It really came as no surprise that Elizabeth did great. To be honest I knew that she would do well, but there is always that little seed of doubt.
After two hours of "testing"; Elizabeth scored in the normal range for cognitive and superior for language skills! Based on what they saw they don't foresee and learning problems in school- We shall see- I was several weeks late and can't spell or do math with "letters" or at least with more than one letter!
Before she was born I was given the "what to expect" speech with statistics and typical outcomes for babies born so early. I was told- she probably would not survive- about a 20% chance. IF she did she would have (not she might, but would) significant delays in something. She may not be able to see, hear, walk, or maybe just have serious learning problems. I am not saying there aren't lasting problems with her traumatic entrance into the world, they just are not those ( I do need to add that without the laser surgery done on her eyes she would have been blind). I also know what a miracle that she is and that MOST micro-preemies have very serious issues in many areas. Depending on what study you look at Elizabeth's outcome is between 1-9%. It is hard for me to think of it in these terms and I really don't like to. Survivors guilt? Maybe? Perhaps it is just another reminder of how close she was to NOT being here and how easily her life could have gone another way. For now I am happy just to remind myself when she is especially "out of sorts" that she is a miracle and I should just be thankful that she just painted the wood floor green!
and of course we followed up of clinic visit to where else but the NICU to visit some fantastic people!
Showing everyone her Disney picture
We love the St Joe NICU staff!!!
2 comments:
So great,
We are so happy that she did so well. Maybe Daddy can teach the girls what we call algebra, and there is always spellchecker (sp?).
Uncle John is with you on the spelling, Aunt Janessa with you on the math.
Take care and Delcia says hello too.
I am so happy to hear that she is doing well. She is truly a miracle and I believe her family's dedication to her has gone a long way. I remember your strength from when I visited in the NICU. It is so hard to know what to tell people about outcomes...I have been on both sides of that conversation now and I still don't have any answers. We were told that our boy would most likely have motor problems...doesn't seem to be the case yet! The truth is, for better or worse, there is sometimes no predicting. Your little Elizabeth has so much determination, she is a joy for me to see!
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