The doctor's decided that with all the blood that Josh has had taken out for blood cultures, labs, and other tests, that he is getting anemic (his hematocrit was down to 25). So they decided to give Josh another blood transfusion. We are very glad that we now have a unit of blood on hold for him that came from his Uncle Matt. Another great thing is that he is breathing great on room air while still having a low blood count, so the transfusion should only make his breathing that much easier. They placed an additional IV in Josh's foot for the blood transfusion today. We are hoping it will be removed later this evening once his transfusion is done.
The xrays on Josh are still coming back clean, with no pneumonia in his lungs, and his belly looking good. They will continue Josh on IV antibiotics for a full 10 days, to make sure that if the bacteria was in his lungs, and not just in his tube, that it is fully killed off. Josh's red suction tube removing gas from his belly will be removed today and replaced with a large feeding tube to help drain the air the CPAP pushes into his tummy., If his belly continues to show no signs of distention, then they will start his feeds again tomorrow. They will start slowly, with only 3 ml per 3 hours, and then gradually increase the feeds by 3 ml per three hours until he is back up to full feeds of 21 ml every 3 hours. Because he is not on breast milk feeds now, he is back on his IV nutrition of TPN and lipids. The bright side to this is that with Mom continuing to pump, we are getting ahead of his breast milk needs in the event that he starts needing more than Mom can provide. Because of the IV antibiotics and the TPN, Josh will have PICC line placed either tonight or tomorrow morning. This will save him from having multiple sticks for IV placement while he is receiving these medications.
Overall today has been much better, and we really believe that is directly attributed to the prayer of the many people that we know have been praying for our little Josh. We are so thankful for the tremendous love and support that so many people have shown us. We anticipate that the roller coaster ride will continue in the days and weeks to come, but we believe the effects are lessened because of your prayers.
In other news, we were told that the Shands parking garage stops charging for parking tomorrow (December 24th), and will not charge for parking through new years (January 1). So if you want to come and visit during the day, just let us know (i.e. call ahead), because it is free to park at Shands.
Prayer Requests:
- Josh continue to breath well on the CPAP
- Josh's hematocrit levels improve with the blood transfusion, and that this make many things easier for him
- Josh's infection go away quickly and he not develop pneumonia or any new infections
- Josh not lose any weight while off of breast milk and on IV nutrition
- Josh not have many (if any) episodes of A's and B's
- Mom and Dad get good rest and have peace about Josh's health and care
- Mom's milk supply continue to increase
- Josh is up to 1,190 grams (almost 2 pounds 10 ounces)!
- Josh is breathing well, is on room air (21% oxygen) and has great oxygen saturation
- Josh has a unit of blood set aside for him from his Uncle Matt (which makes Mom and Dad feel better about him getting blood)
- Josh is resting comfortably after being poked and prodded for most of the morning.
(Josh trying to roll out of his snuggly this morning. Do you like his tape goatee?)
(Josh after having the new IV placed in his little foot)
(Josh without his CPAP mask - isn't he handsome? (he refused to open his eyes))
(Pale baby resting after a morning of being poked and prodded)
(Josh saying hi to Mommy and Daddy this afternoon)
(Josh receiving his blood transfusion thanks to Uncle Matt)
yes, I like his tape goatee and he is quite handsome. good news today! miss you guys
ReplyDeleteYeeeeaaaah, for better days!
ReplyDeleteLuv, hugs, and prayers sent your way!