The Slade Triplets

Isabelle Slade

Isabelle was born premature at 25 weeks 5 days weighing 1 lb 14 oz. She spent 102 in the NICU at Midtown Medical Center in Columbus, GA. At birth she had a brain hemorrhage that resulted in her developing hydrocephalus where the fluid around the brain does not drain normally. Due to her size she originally had surgery to place a ventricular reservoir so that the fluid could be manually drained. Once she was big enough she had another surgery to remove the reservoir and place a permanent shunt in that would drain the fluid on it’s own. She later had a shunt revision surgery that didn’t have the results her doctors wanted and another surgery was required to remove the shunt. While the shunt was out she was monitored to see if it was still necessary and luckily we found out it was no longer needed. She also developed hemiplegia from the damage to her brain causing stiffness in her left arm and leg. She currently has her orthopaedic follow ups with CHOA and receives physical and occupational therapy in Columbus. Shortly after birth Isabelle also developed Retinopathy of Prematurity where the blood vessels in her eye did not form correctly. During her NICU stay she was transported to Egleston in Atlanta to have laser surgery on her eyes to correct the issue. She has worn her glasses since she was about 10 months old. With everything she’s been through Isabelle is doing great now. She keeps up with her sisters with no problem.

Gracie Slade

Gracie was born premature at 25 weeks 5 days weighing 1 lb 6 oz. She spent 95 in the NICU at Midtown Medical Center in Columbus, GA. A week into her NICU stay we were called at home by her doctor and told we should come to be with her because they were not sure she would make it through the night. She had developed a very serious infection and her doctors and nurses worked day and night to make sure they did everything they could to help her survive. After a couple weeks of treatments she recovered from the infection and spent the rest of her time in the NICU getting stronger so she could come home. She is now a normal healthy 3 year old!

Emma Slade

Emma was born premature at 25 weeks 5 days weighing 1lb 2 oz. She spent 95 in the NICU at Midtown Medical Center in Columbus, GA. Although Emma was the smallest of her sisters, she has had the least amount of issues. She experience many of the normal issues with being premature, trouble breathing/feeding etc, but avoided any major complications. She is now a normal healthy 3 year old.