A day in the life of Joshua

Josh had a pretty good day today.  Last night he had multiple episodes of desaturation (decreased oxygen) and two episodes of apnea.  His night nurse noted that these episodes were related to him laying on his tummy and his feeding times.  The nurse today tried Josh on his tummy and he had multiple episodes of desaturation and apnea because he was too comfortable.  The easiest solution for this is to not lay Josh on his tummy for a while and to give his feedings over 1 hour.  Mom and Dad were encouraged that even though Josh is having apnea, simply talking to Josh is enough to have him start breathing again.  The doctors increased his chest PT to every 3 hours to help keep his lungs inflated and help him more up secretions, which will help him to desaturated less.  They also explained that it is ok for him to desaturate as long as he is able to recover on his own. 

Josh continues to do well with his feedings.  He is now up to 19ml every 3 hours.  His weight is also up 20 grams to 2lbs 15.5oz.  They have discontinued Josh's IV nutrition, so he is now only on IV fluids until he reaches full feedings which should be in the next 2 days.  Josh has also started on a multivitamin with iron today to keep his body getting the nutrients it needs. Josh also had a large poop today, which is great!  That means his pooping is getting back on track.

Josh also had thyroid labs sent to see to make sure his thyroid is working properly.  When the nurse was sticking his foot to get blood, Josh didn't make a peep.  He did however pull off his nasal cannula every time she turned her attention to his foot.  His favorite spot for his nasal cannula today was his mouth - it ended up there several times today.  

Prayer Request:

• Josh would continue to do well with his nasal cannula and be able to recover from his desaturations on his own and he would have less.
• Josh continue to do well with his feedings and have less reflux with the feedings over an hour.
• Josh would not develop any more infections while in the NICU.
• Josh's thyroid labs would come back ok and he would not need thyroid medication
• Dad's cough would clear up.  Mom's sore throat and nasal congestion would clear up.  Both could get some good rest.
  

Praises:

• Josh is tolerating his increased feeding well.
• Josh had a big poop today.
• The nurse are able to determine what makes Josh's breathing easier and adjust his care to help him

 (Josh enjoying the last of his tummy time for a few days)

 

 (Gotta love that smile)

 

 (Josh having a much better time laying on his side)

 

 (Oh the drama - check out his bubbles)

 

 (I need labs - oh no!)

 

 (Happy baby with his pacey during a feeding)