I wish all of our updates could be good news! But the reality is that we're still dealing with both good and bad. Charlie has had a rough couple of days; throughout Tuesday and yesterday, he's been "desatting" or desaturating, which means the amount of oxygen in his bloodstream is not as high as they'd like to see it. As a result, they've had to raise the level of oxygen he's getting from 21% (which is what we breathe) to higher percentages. Yesterday, they were concerned that this might indicate an infection, but they did several tests on him, and his blood gasses continue to look good, so it doesn't appear that he has an infection. They have him on a diuretic now to help him release some of the fluid that has been building up in his body, including his lungs; hopefully that will help resolve his breathing issues.
They're continuing to monitor his head circumference, and noticed a little more growth than they would expect yesterday, so there is a chance he may have some fluid build-up as a result of the Grade IV bleed he had. The fluid build-up is a pretty routine side effect of the bleed, but they're going to continue to monitor his circumference before deciding whether he needs treatment.
My parents arrive today for a long weekend, and some of George's family may be coming in soon as well, so if we're not as communicative over the weekend, it just means we're busy. In the meantime, please keep Charlie in your thoughts and prayers!
10 comments:
All of us in Mount Vernon, Ohio have all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
The Hilliers and the Ralstons
Hey Marie, George and Charlie... I've been keeping up with everything through this blog. Katie sent me the link a couple weeks ago. I'm definitely keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!!
We'll send up a couple extra prayers today!
Love, Aunt Liz
Tom and I are following you through all the ups and downs. You're still on a roller coaster and the emotional toll must be heavy. Hang in. If anyone can, you (three!) can! We're with you all the way.
Claire
Mark and I also think it's too bad that all your updates can't be good news. We're both holding a good thought for all three of you during the ups and downs. Remember what your friend said earlier: you need to take the long view. We can't wait for the next "good news" update!
Steph and Mark
Hi Marie! I don't think we have ever met, but I'm a friend of your sister from W&L. I just wanted to let you know that I think of you and Charlie every day. 15 months ago I had my son at 29 weeks and two long months in the NICU followed. My baby went through a lot of the same things you have mentioned that Charlie is experiencing, so if you ever want to talk to someone who has been there don't hesitate to contact me. Stay positive...life in the NICU will be a distant memory by this time next year.
You're due for some good days now--endless good days in fact. I wish I could giftwrap them and send them your way asap.
xoxox
I am thinking of you guys and praying everyday. Stay strong Charlie and see you soon.
Guy
We have been thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers. We added Charlie to our prayer chain at church so many prayers are coming your way. Emma prays for Charlie often and cannot understand why she cannot visit him in the hospital right now! That's all you need.
Love,
Hank and Margaret
Hi Marie,
Charlotte sent me your blog site. I am so sorry to hear about everything you are going through with little Charlie. However, I am amazed by your strength! That is what will get him through this. I delivered a little girl, Maddie, in Idaho last year at 27 weeks in our little rural hospital. She is just a joy. I just saw her for her 9 month well child check a month ago and she is as normal as normal gets. Fat and happy! Hang in there, and just focus on your love for Charlie... we will miss you at the Pace reunion (see you at the 20 yr with Charlie). I am thinking about you guys...
Sarah Aaberg Curtin
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