Jacob Tristan Price
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Jacob Tristan Price was born December 15, 2003 very prematurely. His due date
was to be April 19, 2004. His weight was just over 1 pound and he was 12 inches
long. He immediately had respiratory problems for which he was intubated and put
on a ventilator. This was the beginning of many challenges Tristan would
overcome in his fight to be healthy! What a fighter he is! He had many
procedures and surgeries in the beginning, some of which were patent ductus
arteriosis ligation, retinopathy of prematurity laser surgery, numerous
bronchoscopies which determined he had bilateral vocal cord paralysis, and
eventually tracheostomy placement. He remained on the ventilator until he was 4
months old and then moved on to continuous oxygen.
Tristan's road has been bumpy, but this young man has a 4 wheel drive
personality! He was initially discharged home with his birth parents, but the
challenge was too much for them. He was removed from their home and placed in
foster care with us after just one week of being discharged. We knew when we saw
him the first time that he was such a fighter. He was already attempting to
remove his oxygen line at that early date.
Later on in his development a feeding tube was placed in Tristan's stomach so
that feeding would be made easier for him. He gained weight immediately, but
this too brought more problems. His stomach did not react well with the new
foreign body. He began loosing his stomach contents and his vital nutrition. We
continue to struggle with this problem.
He still struggles with many lung problems. He has bronchopulmonary dysplasia
that makes him very susceptible to infections and congestion. He requires
frequent breathing treatments and suctioning and remains on oxygen.
He is very active and is taking a few steps here and there! He is truly a
miracle and we feel so blessed to have him in our lives. His adoption was final
August 1, 2005 and he makes our family complete with 5 children! He is adored by
all!
