Believe me, overall, our baby is doing very well. But yesterday, he had a rough afternoon. After talking to the doctors on Sunday, we felt sure that he would need to be at least 34 weeks before taking the CPAP off. So imagine my surprise when I walked into the NICU on Monday and found him sleeping peacefully without it, in an actual crib, and not his isolette. Turns out, the doctors had decided to try sprinting with the CPAP, meaning they would take it off for three hours, then put it back on for three hours, then off for three hours, etc. to see how he handled it, and start to wean him off it. He was doing so great, I got incredibly excited that we were starting to make large steps forward.
I left him to get some things done and eat lunch, and when I went back later Monday afternoon, he was not doing as well at all. The nurse had not even taken his CPAP off again, but he was already having trouble with his oxygen saturation. He was so worn out, he was having trouble breathing, as well as keeping his temperature up, and it was so hard to see. Especially after having such a great morning.
But that is just how it goes with a preemie. There are constantly ups and downs. Especially one who is so early and so small. Everything is still very premature, and the simplest things that we take for granted (such as breathing, eating, etc.) burn so many calories that he gets very tired very easily. Sometimes he can handle it, and sometimes everything is too much for him.
Every little bit is progress, though, and the fact that he was able to handle breathing completely on his own without the CPAP, even for just three hours, is fantastic. Today, they left the CPAP on, but have turned the pressure down some, and he has been stable all day. We'll see what the doctors decide tomorrow. They may give him a little more time with the CPAP, or they may try him off of it again. I am very anxious for the day when he doesn't need it anymore, but I definitely do not want to move too quickly, or for him to try to do something that he can't handle.
Thank you for your continued prayers. They mean so much.
Hello.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Brittany. I have a 5 month old baby girl who was born @ 37 weeks, @ 7lbs and healthy. So, I can't relate in that area. But my husband's sister was pregnant at the same time I was and she was due at the end of october. My nephew was born @ 32 weeks I think (it may have been 28) due to leaking amniotic fluid and his heart rate was dropping and even stopping. They did emergency c-section and he was 2lbs 3 oz and not breathing on his own. He was in the NICU for 1 month and half. He did great some days, and other's were rough. But now he is 8lbs and home and doing wonderful.
I just wanted to give you a situation to relate to and maybe some hope and encouragement. Your little boy is beautiful. Anytime I read your blog I say a prayer for you. I hope all is well, and continues to go well for you. I wish that there was something I could do to help out. Thank you for sharing your story.
Brittany
http://thejoviallife.blogspot.com/
Well, I am in the same boat as Brittany. I too had my oldest daughter at 37 weeks weighing 6lbs, 4oz. I've never had one earlier...although 3 weeks was early as it is.
ReplyDeleteI want you to know I'm praying & thinking about you. The way you talked about His progress makes me think of our life walking with Christ. One moment we are doing well, the next not so good.
The Lord holds this child in his hands and make him know that he loves him , God is right there with you and Josh, Lord just be with them and walk with them everystep of the way . Praying for you
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much. I also had my daughter at 37 weeks! She was 6 lb. 3 oz. Can't tell you how much I appreciate the encouragement and prayers. I know he will be home before we know it!
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