We made it through the night, and Lauren continues to fight with everything she has.
We visited her last night, and received good news that her PDA is slowly closing. The valve opening is smaller than before, and her heart rate has come down as a result. We've decided to go another round of the medication to see if that will fully close the valve, which will greatly improve the efficiency of her heart and lungs. So, another echo cardiogram is scheduled for Tuesday night to see if the second round of meds will completely shut the valve. The congestion in her lung was less last night, but still present. Her digestion seems stable, and for the most part she is improving.
Kaia is planning on spending a good deal of time with her at the hospital today. She will most likely start "kangarooing" her, which is delicately holding her skin to skin. Many studies show the positive effects of parental touch, including reduced A/B spells, faster weight gain, and overall better health. We've been resistant to holding her because of the risk of infection, and because it was nearly impossible with all of her IV lines, breathing tubes, and electrodes. However, I think Kaia is in an emotional place to begin this process. We should have the results of the brain scan this afternoon, and hopefully some news on her weight.
Emotionally, we remain positive, and encouraged by all of your well wishes. Thanks for keeping Lauren in your thoughts today.
Grant and Kaia
PS: I know some people are interested in knowing about "A/B" spells or episodes. The A/B stands for "apnea and bradycardia" - which are short periods where she forgets to breathe, and her heart rate and pressure go into steep decline. When she goes through one of these, the alarms go off, and the medical team wakes her up with light touching and rubbing...They are fairly normal, but absolutely terrifying.
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7 comments:
We are so happy to hear that Lauren continues to battle. You are all amazingly brave. Our loving thoughts continue to go with you. Thanks again for continuing to post your comments. We are "hooked" on them and frequently check for updates. Stay strong. Love and hugs to all of you, Fran and Gerry
Kaia and Grant,
Lauren is a beautiful and strong name. Thank you for posting this blog. It is great to read that Lauren makes progress. She seems to have great strenght, which she clearly gets from you. Please let us know what we can do to help you all. All our love, Claire, Jose, Gus, Michael, Margeret and Gus.
Dear dear Kaia and Grant,
You are both doing an amazing job of caring for your baby and your family and friends! Your blog is a wonderful gift to all of us. Thank you. Each day Lara and I talk about you and Lauren and Connor and marvel at all you are dealing with. Please remember to take good care of yourselves, in the process. And remember to treasure Connor's hugs and sloppy kisses. They will help you get through the days. We look forward to continuing good news about each of you. love from Sydney, Michele and Bill
Grant & Kaia,
Just want to let you know that you and Lauren are contantly in our thoughts and prayers. We wish we were closer so we could help and be there for you, but we know you are surrounded by amazing family and friends. We love you all, and Jack and Cade can't wait to meet their cousin Lauren. God Bless, Jason, Shannon, Jack, & Caden
I (Dede)just got back to Ft. Collins after several days with Kaia, Grant and Connor in Denver. Our itty bit Nesbitt is a fighter and we love seeing her all nested in her incubator racking up that REM sleep. We just want her to be calm and comfortable.
Connor is a bucket of sunshine to be with when everyone comes back home. Kaia and Grant are wonderful at trying to communicate and stay level headed as well as protective of Lauren.
Kisses from GranD and GranDoc Histand
Thank you Grant and Kaia for your updates. We all are checking the blog often and praying "without ceasing" for Lauren, G,K, & C and all the medical helpers in the NICU, and your marvelous "helpers" at home! Lauren is a little miracle and we continue to be so thankful for the joy and inspiration she has already shared with all of us. As you continue to remind us all, Grant, "Keep the Faith!"
Love, Love, Love, Nora, Dean & fam.
I know this is a rollar coaster ride for you all. My whole family is constantly calling me and asking what they should be praying for. Lauren has so much love and prayers coming her way she is surely feeling it. Kaia, I loved the kangaroo sessions. I would sit there for as long as Walker would let me and it felt so good. I love you all and we hope to get down to see you soon.
Julie
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