Nicholas is now receiving fortified feedings and as of last night he was up to 5.7ml of breast milk every hour!!! His weight has also increased to 2lb 14oz, so were hoping tonight's weigh in brings him over 3lbs!!! The doctor reduced the number of assisted breaths per minute from 60 to 55 yesterday, and he tolerated it nicely, while remaining at a low oxygen assistance level of 31-32%!!! The doctor said they will continue to slowly lower the assisted breaths as his apnea decreases, since his brain development is coming along nicely and he's not forgetting to take breaths anymore!!! It sounds crazy of course, but their brains haven't developed enough to send the signal to breathe constantly so that is why the C-PAP provides assisted breaths, and the boys both receive caffeine on a daily basis for the breathing issue as well!!! Nicholas' blood work also came back with good results, and there are no signs of bleeding anywhere!!!
Joseph had a total of two episodes yesterday but nothing to be alarmed about. He now is up to 22ml of breast milk every 3 hours!!! This is the maximum amount he can receive through his feeding tube, and they will begin to wean him off of his TPN (Total parenteral nutrition) which he has been receiving since the first week. The TPN is given through the PICC lines, and even though they will wean him off of the TPN, they will continue to give him clear liquids to keep the line open, just in case they need to put him back on the TPN for whatever reason. This will continue for a few days until the doctor is completely confident that he is getting enough nutrients from breast milk alone!!! Joseph now weighs 3lb 3oz, and is really looking healthier by the day!!! Joseph's blood work came back with good results as well yesterday!!! The doctor also decreased Joseph's assisted breaths from 60 to 55 like Nicholas which he handled well, and actually ended up with a lower oxygen assistance of 43% yesterday!!!
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| It was a little dark last night sorry!!! Nicholas sleeping comfortably!!! |
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| Joseph Looking really comfortable as well!!! |
UPDATE 9/6/2013 9:45 PM: The boys had another great day!!! We even received news that Joseph had his PICC line taken out!!! He reached his 22ml of breast milk so they could take away the TPN, but the doctor was so happy with his progress that she ordered his PICC line, and he only has the feeding tube and his caffeine line going into him now!!! The nurse said that the goal is to slowly remove all IV's and machines slowly, so the only thing they have on them in a few weeks is the monitor for their vitals! We're excited on the progress and hope he can keep it up!!!
Nicholas also had a great day today, but he was showing some signs of retaining fluids. The nurse said it didn't seem like a big deal, but the doctor ordered that Nicholas receive a diuretic for three days to try and reduce some of his "puffiness". They have also located a small birth mark developing on his finger. The doctor told me the exact term for it, but I can't recall exactly what it is, so I'll get back to you on that one, However the growth can continue to get larger, but apparently it's purely cosmetic. We think of this now as a good way to tell them apart!!! The doctor said they usually will stop growing and possibly even fall off, or we'll have to see a dermatologist later on to determine the best treatment for it. This isn't anything for us to worry about now, but it was brought up to me and my Wife today, and we like to share the news with you as soon as we can! Nicholas had a good day otherwise, and hopefully can have his PICC line removed tomorrow or Sunday!!!
I hope everyone has a great night and enjoys their weekend!!! I know I'll be enjoying the fact that football is back so GO BEARS!!!
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