Joseph continues to improve and do better. He is off all respiratory support - no ventilator, no cannulas, no oxygen (GOOD). He is off all narcotics for his pain - down to only Tylenol (GOOD). The PICC Line in his leg was taken out today (GOOD). He is now getting Mom's milk via a feeding tube and is now up to a full feeding (GOOD). The nurses noted he was much happier with a fully tummy which allowed them to stop the Morphine and Ativan. There is one hitch - he can't eat orally (BAD). Unfortunately, he didn't start eating anything orally until he was 17 days old, has a swollen, painful throat. While he is getting 2 ounces with each feeding, he is only swallowing a few drops. The hope and expectation is that as the swelling goes down he will swallow better. He also sounds raspy as he breaths, (if it wasn't for the oxygen monitors you would think he was having a hard time breathing), but we are starting to notice the raspiness is SLOWLY getting better.
The "Getting Joseph Home List"
- Get off the ventilator - Done 1/30
- Turn off the heater - Done 1/31
- Get off all oxygen - Done 1/31
- Remove the PICC line - Done 2/4
- Start feeding orally - Partial 2/1
- Swallow 10 mls with each feeding :( -- NOT YET
- Swallow 30 mls (1 oz) with each feeding
- Swallow 60 mls (2 oz) with each feeding
- Get all food orally via bottle
- Gain weight for several days
- Currently 3350 grams
- Pass the carseat test - (maintain oxygen levels while in the car seat)
- Doctor give the thumbs up.
- Jason and Kristine
Thanks so much for the update. Yes, I will send out the ward update here in a minute -- I appreciate you preparing that. I know it's a little tough to not see progress as quickly as we'd all like, but I'm glad he continues to improve. We'll keep praying for his well-being. Speaking personally, it was a sweet thing to be able to fast in his behalf today. I've never seen the little guy in person and I love him already!
-Bishop Gurney
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