Michael had a tough day yesterday. First we had to go to the pediatrician where he got his third Synergis shot to help him prevent get the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This virus is carried by most children, but could be lethal for micro-preemies. This is the reason he is not supposed to be around children and this is why he gets a monthly shot (this virus is dangerous year round in Florida, in most other states it is seasonal). Every shot is $1000 and the Insurance companies are giving South Florida preemie moms a hard time, since they don't realize it is year round in Florida and therefore these shots are being denied. Luckily our pediatrician made sure Michael's shot was covered. Michael wasn't happy! He was poked so many times in the NICU but he is not used to it anymore, and he is getting more sensitive. When the nurse gave him the shot, his face became so red and after that he SCREAMED (the loudest I have ever heard him!!! His voice has still not recovered from his 3 months intubation). He is now 8 pounds, 14 ounces!!!
Only two hours later we had an audiologist appointment. The hearing test took about 4 hours!! Michael had to be quiet, so sleeping was the best way for him to do the test. Obviously (he is a baby) he is not a good sleeper, so it took a long time. I must say that he did really good!!!
The test resulted in moderate hearing loss in one ear and severe hearing loss in the other. They measured hearing aids for him and he will have them in about 3 weeks. Since Michael did hear when he was born, the audiologist thinks the hearing loss is caused by all the infections he had and all the medications (especially the vancomycin).
Robert was very happy with the result (he was already thinking cochlear implants), I was a little disappointed. I thought this hearing loss was temporary for some reason (no medical reason) and was disappointed he will need these aids for the rest of his life. But at least he can hear some. We can't wait for him to get the aids and see if it has an impact at all on the way he reacts now.
Our friend Claudia, calls Michael the 'million dollar' baby. We received the NICU bill and it ended up costing $903,000!!! With the PICU bill still on it's way, the nursing care, milk fortifier and now the hearing aids, (which are not covered by insurance - and he needs about 3 or 4 pairs the first year) he will definitely pass that magic amount!! Our 'million dollar' baby is our magic baby and worth every penny of it!!!
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WOW, Michael sure is growing up fast! 8lbs?!! That is awesome!!
I have to tell you that with the hearing aids you should definitely notice a difference in the one ear but with a severe hearing loss this can be difficult. Ashton was in the severe to profound range and although we did notice reaction to VERY loud sounds it was not enough to learn speech and language. That is why we chose to go the implant route.
I do have to say that after six months of him wearing them consistently if you don't notice anything ask about the implant process. It has been AWESOME! I still cannot believe when Ashton turns to me clicking my tongue or something quiet! It is just amazing! He never turned with the aids to anything like that including my voice.
Million dollars eh? Holy cow! I wonder how much Ashton's was considering he spent 9 months in the hospital......
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