Stage 3 ROP and Swallowing

How do you deal with a day like today? If I figure it out, I will let you know. Unfortunately it has only just begun.

It started by Emily latching on...yes, you read that right. We put her to the breast just hoping she would stick her tongue out and get the idea that milk comes from the breast. Then she up and started sucking and even swallowed. She shouldn't be able to do that yet. She even got enough that they had to alter the cc's they gave her at her next feeding.

Then the surgery. Emily has stage 3, level 2 ROP for those who know what that means. For the rest of us, ROP is a way to describe the condition of a premature baby's eyes (since they never had a chance to form). Stage 1 means they will be near-sighted and need glasses. Stage 5 means they will be blind. Stage 3 means the blood vessels are growing incorrectly and have formed scar tissue. They are going in with the laser to try to stop the growth of the blood vessels and hopefully prevent her from going blind. Best case scenario she will have bad vision and need glasses (legally blind...but don't let that scare you too much, her Dad is legally blind). Worst case scenario, it doesn't work and she continues to progress toward stage 5. Statistics say its a 50/50 shot.

Honestly, the drs are more worried about her getting sedated. If she can't keep breathing, they will need to reintebate her and we will start over with the entire vent process. She will also not be able to breast feed. In fact, she is back on the IV until she is conscious enough that they feel comfortable giving her food again. Will update when we know anything.