Nikolka came into the world three months too early. The initial shy joy of her early arrival was very quickly replaced by fear and a fight for her fragile life. The premature birth was not without consequences. Nikolka had breathing problems, later digestive issues, and a diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP). Despite what Nikolka has gone through since birth and continues to go through daily, she is a ray of sunshine for her family, without whom they cannot imagine their lives. Her family manages the demanding care that Nikolka's condition requires with patience and love. Thanks to financial assistance, Nikolka will be able to attend a stay at the ADELI rehabilitation center in Piešťany.
Nikolka was born prematurely at 24 weeks, a baby with an extremely low birth weight of 580g and 29cm. She had to fight from the very beginning. The biggest problem was atelectasis – the unventilated portion of her upper right lung. As a result, she ultimately had to be intubated for over two months. Doctors told the parents she would need an oxygen machine to breathe, but fortunately, everything turned out well on the 24-hour monitor, and she was able to breathe on her own.
Worse news came on the third day after Nikolka's birth, when the head doctor announced the sad news to the parents that they should come to say goodbye to Nikolka, as her fragile body would not be able to make it past midnight. Fortunately, however, Nikolka managed and proved to be a great fighter.
Another serious diagnosis that she brought into her life is cerebral palsy (CP). Nikolka has the hypotonic form, which means delayed motor development. She lagged in holding her head in the prone position, but later gradually began to roll over. She still has problems with maintaining balance and fine motor skills when sitting. She does not use her hands, and her grip on objects does not function well, only for a few seconds at most. She started intensive rehabilitation at nine months old. She exercises three times a day using the Vojta method in combination with the Bobath method. If finances permit, in addition to outpatient rehabilitation, we also attend a rehabilitation stay in Dunajská Lužná.
Today, Nikolka is a three-year-old young lady. Although she doesn't speak or walk yet, she is still smiling despite her health condition. To her loved ones, she is a little sunshine without whom they couldn't imagine the future, even though it will be difficult.
For everything Nikolka has accomplished so far, her parents thank the specialists, doctors, and physical therapists. They realize intense exercise and proper care are very necessary for their sunshine, and they will do everything for it. We wish Nikolka much progress and are keeping our fingers crossed for her.
