Samuel is still slowly progressing. He is now 5 weeks old. If he was still in the womb he would be starting his 32nd week. He weighs 3 lbs 11 oz (he is progressing fast in that aspect;)). He is still on diaretics. They bumped up his feedings a few more mls every 3 hours. The last few days he is in the 30's as far as how much oxygen they are giving him on the cpap (remember they want him down to 21% which is room air). Sometimes they need to crank him up to 40% or even 50% or so if they are taking his vitals or messing with him, but the last few days he's hanging out around in the 30's, which is progress. He kind of had a rough weekend and so many factors can be playing into his rough days, but the doctor said that looking at a chest x-ray they did this last weekend, his lungs don't look as abnormal as they should look. He said they look "mildly abnormal" so the doctor says he's more optimistic about Samuel's lungs. He also said that he thinks that Samuel will continue to be on the cpap for another few weeks until his lungs heal and mature. When they talk about his lungs they use the term Chronic Lung Disease which generally means that he has damaged tissue in his lungs which creates breathing problems and health problems. Some of the factors that lead to Chronic Lung Disease are: premature birth, injury to the lungs from all of the oxygen support (particularly the ventilator), and a heart condition known as PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) definition: The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel in a fetus that connects the pulmonary artery, which carries blood to the lungs, and the aorta, which carries blood to the body, so that blood flow bypasses the lungs. Normally, this blood vessel closes shortly after birth; but when it does not, it is known as a patent (open) ductus arteriosus.) There are more factors but these are some of the factors that the doctors and nurses believe are affecting Samuel at this time.
These are pictures of Samuel on Monday night, a couple of nights ago. He looked so peaceful.
Our 3 lb 11 oz chunk. His hair is coming in more full and looks to be dirty blonde.
Here is a little video of Samuel. I was guarding the light in the room from his eyes because he was trying to open them. He is often awake when I'm there which is kind of fun. After 15 seconds or so the battery died on the camera.
Our 3 lb 11 oz chunk. His hair is coming in more full and looks to be dirty blonde.
Here is a little video of Samuel. I was guarding the light in the room from his eyes because he was trying to open them. He is often awake when I'm there which is kind of fun. After 15 seconds or so the battery died on the camera.
2 comments:
he is so sweet Terie! And he's getting so much hair. I think lily had that much when she was like... oh I don't know a year old ;) love you girly! I hope he just keeps on getting better and better (and fatter ;), what a strong kid!
He is looking better and better. Hang in there mama. I'm thinking of you.
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