Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Some Clarity

We were able to speak to Gaines' doctor today and now have a much better understanding of "the plan". The plan is to allow the nurses to wean Gaines' oxygen as they see fit. The doctor did order the oxygen to be weaned if Gaines' SATS are above 93%. The doctor also ordered to try and wean Gaines' flow by one liter each Monday. That is why his flow was weaned from five to four liters this past Monday. Since being weaned to 4 liters on Monday, Gaines has done very well. This afternoon he was on 46% oxygen and his SATS were really good. He is also doing well with his weight, currently at 7 pounds and 11 ounces. His bottle feeds are about the same...he is taking between 5 and 15 CC's by bottle every 9 hours.

The doctor also clarified the amount of progress Gaines needs to make in order to go home. Home Health Care Companies in our area can support a baby on 2 liters and 100% oxygen. However, our doctor explained that Gaines would need to be on a little bit less than this. If we take Gaines home on 2 liters and 100% oxygen and something were to happen, we wouldn't have the ability to give him any more flow or oxygen. The doctor would rather Gaines go home on a little less than 2 liters and 100% oxygen...this gives us a little wiggle room once we get home.

The doctor also told us that once Gaines hits 2 liters of flow we will begin to talk about Gaines going home. He told us not to expect to take him home soon after he reaches 2 liters of flow. He will need to sustain 2 liters for an extended period of time.

All in all, we feel much better. We know and understand the plan and are comfortable with it. We are also excited with Gaines' progress the past five days. We have been told good progress would be for Gaines to reduce his oxygen requirement by 2% per week. In the past five days, he has reduced his oxygen requirement by 19%. He is doing very good.

Please continue to pray for Gaines. He still has a long road ahead. By the way, today is day #102 in the NICU.

5 comments:

The Williamson's said...

I'm so glad to hear that good news and I'm glad y'all are feeling much better about "the plan." I'm still praying every day for your sweet little guy and the rest of the family. God Bless!

maddie/cadesmimi said...

Slow and steady wins the race...he'll get there!

Diana said...

Praying that Gaines continues to make leaps and bound worth of progress and that you can all be home together before too long. Praying for rest for you all.

Beth said...

I'm so glad you were able to talk to the doctor and feel better about Gaines' situation.
Still praying in Madison, AL...

SarahMerritt said...

Beau and Brittany I am glad that Gaines seems to be making slow steady progress! I have been following you since Brittany was first admitted to the hospital and I have prayed for your family often!I just gave you a blog award hop over to mine to see it and please pass it on!

Sarah