Eagan had a total of four attempts to place a PICC line. Finally we had success! I am beyond thrilled that he was able to avoid the CVL surgery. Although the PICC line placement is still a lot of stress for his little body, it is exponentially less than the surgery would have been.
This morning Eagan stopped breathing. He has done this a few times in the past two days but has recovered on his own. This time, he had to be bagged. His nurse said he was at the point where his whole little body had lost all color and was gray. Unfortunately, I have witnessed this once with Eagan and a few times with Evelyn. I am so thankful for the amazing nurses and respiratory therapists that Eagan has taking care of him.
Eagan was worn out while I was there and slept almost the whole time except when I changed his diaper, took his temperature, and changed his pulse oximeter.
Here is a run-down of his current status:
Weight
2 lb 2 oz - The blood transfusion really puts his weight up!
Length
12.5" - We aren't measuring his length yet, so this is birth length.
Breathing
Eagan is still on CPAP and doing awesome! He really hates the CPAP but we would much rather him be on CPAP than the ventilator. Hopefully he can move to a nasal cannula in a few more weeks.
Vitals
Up until yesterday, Eagan had no serious apneas or bradycardias after he was extubated. These have become more frequent but are most likely due to his extreme prematurity and are becoming more often due to the stress that his tiny body has been under with infection, the PDA reopening, and the increase of feedings.
Vein Access
Eagan now has a PICC line in his arm and an IV is still in place in case he needs a transfusion.
Medications
Indomethacin is being given in four doses to attempt to close the PDA again.
Vancomycin is being given for a few more days.
He is getting Amphotericin for the yeast infection. His most recent cultures are all negative.
His thyroid blood test came back low. He is on Sythroid for low thyroid.
Caffeine has been added to his medications. Caffeine has multiple benefits for Eagan such as reducing his risk for cerebral palsy. The main purpose of the caffeine is to help Eagan to remember to breathe, preventing spells of apnea. He gets caffeine once a day.
He will be getting a glycerin suppository every 12 hours depending on how often he is having bowel movements. It seems odd to be so excited about dirty diapers, but he is peeing and pooping great which means his body is functioning well!
Nutrition
Eagan's feedings have been discontinued until the Indomethacin doses are all given.
Eagan is still getting vitamins and lipids (a healthy fat).
Transfusions
April 27 - Transfusion #8
April 23 - Transfusion #7
April 22 - Transfusion #6
April 20 - Transfusion #5
April 19 - Transfusion #3 and Transfusion #4 of plasma
April 18 - Transfusion #2
April 15 - Eagan got his first blood transfusion tonight. This will be the first of many transfusions Eagan will need. His hematocrit (the amount of red blood cells in the blood) has been low, which is just one of the many reasons he needs a transfusion. His blood is also drawn for tests quite often. Even a tiny amount of blood is a lot of blood coming from such a tiny baby. The transfusion will also help Eagan maintain proper oxygenation.
Upcoming Tests
The cardiologist will be back in three or so days to repeat the echocardiogram.
Eagan's eyes will be examined next week. Both of his eyes are now starting to open.
Thank you for all your love, support and prayers.
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