finger's crossed hoping he will flip back and stop with his tricks...guess it's true,'Tricks are for Kids"!