We've been by Lauren's bedside for most of the morning.
Upon our arrival, we learned that her red blood cell count was way down, and she was very pale in color. Her stomach and intestines were bloated, and most likely the result of an incorrectly placed feeding tube, which allowed too much air to pass down into her digestive track. They quickly did a chest x-ray on her this morning, which didn't reveal much, which was good. They transfused her this morning to bring up her red blood cell count, which is common in preemies. So, hopefully those two minor problems will be corrected by tonight. She continues to gain weight, and now up to 997 grams - which is great.
Unfortunately, it appears that her PDA is not closing, and that the second round of medication didn't work as well as we had hoped. An echo cardiogram was performed to see if there was any progress, and we should have those results back this afternoon. We believe that she will most likely undergo heart surgery on the duct either tonight or early in the morning. We will have a consultation with a cardiac surgeon this afternoon from Children's Hospital. We've worked so hard to avoid this result, and it pains us to see her go through more trauma. In many respects, it doesn't hardly seem fair for someone so small to have to endure all of this. Yet, we understand this to be a necessary and routine procedure, common in many preemies, and will most likely result in a healthier child. However, we just feel so sad and so very scared, but confident too...
Your thoughts and prayers have meant so much to us. We read them every night, and they remind us that we are not alone. Thank you for keeping Lauren close to you today.
Much love to you all,
Grant, Kaia, and Connor
PS - today is her gestational birthday of 28 weeks, only 12 more weeks to go.
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8 comments:
I'm so sorry today has been a scary day. Your presence by her bedside is undoubtedly wonderful medicine. I will be hugging you all a little bit tighter in my heart tonight.
-Lor
All our thoughts and prayers are with you -- and with little Lauren. So many wonderful things happen with these tiny ones. Lauren is in line for a shower of good results!
You are wonderful parents. In that sense, she is a lucky little girl.
Love, Carolyn
Grant, Kaia, Connor, and Lauren,
Know that you continue to be in our prayers and hearts. A very challenging Wednesday, no doubt. I know all will go well tomorrow. Sending you hugs and all our best from the low country.
Love,
Susan and Gary
Kaia and Grant,
I just wanted to drop in a word of encouragement. A friend of mine had open-heart surgery when he was 17 hours old, and he's a happy, healthy 34 years old now, and has kids of his own! Go Lauren!
--Rhonda
Hang in there, Kaia and Grant! You have been so positive and brave - if the surgery is necessary, it will be another huge challenge and another hurdle overcome. We're all sending lots of positive thoughts Lauren's way tonight.
With love, the Vowles crew
We hang on your every word. We know that today must be extremely scary, but we are all hoping for wonderful results. Lauren is strong, as are you. We send lots of loving thoughts your way. And we echo what all the others are saying, especially Karen Wilken, as she so eloquently states what we are thinking too.
Gerry and Fran
We are with you guys and we are praying for that little gal and you guys too! Stay positive and remember, what you focus on expands! I am focusing on a healthy, vibrant, baby Lauren. Keep the positive vibe! Matty
Kaia and Grant,
Stuart and I have been reading your blog on Lauren daily. Please know that our thoughts are with you as you face this next step in Lauren's care. It is a routine procedure and the preemies we now know as healthy children of five and 6 both went through it. We'll look forward to hearing about the progress Lauren makes over the next weeks.
Warmly,
Judith and Stuart
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