A quiet day in the NICU

Kindergarten is going well for Laney. She comes home each day and is smarter than the previous day. What an interesting and at the same time troubling phenomenon, especially since she is only 5 and already knows everything. She also likes a boy with lots of freckles.

Samantha has been enjoying her time out of preschool. Each day she spends time with Lindsey, grandma and papa or even short visits with Parker. It's always a good day when she finds a turkey feather, toad, turtle, pawpaws or all of the above.

Parker has been trying to be on his best behavior the last couple days but has had a few episodes. A repeat EEG was done yesterday afternoon still shows significant brain suppression. Hopefully, we will see increased activity as the swelling, irritation, infection and anticonvulsants exit his system. The scan was slightly better than the previous, a plus and the seizure medication will not be stopped until he becomes more stable. The episode Parker had yesterday after his scan did require chest compressions and forced ventilation. He recovered quickly and his oxygen saturation recovered quickly.

The ventilation pressures have been increased and his little lungs have expanded helping him to breath easier. Treatments today are as follows. Lasix and dopamine have been restarted to increase urine output but it will take time for the fluid that has leaked outside his blood vessels to be reabsorbed by his system. Albumin has been prescribed to help keep the fluid in his vessels. He received more blood today and has been pretty much resting comfortably. No major episodes, just minor desaturations during cares. Vent rates are down to 40 breaths per minute and 21% O2. He even rested on his stomach today and nurse, Penny, finally got a break!

I expect him to keep up the good work! Hopefully, he will be able to get back to feeding soon, eight days with no food would only help me. - Lance