Getting some rest after a busy day.
Say goodbye to the NICU bed...
...and hello to a big-girl bed.
Elise had a fairly busy day. The weaning of her fentanyl (an opiate or narcotic) caused some withdrawal over the last 24 hours. The withdrawal symptoms are exactly the opposite of the effects of the drug so she was agitated, restless, febrile, and having loose stools. So after Kristin stayed up with her all night, we voted to hold tight on the weaning of versed and fentanyl. We did, however, wean her oxygen down to 50% so that we could begin on her nitric oxide. As we sit now her inhaled nitric oxide is at 10 ppm, half of what we started. She is now tolerating 20cc/hr of breast milk and we will probably begin bolus feedings, where she'll get 3 oz. (60cc) or so at a time every three hours to more closely mimic feedings she'll do with Kristin. She has graduated from being a "sick girl" to a "big girl" and so got to move to a crib. We have heard some interesting comments about her stay from the physicians. First, she went from being the sickest of about 60 kids in the unit. Last night our nurse that saw Elise 12 hours after she pulled her tube said that many people would have lost money if they bet on whether or not she would be reintubated. Today Dr. Downey said she hasn't seen a baby produce red blood cells the way Elise has after all the blood draws, not requiring any of dad's blood. Tomorrow is going to be a big day, as we will be attempting to take her completely off nitric oxide. They will turn it off with the physicians on hand, because nitric oxide has a short half life and Elise will have to respond with produce her own.
Last evening Kristin and I enjoyed a long walk through the park and had some sushi and Drunken Fish nearby. Today Grandpa and Grandma Paul arrived to spend Mother's Day with us. All of you moms enjoy your Mother's Day. Love you all,
Jason
4 comments:
Jason, Kristin & Elise -- what great news. A very special 1st Mother's Day to Kristin. We couldn't be more excited, hopeful and prayerful for Elise's continued improvement. Sam & Jane
Keep it up Elise! And, Happy Mother's Day Kristin. Take care of and enjoy your girls Jason.
We love you!
Kathy, Mike, Sean, & Traci
Kristin,
Time somewhat stands still at this point. Yet, it's hard to imagine that 26 years have passed since Jason came on the scene. Elise is such an amazing little girl that's going to grow up and be a wonderful, intelligent, beautiful young lady that you'll sit back to admire and ask yourself, wow, how'd I do that. Happy Mother's Day from us, a couple of amazed parents.
Love you guys,
Gary & Gail
Kristin, Jason, & baby Elise, what a wonderful family you three are. I am so thankful to hear of the great progress Elise is making. My thoughts & prayers have been with ya'll since day one. She is such a beautiful & amazing baby. Keep drawing strength from each other & from your love for your beautiful daughter & God will get ya'll through this. Happy 1st Mother's Day Kristen. Being a Mom is an amazing feeling isn't it? I will keep praying every day for ya'll. Karen Morrison--Skaggs ER Reg
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