Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Day 9 in the NICU

We were on our way to the hospital yesterday when we received a call from Dr. B at the NICU. He said that Nurse A noticed some red jelly like substance in Lily Cate's stool and that she had spit up rather bad during her last feeding. They tested her stool at her bedside and it tested negative but then after he saw the red in the stool he sent it down to be cultured to see exactly what it was. They immediately sent for an x-ray and it came back with two spots in her intestines that were slightly bubbly but not to bad. If it was a serious infection it would have shown lots of bubbles in her intestines. They would do another x-ray at 6pm and see if the spots had moved. If they had then it would be stool that was in her intestines and not infection. If it didn't move then they would insert a repogal tube through her mouth into her stomach. This would suction any bile out and help clear her tummy and let her belly rest. Thank the Lord she did not show any signs of being sick. Her belly was still soft and was not hard which would have been a clear sign of a life-threatening infection called NEC (sp?). They went ahead and stopped ALL feedings, started another iv and put her on sugar water and a wide ray of antibiotics. They also downgraded her back to a warmer from her isolette.

When we went back to the hospital for the 8-10:30pm visitation we found her with the repogal tube inserted and it was suctioning clear liquids from her belly. This is when I lost it. I sat at her beside and LC and I cried together. Her because she was hungry and she had yet another tube in her and me because you never want to see your children sick. Especially with something that could be life-threatening in a 4 lb 10oz baby. Phillip remained strong and held it together for all of us.

She was given another x-ray this morning. Luckily Dr. B was still on duty and a Pediatric GI Dr. took a look at her x-rays and was un-impressed with what he saw. This was wonderful news! They all think it's stool and not infection and he said her x-ray was viewed as 'normal.' They will still continue the antibiotics and the no feedings for a total of 7 days starting today and then switch her to a pre-digestive formula. Tomorrow she will have another x-ray and if it shows similar to today's x-ray then they will take the repogal tube out. This is a big praise in itself. LC loves her paci but had a hard time keeping it in her mouth with the larger tube in place. Once this tube was out then she could get a good suction and maybe help her with the hunger. Both times we were up at the hospital today she was resting very peacefully. We pray that she will continue resting peacefully for the next seven days and heal 100%. We can't wait to get our hands on our babies and bring them home. God has a wonderful plan for these babies and we can't wait to see what it is!

Thank you all who have prayed my children into this world and who have continued to pray! Words can't tell you how much we appreciate everything. God is good!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

5 comments:

Lisa said...

Keeping you all in my prayers!!

Gabby said...

so so so so happy for you! i cheated and read your other blog, so i know that there has been continued good news! i'm so eexcited for your family!

Anonymous said...

You have been on a journey and a half. God not only blessed you, but he gave you a double blessing. Gosh I am still crying. Think I will get the milestone mag!

Del Duncan said...

My son breathed merconium fluid at birth. He didn't breathe for over 6minutes. Lucky for us a neonatalist was on duty and managed to get the fluid out of his lungs. He started breathing in the 6th minute. The doctor said he would most likely be retarded.

Well, that was 32 years ago. His IQ is genius level. He is well balanced, married and healthy as hell. He now works for Lockheed Martin as a Marine Sound expert; has his own band; and is a music promoter in the Washington DC area. Not a hint of retardation, anywhere.

I'm sure Lily Cate will grow into a fine woman; with good health.

Those were difficult times, to be sure, but with a good attitude, dwelling on the positive you will be surprised what she will turn into as an adult.

It's great that she found wonderful people like you to be her parents.


All the Best


Del

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