Tim and I have realized that sometimes it's hard to get across to others the seriousness of what's going on, especially because Thomas was "late preterm" (some babies born at 34 weeks have no problems at all and can go right home) and because he had a good birthweight. At first glance it maybe doesn't sound so awful. Frankly he is having considerably more trouble than a typical 34 weeker, for whatever reason or combination of reasons we are not sure. He is one of the sicker babies in the NICU right now and his respiratory therapist admitted that on Tuesday night (the night he was intubated) she was awake worrying about him. I can really struggle to see much younger and smaller babies without half the tubes that he has, or to see that 90% of the babies are well enough that their mamas can take them out and hold them. We are eagerly looking forward to the day that we can do more than just touch his foot!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
day 4 so far
Thomas had a fairly uneventful night and his blood gasses were better this morning... it's really about the first bit of solidly good news we've had since he was admitted. His neonatologist wants to see him at least maintain that improvement for another day before talking about starting to wean him off the ventilator. Right now he is on 100% oxygen so that is the first thing they would like to turn down once they feel it is safe to do so. The pneumos are stable/perhaps smaller so the risk of having to put in a second chest tube is decreasing. His current interventions are the ventilator, chest tube, antibiotics, blood transfusions (mostly because they have to draw off so many labs, they have to replace it), and IV nutrition. He gets morphine from time to time if he gets upset, but for the most part he is so worn out and sick that he sleeps all the time. I don't think I've seen his eyes open since a brief instance immediately after he was born. Sometimes he tries to get his little fingers in his mouth to suck on them, and he gets so frustrated because the vent is in the way! It's kind of cute and pathetic at the same time.
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5 comments:
Chrissy and Tim
We are all keeping Thomas in our prayers. I hope that things begin to improve and he is more comfortable soon. Take care of yourselves. Just call if we can help in any way.
Carla
It must be so hard to not be able to hold him. Still praying for all of you. :)
oh chrissy, i'm sorry that your little guy is having such troubles. i'm so, so sad to hear that. we'll pray for him. keep updating, yes? i can't wait 'til you can hold him.
Poor little guy! We are praying for you all- hang in there, that day will come when you will finally hold Thomas!
Laura
Hi Chrissy and Tim,
I feel so bad for not having known until now what is going on. I am so sorry that you are all going through this. We know how you feel right now and will be praying for all of you.
Dawn
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