XP: Snug As A Bug In A Rug Adalyn Update

DrRx · February 2012

Hi everyone! Here's the latest from the NICU.

Breathing

Our MD told us that on the x-ray, it looks like Adalyn is starting to have that problem with that part of her upper right lung lobe that isn't open like it should be. She ordered for Adalyn to get some chest physical therapy and for her to remain with her right side up for 6 hours. It isn't as bad as it was about a week ago and the MD didn't seem too concerned. Her ventilator settings continue to remain low, and she has been pretty stable. She hasn't had any real episodes with desatting or anything, so that's good! Also, we were able to hear her make some sort of noise yesterday. It was the first time that I was able to hear her, since I was so out of it during delivery that I didn't get to hear her make that "mew" sound that Rodney heard. The reason we were able to hear her was because she has a leak in her breathing tube. It's not that it has a hole in it, but that the size of the tube is smaller than her trachea. The next size up is too big and would stretch her trachea. So, they did replace it, but with the same size.

Feeding and Weight

The MD is going to keep her at 17ml every 3 hours, but is adding some milk fortifier to add some extra calories as well as Vitamin D. Adalyn has had a couple of residuals, which means that she didn't finish digesting her whole feed before the next one. However, they haven't been much so they just re-feed it to her. Her weight increased to 1 pound 13 ounces (820g)! Yay! She has surpassed her birth weight!

Infection?

Today's bloodwork showed slightly elevated white blood cells, and even though she is not showing any other sign of infection, they are going to start treating her with antibiotics. They were also going to take her PICC line out anyway, so they went ahead and did that and sent the tip to get it cultured. They also cultured a sputum sample from her breathing tube and a blood sample. Those will be back in 48 hours, but she has been started on Vancomycin and Claforan to cover for most bacteria. She hasn't had a change in her demeanor, ie, she's not acting lethargic or anything, so if she does have an infection, let's hope that we are catching it really early and that the antibiotics do their thing.

Miscellaneous

Actually, I think that she's been more alert today than I've seen her in the past! We've been able to see her with her eyes wide open and looking around several times today. She likes to put her hands up around her head and face, and she has been kicking her right leg like she's doing leg lifts! She gets annoyed if she isn't fed on time and she lets you know it!

I also asked the MD when we might be able to hold her, and she said that once she reaches 2 pounds or so, and is able to tolerate the Hands On without desats , then we would be able to hold her, at least for a little bit. I think that the day is approaching for that and I just can't wait!

Here's a pic of Adalyn last night all snuggled up!

Thank you all for your continued support!! We all really appreciate it! Reading all of your posts makes this whole ordeal a little easier to deal with. Smile

blueberries8 · February 2012

So happy for another great update. I hope the lung issue will resolve soon. I think of you guys everyday and your positive attitude throughout your time in the hospital and also now has been an inspiration to me.

Reilly626 · February 2012

Omg! God Bless! I didn't realize you had her! Modern medicine is amazing and I'm So glad she is doing well, I hope you are too! Love her name! It reminds me of that beautiful singer Adelle.

kzawisl · February 2012

She is just precious! And such a fighter. Thank you for the updates. I think of you 3 often!

ELF4321 · February 2012

ccam · February 2012

What a cute picture! Glad to hear things are still going well.

TJ1979 · February 2012

Another great update - I hope her lung situation resolves very soon. She looks so cute in that picture!

JennPierog · February 2012

I love the updates! I'm so glad he's gaining weighting! I'm keeping my figures crossed for no Infection!

kimikins79 · February 2012

Your daughter is beautiful. I can't even tell you how much I am pulling for you guys. I look for your post and update my DH each night. I can't wait for the post where she is breathing on her own, you get to hold her and then take that baby home with you! The pregnant me just cried at work because she is so amazing.

Best always!

lovebug33 · February 2012

Continued prayers for little Adalyn. She is precious and I am so glad she is doing well!

mandalinn25 · February 2012

She is such a little fighter. Keeping you all in my thoughts. Hugs!

beth0874 · February 2012

I'm so happy to read another good update. I shared the story with my DH and you have both of us wishing the best for you LO. Her picture is so cute. What a fighter!

mdiblasi10 · February 2012

I love seeing Adalyn updates

So happy to hear things are going well.

snoangel79 · February 2012

So happy she is growing now!! I hope she hits 2lbs soon so you can have more "time" with her!! Also hope she doesn't have an infection!! Hugs to you!!