I went to the NICU this morning after the first entry on the blog. They nurse let me change Mary Louise's diaper!!!! I was so proud - then laughed at myself, outloud, for being so proud. She didn't cry - no fussing, she just went back to sleep. Her little face didn't wince at all. And her tiny diaper stayed in place - ha!
They are both stable for now. The neonatologist just came in to visit me and actually had a smile on his face (thank goodness - I needed that - even if the news wasn't so good). He said he was much happier with their progress since Thursday. Fungal infection is starting to be a concern and prophylaxis has been started to prevent it. Their white blood cell counts have stabilized and the vent settings have been brought down. They will remain where they are for now however as the next huge hurdle are their PDA's (patent ductus arteriosis). This is an opening in the heart - normal in utero, supposed to close when a baby takes it's first breath of air. This of course didn't happen as they are so immature at this point but the problem must be fixed so that their blood can circulate properly. This is usually fixed with medication or surgery. The medication can shut their kidneys down and isn't compatible with many blood pressure medications. But, if their pressures can remain stable, the med can be tried - and hopefully surgery can be avoided. They are way too small for that at this point anyhow. (by the way = David has passed the pound mark at 1 pound 1 ounce and Mary Louise is heading for the 2 pound mark - but has a bit left to go - she is 1 pound 10 ounces.)
Mary Louise: has been started on Lasix today. This will be given for a day or 2 and another Echocardiogram will be done. Depending on the results, the med to fix her PDA may or may not be given - that will be decided on Monday I believe.
David: is a bit more complicated as he's been on hydrocortisone for his blood pressure and must be weaned off of it prior to going any further with his care. Hopefully, he will remain stable and will eventually catch up to Mary Louise.
Their vent settings will be left alone until further plan of care is established. The worry is that they will be chronically dependent on the vent but as they are so tiny, they simply do not have enough muscle to aid in breathing and must be given a bit more time to build up their strength (according to the neonatologist).
Next Big day remains to be Monday: ECHO's and Head Ultrasounds all round. Next big task is to fix their PDA's.
Little Kuylen is and will always be very much on our minds. Brent said he made him get out of bed to run with his running club this morning. Thanks so much to the jelly bean for giving his Dad that extra nudge he needed. I'm so proud of both of them for being so incredibly strong.
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Sounds like a YAY and a YIPPY are needed for now. Boy, Heather and Brent you sure do make strong determined babies. Thanks for keeping us all posted. Prayers will definitely keep coming. Yippy Leblanc babies and Leblanc parents. You guys are all so strong. Oh and Thank you God for conituing to wrap this family in your love and grace.
ReplyDeleteHeather, I am absolutely AMAZED at how quickly they are growing! That is incredible! They are very much their growth goals of 15-20g/kg/day (even if some of it is fluid, they are closer to 30 and 40g/kg/day)! I will pray the indomethacin (if that's the med they use, it usually is) causes no kidney damage and surgery is not needed. I am so glad you got to change Mary's diaper! Isn't it so tiny! Ella's were the tiniest things ever. Save a few clean ones so you can put them in their scrapbooks !
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