Four week Birthday Update
In an effort to help Emma breathe more easily over the past few days, the NICU team has had to steadily increase her oxygen and ventilation settings. While this is partly related to her recently diagnosed tracheal infection, we also know that she has Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (see www.cheo.on.ca for more information).
In spite of the medications and frequent suctioning, she's still having difficulties. The docs decided to replace her ET tube again today (a new one had been inserted last week too), as it appeared to be at least partially obstructed and was leaking air, making it much more difficult for her to breathe. While the procedure can't be pleasant for Emma (though she's sedated and given pain medication), it went very well and she tolerated it without a problem. Unfortunately, it seems that there is a leak around the new tube as well and she is still having a lot of desaturations this evening (though not so bad as yesterday or this morning). Thankfully, Emma was sleeping more peacefully tonight and her apneas were less severe (she was typically able to recover from these on her own and didn't need an extra "boost" of oxygen to help her come out of them). Our hope now is that the new tube, combined with the antibiotics and a blood transfusion (which she received today), will start to fight off the infection and help her to get stronger.
On a happy note, Michaela came with us to visit Emma tonight and when we told her that Emma was 4 weeks old today, Michaela sang "Happy Birthday" to her and suggested we get a party hat and candles for Emma.
Soon, baby, soon....
In spite of the medications and frequent suctioning, she's still having difficulties. The docs decided to replace her ET tube again today (a new one had been inserted last week too), as it appeared to be at least partially obstructed and was leaking air, making it much more difficult for her to breathe. While the procedure can't be pleasant for Emma (though she's sedated and given pain medication), it went very well and she tolerated it without a problem. Unfortunately, it seems that there is a leak around the new tube as well and she is still having a lot of desaturations this evening (though not so bad as yesterday or this morning). Thankfully, Emma was sleeping more peacefully tonight and her apneas were less severe (she was typically able to recover from these on her own and didn't need an extra "boost" of oxygen to help her come out of them). Our hope now is that the new tube, combined with the antibiotics and a blood transfusion (which she received today), will start to fight off the infection and help her to get stronger.
On a happy note, Michaela came with us to visit Emma tonight and when we told her that Emma was 4 weeks old today, Michaela sang "Happy Birthday" to her and suggested we get a party hat and candles for Emma.
Soon, baby, soon....
posted by Laurie at 21:52
6 Comments:
OK, I did fine until the last paragraph, now I'm in tears.
I so hope that they can get the tube functioning the way it should. It sounds like little Emma is doing everything she can, and it just doesn't seem fair that this piece of equipment can't function properly despite multiple attempts. I know I am just a layperson, but it seems as though little Emma is having to overcome additional obstacles above and beyond the obvious. Poor little boo, here's hoping they can resolve this soon.
Happy Birthday Emma!
Just to clarify, there isn't an equipment problem, nor is there any defect in the ET tube. The issue is that, unlike tubes used for larger patients, these tiny tubes don't have an inflatable cuff at the end to provide a seal. (Emma's tube is only 3mm in diameter). Some air will always leak out around the tube, and a small leak rate (15% or so) is considered normal. In fact, if there was no leak at all, it would indicate that the tube was too large.
All that said, the ventilator is reporting a high leak rate, which means that it has to be turned up higher to provide adequate oxygenation. Once the antibiotics have more time to work her lungs should produce less fluid, become more efficient, and she should become more stable.
LIke Shan, I was good till Michaela sang her song, and now I am also in tears.
So many challenges for such a wee thing already in her life...but 4 weeks - wow - way to go Emma.
I'll proudly wear a party hat for Emma tomorrow.
Yes, the tears do flow. It is beautiful that Michaela is singing for her little sister. Four weeks is a major milestone. Will pray that Emma keeps getting stronger each day.
Anna
Thank-you for the clarification Eric.
Oh My....Michaela you are a realy sweety and some day you and your sister are going to be very close.
Laurie and Eric Is there something I can do for you? Please let me know. Even if it's swinging by the hospital to take you out for coffee (decaf of course)
Hugs and kises
Sharon
Post a Comment
<< Home