Severe neonatal jaundice...

[smallpeanut]

My son was admitted on to the neonatal ward less than 24 hours old. He was under 3 phototherapy lights and a blanket for over 48 hours. He then had another 12 hour stint. When we were admitted, his initial blood test showed his levels were well over 500, but luckily they came down with the light therapy, although a blood exchange transfusion was seriously considered.

We were home 7 days later. However, we keep getting referred back for blood tests. The first one was a routine one with a follow up appt. the second one was less then 4 days later as they cocked it up and now we have to have a third. We don't know why?

We were never told he would have so many blood tests. Obviously I want him to be ok and if that means a blood test every week than so be it. But is it normal to have so many? I feel that it is totally un nessisary. He is gaining weight like a trooper, he is a normal colour and he is happy and striving. They mentioned about possible liver damage but from what they last told me, his levels had dropped down exactly where they wanted them and they were no longer worried. So now me and oh are worried. We tried calling but they can't give out details over the phone anyway.

Anyone been through the same or similar? X

 

[sethsmummy]

iv not been through similar with being admitted but when DS1 was born he was like a little tangerine. he was 0.01 from being put under light therapy (in our opinions he should have been) and we had to have blood tests daily for 7 days after his Bili Rubben levels had come down to a normal level. I think its just routine to make sure there is no after effects. xx xx

 

[smallpeanut]

Thanks Hun. I assumed there would be more blood tests after we had been discharged, I just assumed they would give us the results. On the first initial access clinic, three weeks after we were let home, the doctor said his if his levels were fine, they would leave him be and just monitor his weight etc. so if they're having to re do them, that must mean there not fine. I just wish they'd tell us either way. Poor lad has his jabs next week, a blood test, then another blood test on the 1st may then a few weeks later and then on the 6th June... It just seems like they are worried if you know what I mean.

We've decided were not going to leave the hospital on Wednesday until they explain why he is having so many. Xx

 

[sethsmummy]

I would defenitely demand some answers hun. We were never retested after that 7 days of constant tests, so they must think something is going on or think that something may happen as a result of the jaundice.

we were never really told much apart from that he was o.01 from going under the lights.. andd then when they suspected that our blood had crossed over in utero so he had to go back for a second blood test in the same day. its really not nice poor bubbs. i remember the state of seths hands and feet by the time they were finished with him. xxx

 

[PandaMao]

I think it's odd they haven't told you why he has so many blood tests scheduled. My daughter had a lot of blood tests for awhile and she was in and out of those lights for the first couple weeks. They're not testing her anymore though and she's still at the hospital. I don't really understand why your son would need them this far on since he hasn't needed to go back under the lights since then. Definitely demand some answers the next time you take him in. I feel like you need a good reason to be doing blood draws of any sort, but especially on a baby. It doesn't sound like there is a legitimate reason to be doing them and if there is they better tell you about it!