Pat and I arrived at the NICU today, and we were pleasantly surprised to see that Miss Emma had been switched to the conventional ventilator. Yea!!! Her gases have been great since the change which is great. She's such a fighter. Because they moved her to the vent, they were now able to do a Cat Scan of her abdomen. Dr. Shapley came in and spoke with me about what they found. Seems as though the area that is causing concern is actually free air that has been caused by a perforated bowel. They thought this might be the case at first but ruled it out because on x-ray the air didn't move like it would normally if it were free air. She is on antibiotics which will help her fight the infection while her bowel heals. In order to get rid of the air, they will have to put a drain in her abdomen. The person who will do this is known as an Intervention Radiologist (hope I got that right). He will perform the procedure while he is doing an ultrasound of her belly so he knows where to place the drain. This is just one more obstacle Emma will overcome on the road to recovery.
Little Abby has gained more weight and is at 650 grams. She is now taking 10 mL of milk at every feeding. They are adding extra calories to her milk to add extra calories. The increase in her feedings is decided by a dietitian who comes by twice a week and decides what her feedings should be. Her oxygen levels continue to fluctuate, but they tell us this is expected with preemies as young as ours. Abby has been put back on antibiotics due to an infection she has in her trachea. This is rather normal since she has a tube down her throat. We were able to kangaroo with her yesterday, and it was such a joy to hold her again.
Kara, we would love for you to add a link to your blog. The more prayers the better!!
We continue to be thankful for each day.
Just stop...
10 years ago
7 comments:
I have repeatedly sent messages but don't know if they are getting thru..will try again. I am so glad those little fighters are hanging in there...to gain and to be eating more is such a good sign...best medicine I know of tho is the kangaroo closeness (love) that is being shared. I will continue to keep watch and pray. Cousin Vonnie Heineman
Consider it done. I have the widget on our site and hope to get the code for others posted in the next 24 hours. This is the first time I have done this!!! We love you all so much, please let us know if there is anything we can do!!!
Praying for the girls and you guys is one of the highlights of my day! I googled the route to your house, so now I'm just waiting on summer! :)
Oh, your girls are absolutely precious. I don't know either of you (though my husband knows Pat), but Tara Hoelscher shared the girls' story with us earlier. I hope you don't mind us lurking on your blog tonight. We will absolutely be praying for their strength, health, and development, as well as mom and dad's strength.
God's blessings to all four of you,
Daniel and Amanda Foley
Our prayers are with Emma and Abigail as they continue to fight. They are just precious and have proven so much already. Our prayers for you as well. I'd like to share with you one of our favorite scriptures. "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all you heart, you will find me with you, says the Lord." Jeremiah 29:11-13
I met Pat in college through Craig and Tara, and I also found your blog through Tara. Craig is my older brother. We will continue to pray for your precious daughters.
Aaron and Jill Phillips
Patrick and Jana. We are just in awe of your strength and courage through all of this. We are so lucky to be in your presence on a daily basis up in the NICU. We added your blog to ours because we know how powerful prayers are. You are never far from our thoughts and please know we are only a few doors away if you need a hug or just to visit. Jude looks up to Emma and Abby and tries to be just as strong as they are being!! Love, Corinne and Jeremy Arens
My heart goes out to you and your little ones who continuously fight to stay alive. You and your family are in my prayers. I am a friend of Corrine Arens and linked on to your blog from hers. I wish you all the best. I understand the heartache to see your little ones struggle. I myself have watched my now 4 year old struggle. He is tons better from where we were three years ago. It does get better. GOD BLESS you and your family. Love Jessica
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