PREMATURE BIRTH, A GRANDAD'S STORY

22nd July 2006, The first 24hrs at Bury saw a quite restless Dilan, just as we thought she was settling she would struggle, particularly with her oxygen levels. By Early afternoon when we left the hospital things seemed okay, and you could tell that Jennie and Gareth were much happier with things, and planning an evening meal out together.Dilans breathing mask was taken off for some 40 minutes and she did really well, Unfortunately all this changed when Dilans levels dropped dramatically at around 18.30, so much so that the doctor was called and tests were done, nothing seemed to be showing but to be safe she had her oxygen put up in order for her not to have to work at all at breathing and after a while she settled to a safe level. The doctor believes Dilan is just totally wacked out after all the excitment of the day and have suggested she just needs TOTAL rest for 24 to 48 hrs, depending on how she does over night they may do more tests tomorrow. She has been put on extra nutrients and anti biotics to be on the safe side. So we will just have to keep our fingers crossed and wait for the next 24hrs.........

posted by Dilan's Grandad @ 10:10 pm 0 comments

21st July 2006 BIG BIG NEWS, DILAN HAS MOVED TO BURY !!
This really was the last big hurdle for baby and Parents, we all know that there is always a possibility that Dilan could go down a peg or two but we never think this and all always stay upbeat about her progress, and on that basis the move is BIG! We have visited this evening and whilst she has been a little unsettled because of the move she is now relaxing and getting back into the swing of growing big and strong.
In closing tonight I have got to say a few words about the staff at Addenbrookes, on behalf of Gareth and Jennie, DILAN, and all family members, the words thank you will never be enough but its all we have so a BIG THANK YOU from the bottom of all our hearts for everything you have all done for our little girl, you are all heroes in our eyes, I know you read this Blog so please feel free to feel very pleased with yourselves !!!
Secondly, I think some may feel I went a bit O.T.T with Bury, but the thing about a Blog is that you express your feelings at the time, and the situation we are in is very emotional at the best of times, I will in thier defence say that the unit at Bury appears to be another wonderful place staffed by more wonderful people, and I am happy that my little princess is in another fantastic place. On that note lets think about moving Dilan onward and upward to the next 24hrs ........

posted by Dilan's Grandad @ 7:52 pm 1 comments

20th July 2006, Pleased to report all is well and Dilan is coming along nicely, she has had a very "Normal" day gaining a little more weight.... what more can I say, except we are STILL awaiting a move to Bury, Whilst I believe that the folk at Addenbrookes really are doing thier best to get Dilan moved I can t help but think that just maybe Bury are deliberately dragging thier heels, whilst there was a bed and transport today, Bury had a problem with the "toilets and water" and could not admit her, I am beginning to think maybe this is financial rather than genuine, one really does wonder sometimes !!!! I did nt hear about an evacuation from the hospital !!!!..... Lets see what the next 24hrs brings

posted by Dilan's Grandad @ 8:30 pm 2 comments

19th July 2006, Have had an evening at home today, and not much to tell but as always that is a good thing. Dilan had a good night as usual, the only thing that happened of any importance was a SMALL blood transfusion, this morning to aid a slight bit of jaundice. Pleased to say that passed uneventfullyafter which she spend a long period of time with her Dad, and thats it, still waiting for a bed at Bury Im sure that will come though. So keep on doing what you re doing Princess..........onward to the next 24hrs

posted by Dilan's Grandad @ 7:27 pm 0 comments

18th July 2006, Just got back from the hospital (21.15) Jean and I both agree we have not seen Dilan looking so settled since her birth, suppose this may have something to do with the small steps that have been made today, she has gone back up to 6ml p.h. of milk, the max for her age and size. It appears that Dilan s weight may have been read wrong for the last few days, as she is 920gm and may have been for the last day or two, good news, also this afternoon she has spent an hour breathing on her own with no mask, this seems to have encouraged her to close her mouth when asleep, something she has nt been doing, "catching flies" some say ! New pics for you all, not great as Jen has had problems with the camera, its very temperamental ! Dilan is much prettier than the pics make her out I seriously thought about not using them !!
Just like to say good luck to "Other Grandad" as he is going into hospital himself tomorrow for a few days, Just think Keith dilan will look much bigger next time you see her !!

So now shes all tucked up for the night and we come to the end of another day, a real good one, so onto the next 24hrs .........

posted by Dilan's Grandad @ 8:29 pm 2 comments

17th July 2006, Well, in a way I am pleased to report that there is very little to report tonight, Jennie and Gareth have had Dilan registered today so you could say shes now official ! Doctors are still pleased with her progress and can, after another brain scan, confirm things are okay on that front , they have said that she will be kept under observation for a few days and if things stay stable the move will be on again ! So thats it really, "Watch this space". Onward to the next 24hrs ..........

posted by Dilan's Grandad @ 6:09 pm 0 comments

16th July 2006, Well as hard as it is to believe Dilan has done it again, she has managed to get herself back on track in 24hrs, yes the "Hole" is closing on its own, her oxygen levels have stablized and she has even managed to put on a little weight, 10 gms, and hopefully if the good news continues the move nearer home will be back on again........ we hope. Sam and robert please note Gareth is starting her young with the right team,as you can see from the tee shirt, we have even got her a baby cheerleaders outfit !!!!
So thats it really, once again Dilan has settled down to doing what she does best, FIGHTING THE ODDS AND WINNING, So onward to the next 24hrs with positive thoughts all round.......

posted by Dilan's Grandad @ 6:43 pm 3 comments