Holey Moley....It seems like yesterday we were praying that our little angels would hang in there and make it to 23 weeks. It's already been two weeks since then.
We spoke with the neonatologist who told us to wait until he can look at head ultrasounds or anything else that is done so that he can make his own judgement on the scans. Typically the radiologist is making a simple diagnosis off of a single image. The neonatologist is able to understand the entire history of the patient and can make a more educated guess about what is going on. Simply put, he is not sure if the swelling of the ventricles in the brain on Abigail is due to the IVH that she had and now the blood that was in there to begin with is receding, or if it really is hydrocephalus. It is so minor, that they are not going to do another head ultrasound until next week. They are going to continue to measure her head, etc.
Our little bottomless pit is now consuming 8ml every three hours. They have also added some human milk fortifier (HMF) to up her caloric intake. Abigail has also opened her right eye. They put some erythromycin salve on her eyes to protect against infection. Momma and I haven't seen her eye open yet.
Emma's brain bleed does seem to be resolving so they are now taking action on her patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The doctors believe that it may be keeping the needed oxygen from blood away from her stomach and intestines which is why she is not tolerating the feeding as of yet. They are giving her ibuprofen to act on prostaglandins that keep the duct open. They give her a big dose the first time and then half of that for two more days. That's the reason that pregnant women should not take ibuprofen because they can close the PDA in-utero and cause a lot of problems for the development of their babies. Hopefully this will work so they don't have to perform heart surgery on Emma to close the duct.
Other than that, their blood gases are looking great and they are remaining stable.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10
Just stop...
10 years ago
6 comments:
Congrats on yet another milestone! I know it feels good!! Try not to stress too much about the PDA surgery if she does need it...I thought it was going to be so horrible, but it really is a simple procedure and they heal very quickly from it. It is very scary having them work so close to the heart, but it is really a simple procedure that they can do bedside (at least that's how they did Kayla's). Prayers that she won't need it at all and the medicine works.
The updates sound good. Prayers that they will continue.
Faith S.
Dear Patrick and Jana,
If Abigal and Emma are paying attention to even half of the "medical speak" they are hearing about themselves with all the acronyms they are being exposed to they will likely know the alphabet by the time they get booted out of the hospital!
We rejoice in their progress. These two little angels are lucky to have you two angels as parents.
YAIOP (answer below @ *)
John and Ann
* you are in our prayers
Some accomplishments might seem minor, but all are huge to the parents and faithful followers. Great news.
Jared, Teri, Whitley, and Wyatt
glad to find your blog...and to read the updates!!
we're praying for y'all!!
You guys are awesome. So very glad to read your reports. Just wanted to add another scripture to your list. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we WILL reap a harvest if we don't give up." Gal. 6>9 Needless to say we are praying, you are doing good, and we will never give up. We love you. Deanna
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