Friday, December 11, 2009

NSFW*

Oh, I'm just kidding. Settle down. There's a TOUCHING MOMENT pictured below, that's all.

Day two of breastfeeding: more success! more vomiting! Clever me, I remembered to bring a spare shirt and boy did I need it. Jane hosed me down. Completely soaked my entire right side. (The force with which Jane throws up is becoming a brand! new! area of concern, though. They're wondering whether she's developed a condition called pyloric stenosis; they're doing an abdominal ultrasound next week to check her belly.)

Lalala -- not thinking about that now!

But the breastfeeding! Let's get back to the good news. Jane did really well again today at the noon attempt. She latched on again a bit, sucked a few times, got a little actual milk, and continued to do beautifully with her breathing. And then she hosed me down. It's a glamorous life.


So, this ventilator thing. It's kinda... weird, cool but weird, that she's doing so well when they turn off the rate. Her respiratory rate goes down to a reasonable level (it's been pretty high for the last two weeks -- yes, since the surgery) and her oxygen stays at least as good as it was before they take the rate off. So... should we let her keep going without it?

But wait! We have a complication! (Naturally.) Remember the bleb? Our old friend the hyperinflated lobe? Um, well, they x-rayed Jane yesterday and it's like hyper-hyperinflated. I mean, it's BIG. Really big. The suspicion is that her pressure settings are too high and blowing that lobe up like an old balloon.

So what do we change? The rate that seems to be unnecessary? Or the pressure that's too high? We decided, for the time being, to go after the pressure, but to keep giving her these trials off the rate while she practices feeding. To be honest, my gut was saying BOTH, DAMMIT. But slow and steady change has been Jane's friend in the past. Gah. What to do? Dr. Congenial is even wondering if she needs to be on the vent at all! What?

My mind boggled.

Poor kid. We tried breastfeeding again at 3, but she was just too tired. And just like yesterday, she feel asleep just before I needed to leave. And worse, she had to have her eyes dilated for another eye exam. (Sorry to miss you again, Dr. Not-Brusque!) Kiddo's due for a break, but I'm not sure one's coming any time soon.


We've got another consult with Boston in the works. Bring on the nerves!

*For those nameless few who don't know what NSFW means (Tom), it's Not Safe For Work. As in content your boss might take an exception to your using company computers (and time) to view. Skin, people. Nakedness. See, it was a joke? Because it was in reference to a non-salacious photo? Oh, never mind.

2 comments:

Cindy said...

She looks adorable in your lap!! So natural.

Looks like Jane is in for some more changes ... and I hope she continues along this road of progress!

I know it doesn't feel like it when she's puking on you, but I think that's progress! :) It will all settle down soon, surely!

Is it just me, or do we like the sound of "does she need the vent at all?" Isn't that the reason for the trach? Hum-de-dum, not getting too far down the road, but for some reason I'm thinking these are good thoughts to have - right?

Keeping the prayers headed your way!

Cindy

Unknown said...

After all you wrote, the most beautiful thought and photo was the last one. A wonderfully poignant moment of "latching on". Eyes connecting, hands/fingers entwined - loving, trusting - your hand comforting Jane's head. A very special moment you chose to share. Thank you. Many thoughts and prayers for the road ahead, including the next Boston consult. Meantime, Jane continues to grow more beautiful every day. Love, Ann