A breath of fresh O2... a new pedi-flow nasal canula adventure

So Josh had a better night last night. He still had some episodes of apnea/desaturations, but fewer than the night before. Josh seems to be tolerating his 24 hour feeding a bit better than before. His belly is actually a little smaller and he seems to be refluxing in his venting tube a little less. The doctors seem to feel that it is making enough of an improvement that they did not make any changes to his current feeding plan today. Josh gained 20 grams is now up to 3lbs 6oz.


They did however decide to change his nasal cannula around a bit. instead of getting the high flow nasal cannula (where is pushes in air at a high rate with a little bit of oxygen) he is now on a pedi-flow nasal cannula (where he is just getting a small amount of oxygen without the high flow rate). Although the cannula looks the same, the flow coming out of it is different. Josh started the morning out on 100cc of nasal cannula and they were able to wean him down to 50cc, which is a very little bit of oxygen. The nurse tried him on 25cc but Josh started to have decreases in his blood oxygen, so she went back up. He seems to be tolerating this well and seems to like it better than the high flow nasal cannula. Josh has had a few episodes of apnea today, but it is hard to tell if they are related to his feedings or related to the change in his nasal cannula.

Josh has been very active today. He is constantly moving and stretching when he awake or semi awake. He especially likes to reposition himself once the nurse or Mom has him all settled in. It is funny to watch him get into what look like the most uncomforable positions. He feels the need to be independant when it comes to positioning and we are happy to let him as long as it doesn't effect his breathing. Josh also managed to pull out his venting tube this morning and was unhappy when it had to be reinserted. One day he will learn that when you pull it out it gets put back in.

Mom decided to give Josh a day to get used to his new oxygen rate on his nasal cannula before trying him again with breastfeeding. We didn't want to have too many changes to in one day. Mom continues to enjoy being able to use the netbook and skype to keep our families updated on Josh's progress and provide some live views of our little guy. Mom and Dad also enjoy being able to chat with each other during the day and share some of Josh's awake time too. Modern technology at its finest!!

We are also happy to report that Uncle Steve drove down today from Jacksonville to donate blood for Josh. Thank you Uncle Steve!!!

Prayer Request:

• Josh would continue to do well with his pedi-flow nasal cannula and would be able to be weaned off of the oxygen
• Josh would have less episodes of apnea/desaturations
• Josh would have less reflux with his 24 hour feedings
• Josh's brain would continue to develop steadily so that he is ready to start actual feedings in the next week or two

Praise:

• Josh is up to 3lbs 6oz!
• Josh is doing well with his new nasal cannula
• Josh is becoming increasingly active and is moving around more
• Uncle Steve was able to come down and donate blood for Josh
• Dad, Mom and Josh are thankful for our family and friends who are so supportive as we continue on this adventure together.  We couldn't make it without you!

 (I sense a familiar presence... who could it be?)

 

 (Oh, it's my mommy!)

 

 (Um... I really enjoyed our kangaroo time yesterday.  Can we do it again?)

 

 (Pretty please?  Who can resist this face?)

 

 (Ah man... mommy has the sniffles... I guess I will go back to sleep.)

 

 (Mmm... napping is fun.  Wait... is that a camera?  Make sure to get my good side!)