Emily had a big day today. She now weighs in at 1540 grams, though we aren’t sure how much of this is real because she just had a blood transfusion tonight. This was the first one in almost three weeks, I think, so she’s doing pretty well. The doctor said she’s just slightly anemic and she’s getting more blood because of her prematurity and all of the tests they have to do for her.
Emily got a new primary nurse today. This makes three. V has been taking care of her quite frequently since Emily’s very first week of life. Among her firsts with Emily include being the first nurse she ever hit (a habit that won’t be so cute once she gets older!), and being the first nurse to experience the exploding diaper trick. Emily seems to be very happy with her, so we’re glad that she’s taken her on.
Emily also got new equipment today. They put in a bigger breathing tube because there was an air leak in her old one that was getting pretty bad. It sounded like she was either snoring or whistling and it could be heard outside of her isolette at times. The new one went in OK and doesn’t squeak. She’s also got a new ventilator which will give her some support when she tries to take breaths on her own. The doctors hope that with a bigger tube she should be easier to ventilate (Hopefully this will translate to lower pCO2 levels in the blood.), and that they can figure out how much pressure the ventilator actually needs to give to inflate her lungs. (Which is certainly lower than her current settings, but know one knows how low just yet because of that air leak.) Her breath rate was lowered today to 40 breaths per minute, and she was high-satting after her reintubation she seemed to like her equipment change.
Tony
She is growing at such a rapid rate. Good girl. She is quite the fighter. Keep up the good work sweet pea!!!
Love to all
Auntie Julie
Don and Eddie
Yay! I’m glad to hear everything is going so well. And congratulations to Tony on the diaper change and holding Emily the other night! Way to go! I know how much Emily loves when Mommy holds her, so I’m sure she loved her daddy holding her too. But watch out for those explosive diapers!
Luv, Rebecca
Way to go, Emily! I finally traced my way over to your blog (now that I have some time at home) and wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I’m impressed at how much weight Emily has put on and how good she looks. I adore her wardrobe, too.
Hallie also had an air leak and a new, bigger tube helped with the PCO2.
We’ll all be rooting for Emily here in South Philly and we’ll try to check in frequently.
Abby, Sharon, and former ICN-mate Hallie