Baby Eagan - NICU Day 20

 Eagan had another echocardiogram today. His PDA shows no change from the last echocardiogram. At this point his doctors want to try another three doses of Indomethacin to attempt to close the PDA. For now, his doctor thinks we can avoid surgery, which I am ecstatic about! Overall, Eagan had another great day.

I love these little eyes!

This is how we snuggled today. His whole little swaddled body fits in the palm of my hand!

Here is a run-down of his current status:

Weight
2 lb 5 oz - Although weight gain is normally a good thing, Eagan's doctors are a bit concerned that he gained so rapidly yesterday but is not being fed.

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 still elevated today and his lungs are hazy on the x-rays.

Vitals
Eagan had no apneas but a few minor and one major bradycardia today.

Vein Access
Eagan now has a PICC line in his arm. His arm has to be kept on an arm board now because he is bending it too tightly and it is cutting off the flow of his medications.

 
Medications
Indomethacin has been restarted for the next 3 days.

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). His lipids are increased to 0.8 ml per hour.

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 days to repeat the echocardiogram

Eagan's eyes will be examined this week. Both of his eyes are now almost all the way open.

Thank you for all your love, support and prayers.