Baby Eagan - NICU Day 19

Eagan had a pretty calm day. The only big event was when he ripped an IV out of his arm. His nurse and I could not figure out how he did it. The arm with the IV was securely taped with a foam board. Eagan and I were able to have an awesome two and a half hour kangaroo session. He is the best little snuggle buddy! He did awesome while I held him and once we put him back in bed, he just curled up and continued to sleep. Sleeping babies are growing babies! 
Please pray for positive results when the cardiologist comes to do his echocardiogram. It is tentatively scheduled for tomorrow but could be a day late. 

Sucking on his little fingers.

Here is a run-down of his current status:

Weight
2 lb 3 oz - Eagan is really starting to look very healthy.

Length 
14" - Our first updated 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.

His carbon dioxide levels were elevated today. This is a probable symptom of the PDA. For now, they are closely monitoring this.

Vitals
Eagan had no apneas but a few minor bradycardias today.

Vein Access
Eagan now has a PICC line in his arm. He had an IV but pulled it out by himself this afternoon.

Medications
Indomethacin has been completed as of tonight. 

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 as soon as tomorrow repeat the echocardiogram.

Eagan's eyes will be examined this week. Both of his eyes are now starting to open.

Thank you for all your love, support and prayers.