I forgot to post that yesterday was Caleb's two week birthday. We are now starting week three in the hospital.
Today, they took Caleb off the ventilator. When I left this evening, he was still off. He is maintaining an oxygen saturation of between 70% and 75%. This is at the minimum of what they want, but he seems to be holding his own so far. His is back on the CPAP and seems to be tolerating it pretty well. He is easily irritated and sucked on a pacifier most of the day to calm him down. He is sucking, so hopefully that bodes well for feeding him with a bottle in the near future.
I am still not convinced that he will not need surgery. He is at the minimum acceptable oxygen levels with 35% oxygen on a system that forces air into his nose. I know that doing another surgery will set us back, but I can't help but think the setback will be minimal compared to waiting for him to get strong enough to breathe without assistance (or waiting him out and having to do the surgery anyway). I think this will be the major topic of discussion tomorrow during rounds.
I talked to the hematologist tonight and he had good news. Because Caleb has required so many blood transfusions, they were concerned he might have some kind of problem. They checked his blood to see if his red blood cells are breaking down and they are not. They checked to see if he is producing good, new red blood cells and he is. He is also producing "nice, fat platelets". There is no known bleeding - no blood in his urine or stool. As far as they are concerned, he just took a beating from the two surgeries in eight days and needed some time to catch back up. Now I guess we can count the circulatory system on board.
After about 10 hours off feeding for the extubation, Caleb went back on breast milk again this evening and everything seems to be working well. His is finally releasing his extra fluid and has not required any additional diuretics. He is still on minimal pain medications and seems to be comfortable most of the time.
Other than the breathing issue, we are pushing forward. He looks good and with the exception of having a pretty hot temper, he is behaving well!
Thanks again for your prayers and support. Hopefully, the next couple of days will give us a better idea of what we are looking at next.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Thank-you for taking the time to keep us informed. As a Mom & a Gramma, my heart goes out to you! I know it's God's Grace that carries us thru these times. So thankful that The Everlasting Arms never tire. Hugs & Blessings to you Jen!
ReplyDeleteIt's that temper that's going to keep him fighting to get stronger! :o) I thank you, too, for your updates. And I continue to pray for Caleb and your family.
ReplyDeleteJen you r my hero!! I don't know how youdo it,just knowing GOD is with you must be it.We love guys very much!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank You so much for all the updates. They make us feel so close to Caleb. Our prayers never cease for Caleb, Surgeons, Nurses, You , Phil , and all of your family, Love and Hugs, Pat
ReplyDelete