Day 27
Emma had a few more bumps along the road today. She was de-satting a lot throughout the day, and her glucose levels were a little high. Also, her urine output was a little lower than normal. The doctors did some bloodwork to see if she had an infection, which it doesn't look like she has. Her white blood cell count is normal and it looks like her kidneys are functioning well. She was given a bolus of saline just to increase her urine output and ensure everything was working. Since her hermatocrit levels were a little low, she was given another blood transfusion. This could be the reason behind all of her other symptoms, so we'll see how she is doing tomorrow. Keep those prayers coming!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
5 Steps Forward, 1 Step Back
Day 26
Emma had a slight dip in the roller coaster ride today, but nothing too serious. She had to be re-intubated this morning around 5:30 AM, so she was on the SiPAP for about 18 hours. We are still very happy with this and knew it would likely happen. Late last evening, she started having bradycardia spells (slowing of the heart rate) that continued through the night, so they ultimately decided it was best to re-intubate her. She is doing fine now and most likely just got tired out from the extra work she had to do. She is back on the ventilator at essentially the same settings she was on before she was extubated, which is great. Since she had the extra work to do yesterday, she lost a little bit of weight and was down to 580 grams (from 600 grams). The doctors want her to continue to gain weight so once she starts gaining, and if she continues doing well on the ventilator, they will try extubating her again. We are still very happy with how the last few days have gone and very proud of what Emma has accomplished so far.
There was an infection in the culture that was taken from the secretions in her throat, she was started on a course of IV antibiotics for the next 8 days.
Other than that, Emma is doing very well and is still as feisty as ever. She was not happy about being tucked in today and decided she wanted her leg over the blanket, not under. No matter how many times she was moved, she would kick her little leg out over and over.
Emma had a slight dip in the roller coaster ride today, but nothing too serious. She had to be re-intubated this morning around 5:30 AM, so she was on the SiPAP for about 18 hours. We are still very happy with this and knew it would likely happen. Late last evening, she started having bradycardia spells (slowing of the heart rate) that continued through the night, so they ultimately decided it was best to re-intubate her. She is doing fine now and most likely just got tired out from the extra work she had to do. She is back on the ventilator at essentially the same settings she was on before she was extubated, which is great. Since she had the extra work to do yesterday, she lost a little bit of weight and was down to 580 grams (from 600 grams). The doctors want her to continue to gain weight so once she starts gaining, and if she continues doing well on the ventilator, they will try extubating her again. We are still very happy with how the last few days have gone and very proud of what Emma has accomplished so far.
There was an infection in the culture that was taken from the secretions in her throat, she was started on a course of IV antibiotics for the next 8 days.
Other than that, Emma is doing very well and is still as feisty as ever. She was not happy about being tucked in today and decided she wanted her leg over the blanket, not under. No matter how many times she was moved, she would kick her little leg out over and over.
Eventually she was put on her tummy surrounded by extra big bumpers and she settled down.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
SUCCESS!!!!
Day 25
Well, I feel a little like a broken record these days, but Emma had an amazing day today! She was extubated at around 11:30 this morning and so far is doing great!! They first checked her throat to see how the swelling was, since if it was too swollen they would not have extubated her. The swelling was fine, so the tube came out and she is now on a machine called a "SiPAP". This is a mask around her nose that gives pressure into her lungs and regulates the amount of breaths she takes, similar to the ventilator, but much less invasive. She has to do more work now, but it is much better for her lungs than the ventilator. However, since she does have to do more work, she may get tired and need to go back on the ventilator for more help as she continues to grow. We know that this is a definite possibility, but any amount of time she is able to be off the ventilator is good for her. Therefore, even if she gets re-intubated tomorrow, she had a whole day of rest for her lungs, so we'll take it!
But so far, she is doing great. They still regulate the amoung of oxygen they give her, so she was around 30% most of the day, which is very low (and that's a good thing!). When they first put the SiPAP on, she was very confused as to what was on her face and what was going on. She kept grabbing at the mask and squirming around and really just had a look of confusion on her face. And one of the best parts is that we can hear her now!! She isn't very loud (yet... I'm sure that will change soon..) but she mostly squeaks and whimpers. It's adorable.
AND Mom got to kangaroo her today, for the first time in a long time! It was wonderful and special and we had a great time.
AND her umbilical cord finally fell off! Her tummy looks beautiful.
All in all, a wonderful day.
Now for some pictures.
...Extubated! The hat has loops to keep the tubes in place. I couldn't get any good pictures, because she was moving around so much and had her hands up by her face the whole time... but I would too if I were her!
Well, I feel a little like a broken record these days, but Emma had an amazing day today! She was extubated at around 11:30 this morning and so far is doing great!! They first checked her throat to see how the swelling was, since if it was too swollen they would not have extubated her. The swelling was fine, so the tube came out and she is now on a machine called a "SiPAP". This is a mask around her nose that gives pressure into her lungs and regulates the amount of breaths she takes, similar to the ventilator, but much less invasive. She has to do more work now, but it is much better for her lungs than the ventilator. However, since she does have to do more work, she may get tired and need to go back on the ventilator for more help as she continues to grow. We know that this is a definite possibility, but any amount of time she is able to be off the ventilator is good for her. Therefore, even if she gets re-intubated tomorrow, she had a whole day of rest for her lungs, so we'll take it!
But so far, she is doing great. They still regulate the amoung of oxygen they give her, so she was around 30% most of the day, which is very low (and that's a good thing!). When they first put the SiPAP on, she was very confused as to what was on her face and what was going on. She kept grabbing at the mask and squirming around and really just had a look of confusion on her face. And one of the best parts is that we can hear her now!! She isn't very loud (yet... I'm sure that will change soon..) but she mostly squeaks and whimpers. It's adorable.
AND Mom got to kangaroo her today, for the first time in a long time! It was wonderful and special and we had a great time.
AND her umbilical cord finally fell off! Her tummy looks beautiful.
All in all, a wonderful day.
Now for some pictures.
Emma trying to extubate herself yesterday.. she knew it was coming!
This morning she was getting herself into more odd positions. I don't know how that is comfortable for her??
...Extubated! The hat has loops to keep the tubes in place. I couldn't get any good pictures, because she was moving around so much and had her hands up by her face the whole time... but I would too if I were her!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
27 Weeks!
Day 24
Emma is 27 weeks old today, and celebrated with yet another great day. Her ventilator pressure was lowered a little more, and so was her oxygen. For part of the morning today, she was on only 21% oxygen, which is the lowest setting on her ventilator and equivalent to room air. Because of her wonderful progress, the doctors are planning to extubate her in the morning! We are thrilled about this, but admittedly a little nervous. The doctors have explained that they are challenging her a little bit to see how she responds. Based on our research and discussions with the doctors, it is common for young babies to go back and forth between intubation and the other ventilator, so even though Emma may have to be re-intubated, we are still excited that they feel comfortable enough to try extubating her. And of course, she will continue to be monitored closely in case she does not respond well without the tube.
Mom is going to head to bed early tonight to be at the hospital bright and early tomorrow morning, so unfortunately no pictures today. Please keep your fingers and toes crossed and keep those prayers coming that Emma does well with her new ventilator!
Emma is 27 weeks old today, and celebrated with yet another great day. Her ventilator pressure was lowered a little more, and so was her oxygen. For part of the morning today, she was on only 21% oxygen, which is the lowest setting on her ventilator and equivalent to room air. Because of her wonderful progress, the doctors are planning to extubate her in the morning! We are thrilled about this, but admittedly a little nervous. The doctors have explained that they are challenging her a little bit to see how she responds. Based on our research and discussions with the doctors, it is common for young babies to go back and forth between intubation and the other ventilator, so even though Emma may have to be re-intubated, we are still excited that they feel comfortable enough to try extubating her. And of course, she will continue to be monitored closely in case she does not respond well without the tube.
Mom is going to head to bed early tonight to be at the hospital bright and early tomorrow morning, so unfortunately no pictures today. Please keep your fingers and toes crossed and keep those prayers coming that Emma does well with her new ventilator!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Another Great Day!
Day 23
Emma had another wonderful day today. Her oxygen levels on the ventilator were lowered a little bit more, and there was no change to her pressure. The best news is that the doctors are considering extubating her (taking out her ventilation tube) in a few days! She would still be on ventilation support, but without the tube in her throat, so it would be less invasive. It is not definite that they will go ahead with it (she needs to continue to have good days), and if they do extubate her and she doesn't do very well, they may have to re-intubate her. But just the fact that they are considering this is really exciting news - we didn't think it would happen for a couple more weeks! And once she is extubated, we'll be able to hear her, so there will be some sound effects to go with her cranky faces =) And Emma gained 10 grams tonight and 10 last night, so she's up to 600 grams!
We are still praying for Emma to continue doing well and thankful for what she has accomplished so far. Go Emma!
Emma was either trying to figure out how to suck her thumb, or telling Mommy she was tired of the papparazzi.
... and dream about swimming the breaststroke??
She was not posed at all! She just gets into whatever position is comfortable. Too cute!
Emma had another wonderful day today. Her oxygen levels on the ventilator were lowered a little bit more, and there was no change to her pressure. The best news is that the doctors are considering extubating her (taking out her ventilation tube) in a few days! She would still be on ventilation support, but without the tube in her throat, so it would be less invasive. It is not definite that they will go ahead with it (she needs to continue to have good days), and if they do extubate her and she doesn't do very well, they may have to re-intubate her. But just the fact that they are considering this is really exciting news - we didn't think it would happen for a couple more weeks! And once she is extubated, we'll be able to hear her, so there will be some sound effects to go with her cranky faces =) And Emma gained 10 grams tonight and 10 last night, so she's up to 600 grams!
We are still praying for Emma to continue doing well and thankful for what she has accomplished so far. Go Emma!
Emma was either trying to figure out how to suck her thumb, or telling Mommy she was tired of the papparazzi.
She just wanted to snooze...
She was not posed at all! She just gets into whatever position is comfortable. Too cute!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Christening Day!
Day 22
Emma had a truly wonderful day today. Today she was baptized in the NICU surrounded by loving family. We were thrilled to celebrate this special occasion with so many people that are so very special to Emma and her parents. Emma's Godmother is her Aunt Lindsay and her Godfather is her father's cousin Nick. She is one lucky lady to have such wonderful people to support and guide her. Emma was also joined today by her Memere and Grandpa, Grandma, and Nick's wife Jen (and Emma's second-cousin-to-be!). Thank you to everyone who came or sent their well wishes - we had a great day.
Emma behaved during the ceremony very well.
Thanks to all the love and prayers surrounding her, Emma had a great day health-wise as well. The new tube has just done wonders for her. They were able to lower her pressure and oxygen even further, and she de-saturated much more infrequently. Overall, she was peaceful and snoozed most of the day, except for a little squirming and kicking here and there (she can't help herself!).
Emma also got pretty spoiled today. Our friends at Jaymark gave her a beautiful, engraved Guardian Angel pin.
Emma had a truly wonderful day today. Today she was baptized in the NICU surrounded by loving family. We were thrilled to celebrate this special occasion with so many people that are so very special to Emma and her parents. Emma's Godmother is her Aunt Lindsay and her Godfather is her father's cousin Nick. She is one lucky lady to have such wonderful people to support and guide her. Emma was also joined today by her Memere and Grandpa, Grandma, and Nick's wife Jen (and Emma's second-cousin-to-be!). Thank you to everyone who came or sent their well wishes - we had a great day.
Emma behaved during the ceremony very well.
Even when she got sprinkled with the holy water!
The proud parents and Godparents:
Emma's Mom, Aunt Lindsay, and Memere and Grandpa
Thanks to all the love and prayers surrounding her, Emma had a great day health-wise as well. The new tube has just done wonders for her. They were able to lower her pressure and oxygen even further, and she de-saturated much more infrequently. Overall, she was peaceful and snoozed most of the day, except for a little squirming and kicking here and there (she can't help herself!).
Emma also got pretty spoiled today. Our friends at Jaymark gave her a beautiful, engraved Guardian Angel pin.
Grandma made an amazing piece of art to commemorate Emma's big day!
And Memere and Grandpa got her an adorable "little peanut" hat! Curious is going to hang on to it for awhile until Emma grows into it. He knows it's just on loan though, so he won't get too attached.
And Nick and Jen got her a big bag of goodies too!
We are so thankful to have the love and support of such wonderful people. Thank you to everyone for being there for us through this journey - we could not do it without you!! Let's hope these great days continue!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
3 Weeks Old!!
Day 21
Emma is 3 weeks old today! I cannot believe it has been three weeks since she came into our lives; it feels like just yesterday. We are so blessed to have her and time has just been flying by.
There has been a lot of activity in the last couple days (and most of it good news!). Emma has been doing a little bit better with her respiratory issues. She still desaturates frequently, but she generally recovers by herself without much intervention. She was started on steroids to help her lungs develop (just a three day treatment). This is in addition to the steroids that Mom received before Emma was born. She still has a lot of secretions in her mouth and throat since she can't swallow but has the tubes in her mouth, so the doctors are doing a culture to see if there is another infection in there, just to be safe. Today, they changed out her ventilation tube to a slightly larger one since she has had the same one in since birth and there can be some build up after awhile. After speaking with the nurse tonight, it sounds like Emma is doing much better! They were able to decrease her pressure and oxygen so she needs a little less support from the ventilator, which is all great news. Of course, we know this is a roller coaster but we are very thankful for the good days.
Emma's feeds were also increased to 4 mL/hour! She went up and down with her weight so she's now at 580 grams.
She had a great visit with our good friend Vicki today, who brought Mom & Dad a yummy gift basket. Thank you, Vicki!!
Emma wanted to say hello to her honorary Uncle John and show her support for Elk River FD:
Emma is 3 weeks old today! I cannot believe it has been three weeks since she came into our lives; it feels like just yesterday. We are so blessed to have her and time has just been flying by.
There has been a lot of activity in the last couple days (and most of it good news!). Emma has been doing a little bit better with her respiratory issues. She still desaturates frequently, but she generally recovers by herself without much intervention. She was started on steroids to help her lungs develop (just a three day treatment). This is in addition to the steroids that Mom received before Emma was born. She still has a lot of secretions in her mouth and throat since she can't swallow but has the tubes in her mouth, so the doctors are doing a culture to see if there is another infection in there, just to be safe. Today, they changed out her ventilation tube to a slightly larger one since she has had the same one in since birth and there can be some build up after awhile. After speaking with the nurse tonight, it sounds like Emma is doing much better! They were able to decrease her pressure and oxygen so she needs a little less support from the ventilator, which is all great news. Of course, we know this is a roller coaster but we are very thankful for the good days.
Emma's feeds were also increased to 4 mL/hour! She went up and down with her weight so she's now at 580 grams.
She had a great visit with our good friend Vicki today, who brought Mom & Dad a yummy gift basket. Thank you, Vicki!!
Emma wanted to say hello to her honorary Uncle John and show her support for Elk River FD:
Emma also wanted to show off her blanket from the Fausts. It has been keeping her Mom and Dad warm and they wanted to share some of the coziness with her:
Emma has a big day tomorrow so stay tuned!
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