* Emma is done with her antibiotics, her IV is out, and her group B strep is gone! She seems to be feeling much better, but we are still not sure why her breathing is progressing so slowly. She is still on 3 liters of oxygen and receiving 25%-30% of air. There are quite a few theories as to why she is still needing oxygen support. She is receiving a diaretic to help flush out any fluid that may be around her lungs and heart. Emma has an opening in the wall between the top 2 chambers of her heart, which is normal for preemies, but it should be closing soon. If there is fluid around her heart it could be slowing down the closing process, so we are hoping the diaretic will help that. Another reason for her needing oxygen support could be that her reflux has forced some spit up into her lungs. When her oxygen support is lower, we will have a "swallow study" done and they will monitor where the formula goes into her belly and make sure everything is going to the right place.
* Emma was moved into an even bigger crib today so that she can have a mobile above her. The nurse said during her bath this morning she seemed bored so that is a great sign that she is maturing! The occupational therapist said that her muscle tone has also improved quite a bit, which is impressive since she has been so sick the past 2 weeks. Way to go, Emma!
* Emma is over 7 lbs now, and she has grown a few inches too! She is currently around the 50th percentile.
Sleeping beauty, one month old!
New crib!
Emma's battle scars: The two scars on her back are from the shunts that were put in to drain the fluid while she was still in my belly.
Wow! So amazing! Emma looks quite cozy in her new crib..a real indication of her growth. You said it well when you said "way to go, Emma!" Love all the news and all the pictures. Bless the Lord!
ReplyDeleteLove, Jan