Gastroschisis bub

[zwan87]

Hi everyone My son Lucas was diagnosed with Gastroschisis at our 18week ultrasound, We got told the wrong sex as well which is apparently common in Gastro baby's. Its so hard to know what to expect especially when the doctors and ultrasound techs just say we will have to wait to see how bad it is when he's born. I did find out the average gastro stay for bubs in America is 3 weeks however in Australia where i live its 2mnths.
I was induced at 36 weeks at JHH, He weighed 6 pounds 4 or 2992kg's. I didn't get to see him before they whisked him away but i was prepared for that, my partner managed some sneaky photos.

Lucas' bowel was able to be reduced in ward (put back without an operation). He developed a hernia and had many complications being able to digest sugar and was put onto a carbohydrate free formula known as RCF (i think). I pumped for three months in the hope of breastfeeding. Whilst in NICU our days were spent by his bedside getting excited with every bowel movement and reduced aspirations.

Lucas continued to throw up all food until the scans showed up an obstruction in the bowel (Kinda a twist). Lucas had a operation to remove that bit of bowel and he started coming good again. The hernia was taken in the operation and a new belly button created which looks great.

In my opinion all the time in hospital is just waiting for your bubs bowel to start functioning normally before you can go home. This can take some time but its defiantly worth it.

We spent 4mnths in NICU before we came home and he was on a normal baby formula by then. He has just turned 1 and is going great looks like no complications other than a big belly but they grow into it. He's just like any other normal kid which is amazing because when he was diagnosed the doc told us to abort, so glad we didn't listen. We have to make sure he doesn't eat to much sugar and make sure he doesn't get constipated, yearly we will get his vitaman levels checked but so far so good.

I respect and sympathize with any one going through Gastroschisis keep strong and in the end you will end up with a head strong, determined (common of gastro baby's) bundle of joy.

[kristi14]

Thankyou for sharing your story, i think its important to hear of others experiences.

Im so happy he is doing well

[human bean]

It's wonderful to hear Lucas is doing so well, and thank you for sharing your journey with us

[Cassius2]

Thank you for sharing your story! That first year must of been quite a journey so happy to hear that he is a fun-loving toddler!