Baby Eagan - NICU Day 34 - Good News!

His hands almost look normal now!

Finally, we have some good news! The head ultrasound was repeated today. When tiny babies like Eagan are critically ill and have multiple surgeries, brain bleeds often get worse. I also asked the doctors how long it takes for his body to absorb the bleed he had and they said several months. In true Eagan fashion, he has NO bleed now and his brain looks perfect! 

Eagan also had another echocardiogram today. Stress can also cause the PDA to reopen. His PDA is closed and his left ventricle is now normal sized.
His blood pressure was better today so the Epinephrine is no longer needed and he needed less pain medication. He still needs the Dopamine but isn't on as high of a dose now.

I was getting to a point where I really needed some good news. Today was a happy day! Eagan is less swollen and had excellent test results. He is still very sick so I cannot hold him yet, but for right now I am okay with just being able to hold his hand once every four hours. When his nurse was reaching to get to one of his lines, I pulled my hand away from his. He reached up and grasped at the air until I put my hand back down. It is a little thing, but it lets me know that Eagan knows his mommy and wants me near him. He doesn't cry or make any noise, so it is very hard to tell what he needs other than watching his vital signs. I am always very happy that the majority of the time I can hold his hand and he does really well. 

 

Here is a run-down of his current status:

Weight
3 lbs 9 oz - He is going to lose a lot of weight before he gains, but this is a good thing since he is so swollen.

Length 
14" at last measurement
 
Breathing
Eagan is now on the conventional ventilator. His settings are currently at 42 breaths per minute.

Vitals
Eagan's blood pressure is doing a little better today.

Vein and Artery Access
The arterial line is in his head.

Eagan started the morning with IVs in his head, left arm and left leg. By the end of the evening, the ones in his arm and leg had stopped working.

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

His PICC line stopped flushing last night and had to be removed.

Medications

Sodium bicarbonate is being given for acidic ph levels.

Calcium gluconate is being given since his levels were low in his blood work.

Hydrocortisone has been started to help with blood pressure and stress response.

Eagan is on Dopamine for low blood pressure, Vancomycin and Meropenum - both antibiotics, Amphotericin for the yeast infection in his blood, and Synthroid for low thyroid levels.

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

Output

Eagan has a foley catheter in place. His urine output was a bit better today.

Transfusions

May 13 - Transfusion #18

Thank you for all your love, support and prayers.