She is now 2lbs 1 oz and is 13 1/2 inches. She is 30 weeks gestational age today!


I just got the phone call from the doctor at the NICU.

Good News: Elly does not appear to have the more complicated and severe intestinal problem.

Not so good News: Elly has a fistula ( hole) that will most likely not heal on its own. It looks like surgery is very likely next week.

The Options: The doctors are weighing the options of waiting vs. surgery soon. If they wait a little longer she will get bigger, more stable and stronger. If they do wait however, she could have liver damage from the I.V. that is giving her nutrition. She could also have intestinal atrophy from part of her intestines for lack of use.

The other study: They are also considering another study for her colon. They would like to know what other damage if any there is to her colon. Since nothing has gotten past her top intestines they really do not know what is damaged in her colon. However, the study would require that she be taken out of the NICU into the other part of the hospital and that would be moving her around. She is still little and this would be problematic.

The Surgery: While its not a complicated surgery, there are no guarantees. There could be more intestinal damage than they thought and might have to cut part of her intestines, they might have to continue with the colonostomy bags until she leaves the hospital and lastly, it could all go very well and nothing would be required but the surgery to repair the hole.

Her vitals: She is doing very well off the ventilator with only minimal needs for oxygen. She has few bradies.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Elly. She is doing so well because of them.

With Love,
Gina