We love Gaviscon!!

After last weeks disappointment, it was decided that Thomas should be given thickener in his bottle feeds or before any breastfeeds to assist his Reflux. However, after a couple of days, Thomas seemed to lose all interest in breastfeeding because the thickener seemed to fill him up. By Friday, we were considering moving completely over to full bottle feeds because he would be at risk of losing weight and this would be another reason to extend his time in hospital.

Thankfully, when the nurse told the doctors this at the Grand Round (the weekly get together of all the consultants, registrars and doctors) they decided that this would be a huge shame and instead of Carabel, prescribed Thomas a small dose of Gaviscon following each feed.

Almost immediately, Thomas started breastfeeding well again and by Sunday had gained another 5ozs reaching a mighty 5lb 9ozs. We were allowed to stay in the parent's accommodation again and Thomas stayed in the bedroom with us. Initially we were going to stay for two nights but ended up staying for four nights because we didn't want to leave him.

The last hurdle was a repeat of the desaturation test. They did this on Sunday night and although he still had over 400 desaturations, none of them were low. The main difference when compared to the previous test was that when he did desaturate, he was able to bounce back up to normal much quicker.

Monday morning arrived and we waited patiently for his consultant to come and review the test....and yes you've guessed it, he passed!!

Thomas was finally discharged late Monday afternoon after they had done all his paperwork and dispensed his drugs. He needs to take one once a week, three once a day, one every six hours and one after each feed so you can imagine how many we've got!

We were elated and couldn't believe that after 12 weeks or 83 days to be exact, we were finally going to bring home our baby boy. To be honest, the last few weeks have become a bit of a blur which is probably a good thing and if we ever need reminding of how lucky we are, we've always got this blog.

In a funny way, we are a little sad to leave hospital because we've made some great friendships with other parents, doctors and nurses. However, we will continue to keep in touch with Martin & Tilly; Safina & Mushood; Debbie & Gill and look forward to watching all our children grow up together especially since they all had such a traumatic start in life. Come on Jack, Tom and Dan, Thomas can't wait to until you escape too!!

Before today's pictures of Thomas going home in his special carrycot which can go in the car, there's just one final thing to say and that is THANK YOU to you all for your support and kind thoughts. Without them, I don't think we would have coped quite so well. We have obviously thanked all the NICU staff at St Peter's Hospital already but I think it would be fitting to say THANK YOU to them again on this blog.

Now the fun begins and Thomas can't wait to meet you.....