Saturday, May 2, 2009

Not Much to Report

I don't really have much to report this morning. Gaines seems to still be holding on with the CPAP. They are very slowly weaning his oxygen. I'm not sure what percentage oxygen he was at in our last report but he was at 38% this morning and holding his sats very well. I imagine they reduced it some right after we left. His blood gases looked better this morning. We've been specifically watching his carbon dioxide level. It was at 65 and at last check had come down to 58. They want it to be in or around the 40s so while not perfect, its definitely better.

He's had a few occurrences of bradycardia (slowed heart rate) and apnea (lapse in breathing) but he's come out of them on his own. According to our nurse, this is typical of someone with Gaines circumstances. I'd like them to stop all together but overall I feel good about where things are this morning. Please continue to keep praying for his lungs to mature and heal, and for no heart problems.

Something I forgot to mention...now that Gaines is no longer on the ventilator you can hear his tiny cries when he doesn't like something (like a diaper change). It is the SWEETEST little sound. I think it sounds like a tiny kitten. He still wiggles around a good bit but was sleeping peacefully this morning.

Beau and I are still doing well. We have been able to hold strong and can really feel God's comfort and peace. We just keep focusing on the day when we can be a family at home again. Reed comes again next weekend and I CANNOT wait.

I believe Reed is headed to the zoo today with his cousins. I'm sure he'll have a good time. I cannot tell you how much I miss that little boy. I think its even harder now that I'm out and physically able to care for him. Please pray for extra protection for Reed. I just pray that he stays safe and healthy and happy. I miss him terribly.

Please keep us in your prayers. We are so thankful that Gaines is tolerating the CPAP and we are in no rush but I'd love for him to come off the oxygen a little more today and for the blood gases to keep going in the right direction. Your prayers have been such a blessing to our family.

Love to all,

Brittany

8 comments:

Amanda said...

Crying can be such a SWEET sound in the NICU. I used to think it was sad that babies cried, but after my daughter was probably a month old before she even could cry, I realized what a simple blessing it was to know that my baby was healthy enough to express her displeasure in such a normal way. If that make sense.

That great news about the continued success of the CPAP. Hopefully the family will send lots of pictures of Reed's trip to the zoo today. Glad you and Beau are doing well and comforted by God's peace.

Anonymous said...

I found your blog after you first went into the hospital and didn't check again for awhile - I'm SO glad to hear that both Gaines and you are doing so well!
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Stephanie said...

Praying for your entire family! Hope Reed has a wonderful time at the zoo today..are you able to talk to him on the phone on a daily basis? I know you can't wait to see him next weekend...now that you are out of the hospital you'll be able to do alittle more with him so that will be incredibly nice..I know how excited you must be!

Praying for Gaines...that he has a wonderful day today!

Amy said...

Thank you so much for taking the time to update this blog. I know you probably have lots of family and 'real life' friends reading, but all of us here in the blog world love hearing how you all are doing too.

Are there any long-term risks with the carbon dioxide levels being high?

That is so sweet that you can hear him cry now. Bless his little heart. I can't imagine the load of emotions you must be carrying right now, without feeling like you are able to do much for either of your boys.

Is there a Ronald McDonald House nearby? When our youngest son was hospitalized we stayed there some, and the best part was being able to have our older son come for a night or two. We could sleep in the same room, share meals... there was place for him to play... all right near the hospital! It was a wonderful blessing to our family.

We are still praying for all of you!

Denise said...

Bob sleeps with a cpap every night and he is a LOT older than our little Gaines! We love you and continually prayer for you all.
Love,
Ms. Denise

Cary said...

I think "not much to report" is great! It sounds like Gaines is continuing to improve. Y'all just stay strong and continue to feel God's presence.

Cary in Birmningham

Collier Chronicles said...

It is funny you mention comfort and peace, that is what I pray for you during this time!!!

Anonymous said...

I have been thinking about you guys. Please let me know if you need anything!