Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Baby Eagan - NICU Day 22


The cardiologist came in to repeat the echocardiogram today. Eagan's PDA is still very open, but for now his doctor does not want to do surgery unless Eagan becomes more symptomatic. If the fluid in his lungs increases or he has to go back on the ventilator, the doctor will consider sending him to the children's hospital to ligate the PDA.

Here is a run-down of his current status:

Weight
2 lb 7 oz - I can't believe how much he is growing! This seems like such a big number to us!

Length 
14" - Our first updated length!
 
Breathing
Eagan is still on CPAP and doing awesome! He moved from CPAP pressure of 9+ to 7 today! His doctor's goal for Eagan is pressure of 5.



Vitals
Eagan had a few more bradycardias today, but these are most likely due to his extreme prematurity.

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 completed.

Vancomycin is being given for a few more days.

Amphotericin is being given for another week or so.

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 should be resumed tomorrow.

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

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

Thank you for all your love, support and prayers.

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