Pete here: Don't let the title fool you - it's a good day for Finn today!! Dr. Hustead just called me to let me know that she "could not be more happy with his progress". That's exactly what I like to hear, especially after a couple of days where both Karen and I have been kind of extra worried, as he has been showing some signs of fatigue and possible difficulty. But not today!
He had a good night. He's tolerating his feedings well, so they're going to increase the fortifier they've been adding to the breast milk in order to increase his caloric intake. He's also been on a schedule of 3 hours on the "hi-flow" or canula (the smaller breathing apparatus) and 1 hour of CPAP "as tolerated", which means as long as he doesn't have more than 3 apnea spells in that 3 hour canula period. So far I guess he's only made it 2.5 hours on the hi-flow, and then needed the help of the CPAP (higher pressure, not as much work for him to breathe). But that's okay - he's getting used to breathing on his own, and he doesn't need to rush. I told him yesterday that we don't mind if his report card doesn't always come back with straight A's - that B's are okay too...
As for his belly, the Doctor said that at this point she's not really concerned about it. All the tests and x-rays and indicators reveal that there is not a serious problem; and she suspects that the high pressure air and all the food is causing the swelling as his body is simply adjusting to all of this stuff. They are of course keeping a close eye on it, but the doctor did not seem concerned. As she said, she was "thrilled".
Lastly, his blood screenings came back with no signs of any inherited diseases, his hemoglobin levels look good, and his brain ultrasound also looks good. He may need another small blood transfusion sometime next week if his anemia returns, but that's a "wait-and-see". It sounds like the doctor somewhat expects that to happen.
Overall though, you couldn't ask for a much better call from the doctor in a situation like this, so I'm very pleased. I love you Finnbo! Keep up the good work. Thanks everyone! - P.
2 comments:
Thank goodness he's doing well! I love him so much already--make sure you tell him! Love you guys too and you are doing FANTASTIC! grammasue
GP McCauley said,"This kid is a real McCauley - distended belly, lots of gas! Soon, he'll do a poop as big as a teddy bear! Is HE as big as a teddy bear?"
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