Greetings for the Balmy Tropics of Utah (it might get 50 today)
This past week Daniel has been doing well and pretty calm. We have learned that in this realm of premature babies that 99% of the time if you do not hear anything that is a good thing. He continues to grow and is over 2 pounds and the doctors are pleased with his progress.
He is still on the “jet” ventilator and still is fighting pulmonary pneumonia, which is common in preemies. The ventilator gently pressurizes or inflates Daniel lungs as it puffs in and out breaths. When he is older and his lungs can stay inflated on their own they will change him to a ventilator that will only help him breathe.
Another concern has been his PDA valve being closed and after further examinations they discovered the valve is still not closed completely. If it does not close over the next few days the doctors may have to operate and place a suture around the valve. That is something that we do not want to happen, so your prayers that his PDA valve will close will be appreciated.
Daniel has been opening his eyes and making more faces and I will upload those images as they are available. Until then here are the latest images.
He is still on the “jet” ventilator and still is fighting pulmonary pneumonia, which is common in preemies. The ventilator gently pressurizes or inflates Daniel lungs as it puffs in and out breaths. When he is older and his lungs can stay inflated on their own they will change him to a ventilator that will only help him breathe.
Another concern has been his PDA valve being closed and after further examinations they discovered the valve is still not closed completely. If it does not close over the next few days the doctors may have to operate and place a suture around the valve. That is something that we do not want to happen, so your prayers that his PDA valve will close will be appreciated.
Daniel has been opening his eyes and making more faces and I will upload those images as they are available. Until then here are the latest images.
This image is if his home away from home. The machines on the right hand side are for feeding and medication. The machines on the left side are his ventilator and in the middle you can see his "Stasis Unit" ( some say we watch to many sci-fi movies but I don't think so)
His one month "Birthday Card" and his "Feet Prints"
Resting in his "Stasis Unit" and Mom and Dad taking his temperature and getting him ready for bed.
6 comments:
So glad you started the blog, love to see the little guy!
What is a PDA valve?
Hi Tim & Tracy,
Cara Hall (Lowry) here. I am so gratefull for this blog. Way to go Gpa. I think about you guys constantly. Actually, we had Peyton at UVRMC last weekend with Rotavirus. While I was sitting there with her, my thoughts were with you guys. The longest we've been at the hospital with a child was 6 days. I can't imagine what you are going through. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
PDA is the Patent Ductus Arteriosus. My Abi's didn't close and she had surgery, twice, to fix it when she was one. The valve is supposed to close shortly after birth. When it doesn't, this opening allows blood to flow directly from the aorta into the pulmonary artery, which can put a strain on the heart and increase the blood pressure in the lung arteries. Usually babies do close on their own, so we're praying that his does! The surgery can be done through the groin...though I'm not sure on a baby so tiny. That's my 2 cents on that.
Please keep the entries coming. I love being up to date. Our love and prayers!
Here's a very informative website with info on PDA. Copy and paste it into your browser.
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pda/pda_what.html
Wow, thanks Cara! That definitely answered my questions.
Our prayers are with Daniel.
Our prayers are with you and little Daniel as well. We just had our little baby boy in Dec. Despite the trials, they are the greatest joy in the world! Maybe he and Daniel can be buddies. Keep plugging away. I love seeing the pictures. He is so precious!
Love,
Jen Brady (LaRae's grandaughter)
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