Thursday, April 30, 2009

Off the Ventilator! (New Title)

So, Gaines is officially on CPAP...for now anyway. CPAP supplies continual air to keep his lungs open so they don't collapse but he's breathing on his own, where the ventilator was breathing for him...as I understand it anyway. We went for our afternoon visit and they had just put him on the CPAP. We realize that this might just be his first try. There's a good chance he may not take to it right away. It could take several tries.

For now he seems to be ok on it. He's on 50% oxygen and his sats are doing well. They had to bump up the oxygen level as this is a lesser machine but they will try to wean him as he tolerates it. Right before we left they checked his blood gases and they "weren't bad". I asked what that means and she said, not as bad as they were a few days ago. I'm taking that to mean that they want them to be better but they are not bad enough to put him back on the ventilator right away. Did I mention that he's also off the nitric oxide? Little guy has had a big day.

Oh, the heart echo is not scheduled for today. We think maybe tomorrow. They are on top of it but no one seems super concerned about it at this moment. I'm taking that as a good sign. We would however like to officially rule that little possibility out.

I also wanted to take a minute to mention some visitors we had late yesterday afternoon. Two of the leaders of my company were in DC for some meetings and came by to visit us. I cannot tell you how humbled we are that these very busy men took time out of their day to visit us. Unfortunately Gaines was having a procedure done and they couldn't go back to see him but we had a great visit with them. It was so good to see familiar and friendly faces. Before they left they each prayed for Gaines and our family. I am so blessed to work for a company that is run by such Godly people...I really mean that.

Beau and I have just been blown away the last few days at Gaines' progress. A few times we've wanted to ask, are you sure you've got the right baby? We are amazed at the way God is working in our lives. Please pray that Gaines tolerates the CPAP, for no heart problems and that God prepares us for the possibilities of each of these. Also, Reed is traveling today to stay with Beau's parents for a while. Pray for their safe travels and a smooth transition.

P.S. I got to take his tempeture today and yesterday we touched him a lot...I even got to touch his soft hair.

Love to all,

Brittany

18 comments:

Kate said...

That is awesome! I would imagine that you will get to hold him soon.

Tiffany Dawn said...

yay! so good!! I hope you (and we) continue to get good reports as he gets stronger and stronger! I saw the title of this post before I clicked on it and thought it said "CRAP" and my heart sank!!! I'm so glad it said CPAP! :) hehe.
I feel like I know you guys and think about you often in the day. I check the blog at least 2 times a day to see how everythign is going and how to pray. Thanks so much for sharing this w the whole world! Its a testimony to God and the way he works in and around you! So happy you touched your little man!

Lori said...

Super glad to hear all the positives. I thought your post said "CRAP" too. I was reading along and keep waiting for the "bad crappy news" but there is only happy news here and that's a good thing! How amazing you were ablt to touch him. On another note, I am guessing Beau is sleeping way better in a bed vs. that chair?

Unknown said...

Brittany,

When I first saw the title I read it as "CRAP" too and I thought "Oh no!" Then I realized it said CPAP.

That is exciting news. I'm so glad you got to touch that soft hair and I bet Gaines loved feeling his Mom's touch.

Keep up the positive progress Gaines!

Rhonda

Kathy said...

OK, mark me down as reading CRAP on the title, too, and thinking, "oh no!" and then realizing what it *really* said. LOL

So glad to hear things are improving so quickly for him (and y'all!) Praying for continued blessings!

Hewett Happenings said...

So I'm not the only one. My heart sank too, because I also saw CRAP. How wonderful that it wasn't. I just love good news and evidence God is still at work performing miracles. Praying that the CPAP is successful, and the first time will be a charm.

You continue to rest and heal, for very quickly, you will be an amazingly busy woman at home with two little boys.

Praying in Oklahoma...

Unknown said...

Glad to hear that Gaines is doing so amazingly well! Wonderful news. Praying for you all!
Ashley (Harwell) Norton

Jennifer said...

A good news report - yeah! Good bye ventilator!! Praying for all of you today -

Tiffany Dawn said...

Funny that you changed the title!! Glad to know I wasn't the only one!!! :)

Stephanie said...

Wow...he's just sprinting to the finish line! Awesome day!

Footprints Ministry said...

That is amazing!!! We'll continue to pray.

Collier Chronicles said...

I am so thankful to hear the continued answers to prayers.

Continuing to pray!

Lori said...

I keept laughing so hard when reading the comments AFTER my first one because so many thought it said CRAP it would be kinda normal for a heading but NOT for GAINES he is on the RIGHT TRACK NOW, Praise GOD. I found it very amusing you changed the title.

Donna said...

So glad for the great news! I'm praying for all of you today. Hope little Reed adjusts well with his other grandparents. God bless!

jensoup said...

Things are coming along well-just wait till you can do kangaroo care...you'll love it,you'll never want to put him down.Its also sooo good for him-thats the one thing I have to say I really do miss about the NICU....and its something non-preemie parents never expierence-kinda sad for them.

Julie said...

so happy for such great progress! We will continue to pray!

kim_brough said...

Woo hoo!! I was thinking that would happen today when you posted earlier that he was on 28% which is like room air!

I can't wait to see a pic of sweet baby Gaines without the vent!

How's his weight now?

Melody said...

What an amazing company you work for! It always touches my heart when people that have absolutely no obligation, do something that just blows you away. :)