Ryder Page

Ryder Aaron Page was born on December 30, 2007 at 12:12 AM. He was a tiny 2 LBS 9 OZ. and only 15 1/2 inches long! He definitely wanted to come, because nothing could stop him. Labor wasn't exactly easy for mommy, because Ryder wanted to come so bad that there was no time for anything to take away the pain or worries. Mommy was really scared for little Ryder. She was happy to see Ryder look right at her when he was born. It reassured her that all would be fine.

Four hours after birth Ryder pulled his breathing tube (ventilator) right out! He had to prove to everyone that he was tough.

The road hasn't been easy for little Ryder. Ryder's been up and down with his fragile health. Since Ryder is so preemie, is is prone to many things. Two of the major things the doctors don't like to see any preemie get is blood on the brain, and an intestinal infection. Unfortunately Ryder has had both.

The blood on the brain has caused much concern for the medical staff and others. The damage to his brain can cause many troubles in Ryder's future, but we are all keeping faith that he will beat the odds! From this he also has water on the brain that they are monitoring daily. So far the water is not to serious of a problem. We pray it stays that way!

Ryder most recently has had an infection that was a scare! It definitely wiped him out for a week or so. He got an infection in his intestines that was very scary! If not caught soon enough such infections can be life threatening to such a small preemie. If the infection was to grow and rupture, it could take a preemies life. Fortunately Ryder has amazing Doctors and nurses that were alert and caught it right in the beginning stages. Now he is still recovering.

Ryder also has a heart murmur that they continue to watch daily. They expect it to close soon. If it doesn't they have safe ways of closing the murmur.

He also recently had a IV infiltrate on his arm, that caused a severe chemical burn. They watch that daily as well to make sure it's healing properly. A plastic surgeon came and looked at it and said it shouldn't scar really bad. They have had MANY issues with Ryder's IV's. His veins are so small that they had a lot of trouble! But Friday they were able to surgically place a broviak (IV that lasts a long time) in the artery in his neck.

Ryder today (1/22/2008) is well. He is off the cpap and the temporary ventilator. He is now on nasal prongs and breathing room air. The nasal prongs blow constant air, reminding him to breath. Occasionally he has apnea spells that quickly go away after quick stimulation (usually a tickle to the foot).

We ask that you all keep him in your prayers! They are working! he's going to make it, and grow to be big and strong! We have faith in that! We love our little Ryder!