Ryan’s chest is closed in, but the doctors did not do a bone graft because Ryan has another scheduled heart surgery between 18 and 24 months. They do not want to put in a bone graft just to cut through it in 12-18 months. So, OT made another turtle shell so Ryan can have tummy time. Here is the new model (the shell not Henry – he’s been around quite some time now).
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (8)
Turtle Shell!…This is so interesting! I just never thought of it before, but of course they would need to protect him. So, does he like his tummy time? I’ll bet he does get so tired of being in the bed.
I love to think of you guys holding him and lovin’ on him. I hold him too,… in my heart and prayers. I call him, and the others that I pray for, “my blog babies”!!!
God bless you sweet Leighann. Have a special day.
Love, Linda @ Truthful Tidbits
Will he ever get to go home???
He is precious. Your life must be so hard balancing 2 kids at home and one in the hospital. We did it for 2 months whle our youngest was in NICU, then during subsequent hospitals stays (including a heart surgery—double aortic arch, really nothing in the realm of heart defects I have learned)…..
Cindy
Oh meant to say of course it was not easy, so I can not even imagine having to balance as you have had to…for such a length of time, and for such the case as Ryan.
Giant hugs to you and your family!
Cindy
http://www.bernernewf.wordpress.com
ps 2 month NICU stay was due to prematurity, nothing heart related.
Way to go OT! I’m a big fan of OTs, but I am a bit bias and all :-p
How does he tolerate tummy time?
Neat! Does that interfere with his breathing at all?
Can he only be on his tummy for a certain amount before it is too much for him?
Does the OT just let him go as long as possible to build muscle?
The turtle shell does not seem to affect Ryan’s breathing.
He hates tummy time. We leave him there and let him fuss a little (oh, like 1-3 minutes). Then we flip him back over. It at least gets him used to the feeling and while he’s fussing he pushes up with his arms a little or arches his back… all good exercising. 🙂
I’m sure he must hate that belly time….so hard to do when you have been laying on your back for so long. Everytime you mention the turtle shell, I think of the kids show “Franklin”. I bet Ryan looks so cute when he is wearing his turtle shell.
~Wendy
That thing looks so itty bitty!
Do you have a sling? ‘Cause baby wearing counts as tummy time!!!
How is the boy doing?!