I know you guys are probably anxious for an update, and I promise I've been trying to get one written all day. There just isn't as much down time here in the NICU as I thought there would be! Of course this is all new so we'll figure it out as we go.
Ok, here's the gist of it. They're still doing better than expected. There are many many hurdles that preemies have to jump and they're taking out the first few like champs. We've gotten some good time with them, changed a few diapers, given Lydia her pacifier many times which calms her down, and just gotten to know them a little better. It helps that the nurses are wonderful about encouraging us to get involved and explaining things we're confused about. When we seem overwhelmed they're really good about seeing that too and responding appropriately. It's a blessing for sure. Now for all the medical jargon, I'm going to try out a list type format and see if that's easier to get it all out in type.
1. Hyland Membrane Disease (Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome) - They both have it to differing degrees, as most preemies do. Basically it means that their lungs are too immature and need extra encouragement - in the form of oxygen, surfactant, and ventilators. Lydia is doing a little better after getting her second dose of surfactant. She's still on a high flow canula of O2. Penny's lungs are having a harder time today than yesterday. She has atelectasis (aveoli that aren't expanding and processing the O2) so she was intubated and given a dose of surfactant. The spunky little thing pulled it out and it had to be redone. She's been resting pretty well since she's not having to work so hard to breath now.
2. Patent Ductus Arteriosis - While in the womb, a baby's pulmonary and aortic arteries are attached. When they're born, the connection closes on it's own to direct more blood to the lungs. Preemies' very rarely close on their own. Lydia has already gotten 2 doses of the medicine and should do just fine. When they did the echo on Penny they noticed some turbulance in and around her aorta which could mean she has a narrowing in her aorta (Aortic Coarctation - see next number). They'll be waiting to give her any medication to close the Ductus until it's clear what's going on with her aorta. She may need to leave it open until something can be done to repair it.
3. Aortic Coarctation - again, a narrowing of the aorta. This is congenital. If she indeed does have this going on, it may mean surgery later on. Leaving the Ductus open would keep from putting too much stress on the already distressed aorta. It's a wait, pray, and see kind of thing. Again.
4. Blood Gases- This is a measurement of the details about the blood. It shows how their breathing is effecting them. O2 levels and CO2 levels along with Ph (and others) are used to made decisions about ventilation options. Penny's CO2 was up this morning which led to her being intubated and treated with the surfactant. Her Ph was off so she got Sodium Bicarbonate and that leveled off.
There are all the details I can remember for now. The amount of information is overwhelming but we're starting to figure things out. Trying to take notes whenever we can so that we don't get too confused. It's time to go celebrate Christmas with the rest of our family. Please pray for us as we have to leave our little girls here in the care of these great nurses. It's been difficult to go but I know that it's necessary so that we can have the stamina we'll need for this long haul.
Merry Christmas from the Chus.
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