Baby Eagan - NICU Day 31 - Second Surgery

Eagan is one month old today! We have made it through one month of tests, blood work, needle sticks, stress and a lot of love for a very tiny boy.


Eagan had a second exploratory surgery today. He had an increased amount of free air in his abdomen. His intestines and stomached were thoroughly checked for any issues. The cause of the air is still unknown but now has been removed. During the surgery, a central venous line, CVL, was also placed since his PICC line is not in the proper location for his TPN, the IV fluids that provide his nutrition. 


I also met with an endocrinologist today at Eagan's bedside. Eagan's thyroid levels are very low. He has been started on Synthroid and will continue to be on it until he is approximately three years old.

Here is a run-down of his current status:

Weight
Eagan is not currently being weighed. To weigh him, the nurse has to barely lift him off the bed, push a button, and lay him back in the bed. Eagan is too unstable for this right now.

Length 
14" at last measurement
 
Breathing
Eagan is now on the conventional ventilator. His settings have ranged from 20-30 breaths per minute.

Vitals
Eagan's blood pressure is very low so a medication was added to try to elevate it.

 
Vein and Artery Access
Eagan had an arterial line in his left wrist. Overnight this stopped working. A new line was place in his right wrist that stopped working this morning. He now has a new arterial line in his head.

The IV in his left arm and head stopped flushing. A new IV was placed in his right arm.

A CVL, central venous line, was placed during surgery.  

His PICC line is in a position that is can be used like an IV for medication. 

 
Medications

Claforan was started today. This is an antibiotic often given after surgery.

Eagan is still on Dopamine for low blood pressure, Vancomycin - an antibiotic, and Amphotericin for the yeast infection in his blood.

Synthroid was started today.

Epinephrine was started for low blood pressure.

Nutrition
Eagan's only source of nutrition right now are his TPN fluids and lipids.

 

Output

Eagan has a foley catheter in place. This was put in right before surgery. His urine output is not good, but once his blood pressure is consistently better, his urine output should increase also.

Transfusions

Transfusion # 16 of blood was given overnight.

Transfusion #17 of blood was given during surgery.

Thank you for all your love, support and prayers.