Home on Oxygen and other Worries...

lildayzees

After my first post on this board yesterday about how it's been 8 weeks in the NICU and I'm just anxious to get us all under one roof again....now I'm nervous!

 DH went to the hospital this morning for a feeding, and he talked to the doctor who said that DS will most likely be ready to go home by this weekend.  (They told us this last week, so I'm not getting my hopes up.)

However, even though we knew that DS would most likely come home on oxygen, the doctor went into more detail as to what that entails.  Apparently, with flu and RSV season coming up, DS is more susceptible to them and will require monthly injections against RSV.  

I understand that I need to be careful, and I plan on doing everything I can to ensure that DS stays healthy while at home, but I can't help but feel sad for my 17-month old DD.  Does this mean that she can never leave the house either because of any germs that she might bring back from playdates and other outings?  What can I do with her while we're "under quarentine?"

I'm so grateful that there's an end in sight, but now I'm worried about everything else now.  And I can't help but get upset with myself (even though I know I couldn't have done anything to prevent his birth) for letting him be born early and with underdeveloped lungs.

 So my question is has anyone had experience with preemies being home on oxygen?  How was it?  And if anyone has any input/advice on how to handle my 17-month old DD, I'd appreciate that, too.

vsalt31

We came home on oxygen & apnea monitors.  I agree with PP, it was really rough.  I was so glad to be home, but I started to feel really isolated.  DH was working while I was at home.  Since all of my friends also work, I didn't talk to many people at all during the day.  When DH got home from work, I went out for an hr or 2 by myself (on a walk, to the store, etc).  Then, on wknds, we took turns leaving the house to run errands.  I also used the time to take care of some home projects (organizing the closets) that I have wanted to do for sometime. 
Not sure if this helps at all, but I think what you're feeling is really normal.  Wishing you the best!