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What is your experience with the NICU? Give & Get Support
Intensive Care (ICU) | Last Active: Nov 10, 2020 | Replies (18)Comment receiving replies
The anxiety has gotten better over time but it's definitely still there (and probably always will be). It's that sinking feeling that something else is bound to go wrong. I try to take a step back when I'm feeling anxious and realize that all kids have issues of some sort, not just preemies. Have to focus on what we can control. It does come back in full force if they need to be hospitalized though. We're doing the best we can to avoid COVID, especially because of her weaker lungs. She's almost 4 and is amazing at keeping her mask on when do have to be in a public space.
@lisa0713 , @slpb: do either of you still have that feeling that the other shoe is just waiting to drop and something go wrong with your preemies?
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I remember feeling more anxiety when my son was younger (as soon as we got home to about 2 years old). He had an inguinal hernia a couple of months after we got home from WI and I thought "you have to be kidding me, we have to go back to the hospital again". Looking back that anxiety was related to us living in the boonies and having to travel once again to a bigger city for services.
My husband (though he doesn't admit it), was the one who had anxiety. His evening routine included staying up until midnight every night and checking on our son before going to bed to ensure that he was breathing. He still does this 6 years later.