Emily got on to the CPAP today! The plan had been to try her on the CPAP if she self-extibated, which she did early this morning, but the doctor on duty decided to reintubate her instead. The daytime doctor on call was confused by this decision, but Emily finally resolved the controversy around 3 PM when she took out her new tube. She did OK breathing on her own – the nurse put a mask on her and gave her 100% oxygen and her saturation levels looked good, so they sent for a PA, who dropped her down to 70% oxygen. Emily still did well breathing on her own, so they put her on the CPAP right away. Soon she was satting at 100%, so they eventually turned her oxygen down to 40%. Most of the day she’s been in the 40-60% range.
Today was Mom’s birthday, and she got to hold Emily most of the day. Particularly during the exact time of her birth. Emily was pretty upset a good part of the day, first because of the breathing tube and then later because of the CPAP. She is however, able to move her head around in any direction. She was extremely happy that she found she could lay face down on her belly (which seems to be rather uncomfortable with the mask over her nose, but she seems to enjoy it). We also finally got to hear her cry, though not quite with her real voice. She’s very hoarse from having a tube down her throat for the first three months of her life, but she makes a rasping cry on her own.
Her gas tonigh was pretty good for just being moved to a CPAP and throwing a massive temper tantrum – her pCO2 was 65, so they seem happy to leave her on at least until tomorrow.
Tony
Go Emily! Congratulations!!! We’re all very proud of you and think you are doing a great job. And the blood gas sounds good to me (Hallie was often in the mid 60s, on and off of the vent). There’s nothing more to say than that. We’re all very proud of her and cannot wait to hear her real cry (sad to say that that’s one of those milestones for micropreemie parents).
Abby, Sharon, and Hallie
WOW! WOW! WOW! That is GREAT news!!! Praying that Emily will continue to do well on CPAP and for her lungs to continue to heal.
I remember that big day for Isaac and we were sooooo excited!
Happy Birthday Jennifer!
Sonia
WOOOHOO!! This is such great news!!! What a birthday gift for Mommy! Emily definitely doesn’t do things in half measure…you go girl! It was such a great day when Sagan went off the vent, I remember like it was yesterday!
Hugs,
Susan
One more thing…her “piggy” nose will go back to normal…I promise! You will know what I am talking about very soon!
Susan
Hurray for Emily! I guess she knows her own mind. I have been away for a week and was so happy to hear/see the news of no more ventilator. What a great birthday gift for Mom. Hopefully everything will be uphill from now on. Bless her precious little heart. Rowena