Thursday, December 27, 2007

Thursday, December 27. 2007 - Update

I just have probably a few minutes to write this update as Olivia hasn’t let me be out of her sight all day. She had to have 4 vaccinations (3 shots) along with a bunch of blood work today. Poor thing is one cranky baby. Of course, none of those shots were her Synagis shot as we are still waiting on its approval. She had one Synagis shot in November while still in the NICU, so I don’t know what the hold up is. I am so very frustrated by it and don’t know who to direct my anger at. I’ve called our insurance company and left a message in hopes that I hear back from them tomorrow. This is ridiculous and I feel that it’s putting her health at risk. Don’t be surprised if we limit our visitors even more so until she at least gets her second shot. I just thought that because she was a 23 weeker (who also lost her twin brother) that the medical and insurance field would make sure she was better protected or at least help us to do so. At least today at the pediatrician’s office we were able to wait in a separate room instead of in the waiting room with a whole bunch of sick kids. But, when you request it, they look at you like, “Why should your child get special treatment?” Um. . . .do you want me to start listing off the many reasons why? I’m just a mom trying to protect her child that’s already been through too much.

Well, this update has taken me about 3 hours to write because Olivia just wants her mama to rock her. This will be an interesting night. But, before I forget. . .she now weighs 6 lbs 6 oz and is 18 ¾ inches long. This puts her in the 25th percentile on the preemie chart (not the full term chart.) I believe her head circumference is in the 10th percentile. We are very pleased with her growth and pray that she continues to grow bigger and stronger and healthier each day.

5 comments:

Kellars Mommy said...

I can not believe you are having a hard time getting approved for the 1st round..I would be fuming, I was upset when they gave me a run-a-round on Kellars 2nd year ( it took him getting rsv and being hospitalized )until finally they realized he needed it..Shots are never a fun thing to have to watch your child get, I feel terrible when Kellar gets them..My lil man is sick and very clingy..Praying that the germs stay away until you can get those rsv shots...

Anonymous said...

does your county have a Birth to Three or Public Health Department with a Special Needs Division. Many times micro-premies will qualify automatically for these services. Not that Olivia needs them for developmental issues at this time, but they might be excellent resources to help fight the insurance battle. Another idea might be to contact your home health agency...are you using one for the home oxygen equipment...they sometimes have visiting nurses. One last suggestion would be to get in touch with the case worker/social worker that you worked with in the NICU...she is already used to fighting with your insurance company and fought for the 1st shot.
Not to be an alarmist (but i work with kids like Olivia every day), i would limit ALL visitors until she gets her shot. Good luck to you!!

Anonymous said...

Well that's not good. How crazy, she should be first on that list. Jeeeeeeez!
I"m glad that she is continuing to grow and gain weight! What a celebration we'll have when she hits the 10 pound mark! Her day is coming...
Well shoot, I don't know what to say, I don't want to say bring on the shot, but in this case, you almost need to. God knows what he's doing...
Love you all!
Stay Strong and BIG,
Shea♥

Anonymous said...

Don't feel one bit bad about asking for a special room for Olivia to wait in! We too get weird responses when we do the same thing (We also have a big red sign posted on the front door and on our son's carseat that say STOP, please do NOT touch me before washing your hands) Our son is 10 months old and I know people think we are being way too overprotective of him by not taking him out in large public places during RSV season, but they just don't understand what micropreemie parents have gone through and how scared we are of returning to the hospital!!

Keep pushing about the RSV shot. If she received the 1st shot in the NICU, I'm surprised she is not already qualified. All of those who posted already have really good ideas. Keep calling all of your options!! We will be praying that she can get the shot as soon as possible!! And we will also be praying about peace for you... I know I always felt like I wasn't doing enough when these kind of mishaps with drs, insurance,etc would happen and I would get so worried. The Lord is watching over Olivia. Whenever I see something that makes me nervous (a dr forgetting to wash his hands, someone coughing, etc) I just have to say a prayer that God will protect our little ones!

Anonymous said...

What insurance do you have? I have family who works in an insurance department and fought hard for insurance to pay for some of my preemies services. Let me know and I will see if she works with that company.