This Week In Reid Review 12/3 - 12/10

At the beginning of the week, they started Reid on Sildenafil (Viagra) and have been steadily increasing his dose until he reached the maximum on Friday evening. He is now on two vasodilators (Remodulin and Sildenafil) and the plan is to start weaning him from the Remodulin next week. In researching Viagra and watching Reid, it appears that he has been feeling the side effects- diarrhea and raging headaches. Poor little guy can't tell us that he is experiencing discomfort, but his fussiness is definitely an indicator. They finally started giving him Tylenol after his daily dose of the Sildenafil and that seems to be reducing the headaches. Unfortunately, he has developed a pretty severe diaper rash. We have tried every concoction of powder, Vaseline, triple paste, and Aquaphor to no avail. On Friday night, the nurse (who made us promise not to leak her strategy) rigged a contraption to help aid his sore bum. Bryan and I returned from dinner, and she warned us that she was trying something unconventional. When we peered over the side of Reid's crib, we were greeted by our little guy's diaperless bottom sticking straight up in the air. His leg with his IV was wrapped in what looked like cling wrap and an air mask was strapped to his tiny heiny to give him some relief. It was quite a sight, but he seemed completely content....we didn't take any pictures for fear we would wake him up:)

First time in a swing

He loves his boppy

Not only did Reid's butt have a workout this week, but an Occupational Therapist (OT) started working with him on a regular basis. Because he was a preemie and endured so much stress during the first few months of life, his muscles are tighter than a normal baby and he has a tendency to clench his fists. In an effort to relax his hands, the OT first attempted to make hand splints out of a play-doh-like material that proved to be no match for Reid's strength...he busted through it in a matter of seconds. She then resorted to hand-sewing a customized splint with a suture needle (she's quite resourceful), which was much more successful. We are trying to be diligent about having him wear his splints throughout the day, and it seems to be working....he's already opening his hands much more and I'm no longer finding lint accumulated between his fingers.

Now that Reid is more mobile, it's easier for other people to hold him. After the grandparents had their opportunity, Reid's great-aunts were on the top of the list to get him into their arms. They have been such loyal visitors since the beginning and have witnessed first hand the good and the bad, so I was very excited for them to get their chance. They loved every second of holding the little guy, despite Reid peeing all over one of the Aunts. He must have been super comfortable because he christened the entire front of her shirt:) She was such a trooper and said that it was all worth it.

What a proud Great Aunt!!

Most likely peeing as this is being taken!