Today is Lauren's week birthday. Unfortunately, her condition has deteriorated slightly today, and for the first time we really feel like we are on the NICU rollercoaster.
During our evening visit last night, we learned that one of her lungs is congested with fluid, and this fluid buildup was confirmed with a chest x-ray. Consequently, her heart is working hard to keep her body oxygenated, which concerns us greatly. The medical team believes this is the result of her heart condition (the "PDA"). The PDA, while normal in most preemies, can greatly decrease pulmonary efficiency, and give other potential problems a foothold. So, closing the PDA (which is essentially a small valve necessary for life in the womb that is suppose to close when the baby makes the transition to breathing oxygen) is critical at this point. Over the last few days, the medical team gave her drugs to help close the valve. An echo cardiogram was performed today to see if the valve closure is smaller. We will head back to the hospital this afternoon when they receive the results of the test. Regardless, Kaia and I feel strongly that we must get the valve closed to keep her on the right track.
Lauren also quit "bubbling" (part of her breathing equipment) this afternoon during our visit, which scared us beyond belief. It was just a mechanical problem relating to Lauren's position, fortunately, but terrifying nonetheless. As we are painfully learning, these little setbacks are very hard to swallow.
Fortunately, there was some good news on this visit. She continues to gain more weight, and she is up to 922 grams, so she continues to close in on her birth weight. Most preemies take 2 weeks to get back to their birth weight, but she will most likely do it in one week. She also has been accepting all of the increased feedings, and producing bigger fuller diapers. (I never really thought that would be a good thing.) They will most likely increase the volume of the feedings once we can get the PDA under control.
Again, we can't express to you all how much we appreciate hearing your words of encouragement and HOPE. They keep us up, and remind us how lucky we are to have such great friends and family. Please keep them coming.
Keep the faith,
Grant
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6 comments:
Hi Sweet Family,
OK - I know the terror you must feel everytime something happens out of the ordinary . . . just hold on to the fact that she is gaining weight ... getting stronger to fight harder ... sometimes there are a couple of steps back before there are many more going forward. We pray for your strength and wisdom and think about the 4 of you all day long. Let me know about coming the end of the week to help. (Oh no, did I hear the word SNOW?) Love you tons. Mom
Hi Kaia and Grant - I was just thinking about you and little Lauren and read your latest post. I'm keeping her in my prayers daily and pray for your strength.
Walter and Winston got to see Connor the other day when we were out on a walk. They all loved each other!
Dear Kaia and Grant,
We're following sweet Lauren's progress here in Rocklin CA. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Dave and Maureen Prindiville
Hey Guys, Things couldn't sound better. Our good friends, Greg and Erin Pierson's son had a hole in his heart that needed surgery. I never knew how common it was. Anyway, he is doing awesome - no issues. As you know he is Walker's age and they are the best of friends. They wrestle, fight, bash cars and he is every bit as nuts as Walker (maybe that's not such a good thing)! We love you guys and pray every night for tough little Lauren Reece. We appreciate your blogs as we are dying to know what is going on. I know I can call, but the last thing I want to do is interupt a chance at sleep or time with Connor. I am so proud of your strength and determination - We all know how much you love that litte p-nut and because of your love and strength, everything will continue to go well. Let me know if you need anything. All our best - Matt, Julie, Walker, and Laney May
I sent you my previous email prior to the latest news.... Like you said Grant, it's going to be a rollercoaster and Dad would always say to "focus on the positive" and pray for the rest!!! We are constantly thinking of you guys. We love ya. Matty Nez
Dear Kaia and Grant,
Stuart and I have been reading your daily reports on your sweet little bundle. We know this is a difficult time for you and all of your family, but we're also encouraging you to focus on all the premie success stories that you've heard from so many of your friends. Stuart and I can count five personal friends and family members who made a premature entry into the world who now consider those early weeks as simply an interesting story to tell, not realizing, of course, what that early arrival meant in the lives of all who loved them. We'll remind Lauren of that in years to come.
Our thoughts are with you.
Judith and Stuart
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