Hi Elise -
I wish I could think of some really good advice for you! I know you've already done the hard part - deciding to get the tube. And I know that you'll find your way through the process, and so will Froggy.
Emily was littler when she got hers, and she just rolled with it. I do remember some pain meds while she was in the hospital, but she had only tylenol when she got home, and that was enough. I may have blocked it out, but I really don't remember any moaning or groaning about pain! She figited with the tube a few times, but then just ignored it. (Except for the time she sucked on the end of it like a straw, and it wasn't clamped...yuck!)
This will be different for Froggy. She's old enough to know the difference. I'm sure you've already answered her questions, so just keep doing that, as honestly as you always do.
One thing that was problematic for us...no one in the hospital could find the right size/type of extension adapter to hook Emily up the first night...so she didn't get a full feeding, so we had to stay an extra night. It's worth asking before hand to see the apparatus and the extension, and make sure they work together. I would hope this was just a fluke for us, but you never know.
I'd try to make sure that the "home health plan" in in place before you even enter the hospital. Who is bringnig you the pump and the first shipment of formula? Will the right extension sets be ordered (get the ones that match the button or tube if she's getting the long one)Are the bags ordered. Will you need an IV pole to hang the bags on. I had to set all this up in the hospital with a cranky kid and after getting no sleep! I was frazzled and didn't fill out some insurance papers correctly... so if you can, do all that today.
Beyond that, plan to just do what you have to do to keep Froggy comfortable and entertained. (Uuuugh, flashbacks of Wiggles marathons just danced in my head!)
We use Pediasure with baby formula powder added bacause Emily couldn't tolerate the Resource Just for Kids stuff. We tried it for a month and she threw more of it up than she digested. You may have some trial and error to find the right combo.
When I was in your shoes, Jane from this site told me that I would cry when I saw the tube the first time, and then I'd cry again a week or so later, some night when I was hooking my baby to a machine. She was right, and I still do have moments of sadness looking at the tube and the pump in her room. It's just another outward reminder of this stupid disease. And at times I hate it.
But, looking at her now, almost ready to be weaned from the tube...I wouldn't change a thing. You'll get there too.
Prayers for you and Froggy on Thursday.
PM or email (tdraxler@yahoo.com) if you have any specific questions.
I wish I could think of some really good advice for you! I know you've already done the hard part - deciding to get the tube. And I know that you'll find your way through the process, and so will Froggy.
Emily was littler when she got hers, and she just rolled with it. I do remember some pain meds while she was in the hospital, but she had only tylenol when she got home, and that was enough. I may have blocked it out, but I really don't remember any moaning or groaning about pain! She figited with the tube a few times, but then just ignored it. (Except for the time she sucked on the end of it like a straw, and it wasn't clamped...yuck!)
This will be different for Froggy. She's old enough to know the difference. I'm sure you've already answered her questions, so just keep doing that, as honestly as you always do.
One thing that was problematic for us...no one in the hospital could find the right size/type of extension adapter to hook Emily up the first night...so she didn't get a full feeding, so we had to stay an extra night. It's worth asking before hand to see the apparatus and the extension, and make sure they work together. I would hope this was just a fluke for us, but you never know.
I'd try to make sure that the "home health plan" in in place before you even enter the hospital. Who is bringnig you the pump and the first shipment of formula? Will the right extension sets be ordered (get the ones that match the button or tube if she's getting the long one)Are the bags ordered. Will you need an IV pole to hang the bags on. I had to set all this up in the hospital with a cranky kid and after getting no sleep! I was frazzled and didn't fill out some insurance papers correctly... so if you can, do all that today.
Beyond that, plan to just do what you have to do to keep Froggy comfortable and entertained. (Uuuugh, flashbacks of Wiggles marathons just danced in my head!)
We use Pediasure with baby formula powder added bacause Emily couldn't tolerate the Resource Just for Kids stuff. We tried it for a month and she threw more of it up than she digested. You may have some trial and error to find the right combo.
When I was in your shoes, Jane from this site told me that I would cry when I saw the tube the first time, and then I'd cry again a week or so later, some night when I was hooking my baby to a machine. She was right, and I still do have moments of sadness looking at the tube and the pump in her room. It's just another outward reminder of this stupid disease. And at times I hate it.
But, looking at her now, almost ready to be weaned from the tube...I wouldn't change a thing. You'll get there too.
Prayers for you and Froggy on Thursday.
PM or email (tdraxler@yahoo.com) if you have any specific questions.