Another Matthew Update

Matthew was discharged November 21st with us doing the leg dressing changes three times a day: 6am-ish, 3pm-ish, and 9pm-ish. He was taking a bottle and we were to feed him ad lib, although trying not to let him go more than 4 hours at a time. It only took a few days of setting my alarm and then he did start waking in the night to feed on his own, so I stopped setting my alarm. Of course, then he started only waking once to feed, and with the extra rest I was getting I didn't mind . . . besides he has weekly weight checks at the family doctor and is growing quite good right now. He's doing super at bottle feeding, has some reflux issues, and we're are still working on breastfeeding. I have tried the supplemental nursing system and just started on Motherlove herbal supplement to increase my supply. I am not making what he needs right now but am supplementing my milk with the formula sample they gave me in the hospital as well as using up the stash of milk I was able to freeze when he was first born and I was making more than he needed. Hopefully he starts breastfeeding soon AND this new to me herbal stuff kicks up my production! I'm getting REALLY tired of pumping after every feed. So are my other kids! But breastmilk is best and formula is expensive - ooofta.

The dressing changes we had when we came home consisted of silvadene, vigilon, kerlix, and then a plastic bag over all of it to keep it moist (see first pic). We washed our hands, used sanitizer, and then put on gloves before doing it each time. The key to all this was to keep infection out - and we were successful! He had his first follow-up appointments with the plastics doctor (who prescribed the dressing changes) and orthopedic doctor (who will perform any needed amputation and/or recommend physical therapy) this past week. The dressing changes are now MUCH simpler since all the skin has healed (PRAISE THE LORD!) There is only one spot, instead of four, that require anything and that is what has always been the largest blemish and is behind the knee. All we have to do now is put a piece of vigilon on it and wrap enough kerlix on it so it stays on. We are also to massage the four areas several times a day, at least 2-3 with mineral oil or vaseline. He can take a full bath now, after being 7 1/2 weeks old! The orthopedics doctor said he's doing great and continues to be amazed at how well the leg is holding up despite it's rough beginning. She made a splint for him to help keep the knee straight and foot pulled up, that he is to wear when sleeping - which is still most of the day at this point. She said that the muscles seems to be regenerating as he can pull it up from the hip and if any amputation has to occur they can do it below the knee now - MUCH better for fitting with a prosthetic. (Versus the hip which is where they would have had to do it if infection had set in earlier as expected.)

Needless to say both doctors ordered more prayers because they're working. We know it's God that is working and are so thankful for everyone who has petitioned Him to do so!!! If you saw the leg before or pictures, just look at how good it has come along! It's amazing, a miracle!