Funny that Shannon wrote this morning about yanking tape off quickly when it is in our best interest...because I think that is happening in a way with Grant and his feeding problems.
We have a trilemma: Grant must eat for his heart and lungs to heal; and he needs to eat more than he has the energy to consume because he is recovering from quite a trauma. Furthermore, Grant has digestive issues so he is in pain when he eats. Because of these reasons, he refuses the bottle almost altogether, having learned quickly that a bottle = intense pain (all of this is common for babies who've been through what he has). So, to make sure he gets the nutrients he needs to heal and grow, docs put a feeding tube down his nose. However, the feeding tube only irritates his stomach and acid reflux problems further, thereby increasing his pain and the frequency of his pukes.
Grant threw up blood this morning. Shan got in to see the gut doctor and he drew a line in the sand with Grant--Grant must learn to feed from the bottle now vs. later as the tube is causing too much irritation. Shannon has to try to feed Grant by the bottle every 30 minutes today until Grant drinks a total of 100 cc's or until 5:00 p.m., whichever comes first. If 5 pm rolls around and Grant still hasn't gotten with the program, to the hospital we go to get him hydrated (remember he is on all sorts of diuretics) and to pick the bottle-feeding project up again while there. The hardest part is that Grant screams and thrashes and goes nuts when we try to feed him from the bottle.
Please pray that Grant's stomach, throat and psyche heal completely so that he can eat without the tube.
Please also pray that Shannon can have peace and rest in the midst of the tiring journey.
6 comments:
Hi Shannon Jim and Grant Samuel,
Well, a couple comments. First of all, what a great analogy...we all need to remember that in our own lives....
Seeing the pictures just filled our hearts with hope and joy...as outsiders, we do not know how its going...and to see God has given you moments of overwhelming love and peace...fills our hearts...
We trust God to heal Grant's throat and stomach...He will learn to suck and LOVE that bottle...He has the BEST teacher...GOD!
relax dear ones...He's coming along...I had a tube in for 9 weeks...it became attached to the skin doing down...it hurt when it came out...but healed literally overnight...amazing...We continue to come before the Lord on Grant's behalf.
Get rest when you can...Keep the Faith..
Love Sheila and Rog Shaw
Praying, praying, praying!!!
Shannon, Jim and Grant,
take care of all three of you. I know this must be so trying on you. keep the faith!
chris rn
I hope the intrusion of a caring stranger is beneficial...I don't mean to intrude.
We've been praying for Grant. My heart is breaking for you. When we adopted our daughter from China, she hated us as we tried to feed her from a bottle. Our trials are nothing compared to what you are enduring now. I am believing on faith that God will see you through this and that Grant will learn to eat from the bottle.
One piece of advice from a Dad of 4 kids...if the feeding isn't working and he's crying his brains out and so are you...set the young one down for a couple of minutes and step out of the room. He may continue to cry, but at least you'll have a minute to get your bearings. Sometimes, as annoyed as they are while you're holding them, a little break from you results in them being glad that you've picked them up again. Next thing you know, you're both feeling better.
May God provide you with wisdom and strength. He will see you through.
Shannon & Jim
Love the pictures, what a special little boy you have!
Just a thought about Grant and his feeding, have you tried letting someone else give him his feeds for a day? Babies are really smart and pick up on everything we are feeling, happy or sad.
Love to you all
Maxine
What a challenge you have in front of you. It is so hard to do what is best for your baby while they scream in protest and pain. I am praying for you during this day of struggle. May your Father give you the energy and strength to make it through each feeding. Just make it, you can.
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