Benjamin, a tough former micro-preemie, was born at 23 weeks and 3 days gestation on February 7th, 2011 – weighing in at 1 lbs, 12 oz. He is a real fighter and has beaten so many odds, including PPROM at 19 weeks gestation. Ben suffered from severe retinopathy of prematurity which has left him blind. After 207 days in the NICU, Benjamin came home.
Some of his battles include:
- PPROM at 19w 4d gestation
- Born on Feb 7th, 2011 at 1 lbs, 12 oz
- Transferred to CHONY on March 8th 2011
- PDA ligation surgery on March 28th 2011
- On ventilator for just under 2 months
- On Bubble CPAP for almost 4 months
- Diagnosed with Chronic Lung Disease (CLD)
- Diagnosed with severe Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) – stage 3, zone 1. Had laser surgery, Avastin injections, and two vitrectomy operations – Progressed to stage 4. This has resulted in being extremely visually impaired.
- Dealt with two bouts of kidney failure
- Diagnosed with inter-cerebral hemorrhages (ICH) in his left occipital lobe and cerebellum
- Fought several infections, including a very persistent Candida fungal infection
- Had surgery to repair inguinal hernia
- Came home on September 2, 2011
- Receives Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech/Feeding Therapy and Visual Therapy through early intervention
- Completed treatment for fungal infection March 12, 2012
- Diagnosed with Infantile Spasms on March 27, 2012 – treated with Sabril (vigabatrin) successfully
- April 2013 completes vigabatrin treatment, currently spasm-free
His story begins here.
Amy & Joe, Chris & I have been following all the news since before Benjamin was born. And even though he came to you a bit early, with a “strong” name like Benjamin Charles, we just knew he would be a fighter. We have prayed every day for his progress. Every time Edie would call we would be so happy to hear and see the awesome pictures she would forward to us. We will continue to pray for all of you and now that he is going to be in New York it will make things easier for you both and for the grandparents too. Congrats and our best wishes for continued good health and progress.
Thanks so much Laurie!
I see the subtitle of this blog “Updates on one tough kid” as being perfectly applicable for years to come
So you got to NY OK…..blow some kisses to him for me!
Elsie
Elsie! Benjamin already misses you! I’ll give him a little squeeze for you
I miss Benjamin too….today when I came to work I went to his bed and he was not there. It did not seem right with him gone! You squeeze him for me, but watch that heartrate!!:) Love to all,
Elsie
We got lots of updates from Jamie & Elisha while they were in Chicago with us this weekend. Looks like he is growing and making progress. We’re rooting for you and sending hugs from the Windy City!
Cheryl & Vaughn.
Hi
I have nominated your blog for The Liebster Award. If you chose to accept it, and you don’t have to if you don’t want to, you can find more info on it here:http://mummyhoodmadness.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/passing-it-on-my-liebster-nominations/
Look forward to reading more
Best Wishes
Maria
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Thanks Maria! Will do a post on this soon!