Happy 1 Week Emma!
Emma is continuing to do well.... here is an update... followed by pictures!
Emma's lungs continue to do well. She has started receiving caffeine (which is used as a respiratory stimulant). In addition, Emma has almost reached the desired ventilator pressure. While she still has a ways to go, she is progressing. At this time Emma is still using 32% oxygen (as compared to 21% for normal air) and the ventilator is providing 30 breaths per minute. We have been told that when Emma is able to have the ventilator provide only 10 breaths per minute (with Emma initiating the rest she needs) and the pressure is reduced slightly more, she may be taken off the ventilator and put on an oxygen line (via her nose) . Emma is still going to be on the ventilator a while yet, but she is making progress.
Skin - It is amazing to see how Emma's skin progresses everyday. Within a week or so Emma should have sufficiently thick skin. At this time, however, Emma is still susceptible to sores, so she is handled with care. In addition, the special light used to combat jaundice is still being used, however it may be finished soon.
IVs - Emma had both of her umbilical lines removed yesterday, and has a new PICC line installed. This new line is less susceptible to infection and will allow Emma's belly button to heal.
Heart - Emma's heart and bloodwork continues to do well. Emma had been taking medication for a heart murmur (which is not unusual in premature and full term babies... it is called PDA I believe). After two rounds of the meds it appears that the murmur is gone... we'll continue to cross our fingers on that.
In addition, due to the amount of bloodwork being done over the past week, and the fact that Emma can't produce enough red blood cells to account for all the blood being drawn, Emma received a blood transfusion yesterday. This was expected and went well. (oh yeah... she has 0+ blood, if anyone was interested).
Emma continue to ramp up her feeding schedule. A couple days ago she was receiving 1ml per 12 hours, and she is currently at 1 ml every 4 hours. We have been told that she will soon start eating more and putting on more weight.
Emma received her first haircut yesterday also. not much was taken off...
Emma Sleeping...
Emma in comparison to Liz's hand...
Emma's feet....
Emma's lungs continue to do well. She has started receiving caffeine (which is used as a respiratory stimulant). In addition, Emma has almost reached the desired ventilator pressure. While she still has a ways to go, she is progressing. At this time Emma is still using 32% oxygen (as compared to 21% for normal air) and the ventilator is providing 30 breaths per minute. We have been told that when Emma is able to have the ventilator provide only 10 breaths per minute (with Emma initiating the rest she needs) and the pressure is reduced slightly more, she may be taken off the ventilator and put on an oxygen line (via her nose) . Emma is still going to be on the ventilator a while yet, but she is making progress.
Skin - It is amazing to see how Emma's skin progresses everyday. Within a week or so Emma should have sufficiently thick skin. At this time, however, Emma is still susceptible to sores, so she is handled with care. In addition, the special light used to combat jaundice is still being used, however it may be finished soon.
IVs - Emma had both of her umbilical lines removed yesterday, and has a new PICC line installed. This new line is less susceptible to infection and will allow Emma's belly button to heal.
Heart - Emma's heart and bloodwork continues to do well. Emma had been taking medication for a heart murmur (which is not unusual in premature and full term babies... it is called PDA I believe). After two rounds of the meds it appears that the murmur is gone... we'll continue to cross our fingers on that.
In addition, due to the amount of bloodwork being done over the past week, and the fact that Emma can't produce enough red blood cells to account for all the blood being drawn, Emma received a blood transfusion yesterday. This was expected and went well. (oh yeah... she has 0+ blood, if anyone was interested).
Emma continue to ramp up her feeding schedule. A couple days ago she was receiving 1ml per 12 hours, and she is currently at 1 ml every 4 hours. We have been told that she will soon start eating more and putting on more weight.
Emma received her first haircut yesterday also. not much was taken off...
Emma Sleeping...
Emma in comparison to Liz's hand...
Emma's feet....
Emma and Piglet... Piglet was a gift from a 10 year old boy who was premature (similar to Emma) and was cared for at Meriter.
posted by Chadwick at 11:38 AM
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