We are very happy with their progress this past week at Emerson Hospital in Concord. They have both steadily gained weight and Nathan has had less DSATs (oxygen level drops). After a week of Thomas being put back on to a O2 monitior, gets his oxygen sensor off today. Nathan has been kept at a level of 25 ml oxygen supplement and the last few days has shown that this is more than sufficient, so they will drop his level to 12 ml today and allow for him to have it off in between feedings if he is okay. Emerson also sets their O2 limits a little differently (90% and100%), so those 87% he was getting at B&W had to be improved. This is about where we were when we left Brigham's hospital. The doctors told us to expect about 1 week set back because of the transfer and this is pretty much what happened. We found out today that Nathan has an inguinal hernia and will need it repaired in about 1 month by a pediatric surgeon in Boston....poor guy.
They were both put on Zantac the end of last week to help their reflux. When this happened, Nathan's deep desats (<75%) pretty much stopped. We and their Doctor attribute Nathan's progress greatly to this wonderful drug. We've been saying for weeks now (Diane, one of our favorite nurses at Brigham's suggested this to us but then the docs their said no it wasn't) and so we are thrilled that our new pediatricians suggested it.
Thomas' only claim to fame this week is a nasty little diaper rash. Serves him right for sceaming like he does for his dinner when his diaper needs changing. Such an impatient little boy!
On Friday, their red blood cell count (hematocrit) will be taken (again) with the hopes that they will be higher indicating that they are both on their way to producing their own. Currently, Thomas' is lower (25 % - Retic is ~3.1%) than Nathan's (31 % - Retic ~ 2.5%). The docs like to see these levels above 31%. The Retic number is the the percentage of brand spankin new red blood cells and anything higher than 2% says their bone marrow has kicked in and are making them. They both get an iron supplement and Thomas is a little anamic right now.
Current weights:
Thomas 5 lb, 11.4 oz
Nathan 5 lb, 1.5 oz
No comments:
Post a Comment