I’ll admit it. Today was a rough day for me. Up to now I have held up well, but the combination of heat, exhaustion, and well, a micro-preemie has finally gotten to me.
Today started with Sam’s echo to see how bad his PDA is. I arrived just as the tech was doing the exam. It’s a painless test- for anyone out there that has had an ultrasound, its just like that.
Once the echo was over, I settled in for my afternoon cuddle and that is where things started to go downhill. While we were cuddling, Sam’s oxygen level dropped really low and stayed there for what felt like an eternity. His nurse, Laura, tried her best to reassure me, but this one really got to me. It took him so long to recover from it- it just scared me. I was actually relieved when Laura put him back in his isolette.
I spent time next to his isolette, but didn’t interact much with him. I just sat there and tried to read.
At about 4:20 the cardiologist finally called with the echo results:
As feared, Sam has a significant PDA which requires intervention. The first step is to given him a course of Indicin. One course equals three injections over three days. On the 4th day, they repeat the echo and see if the PDA is any smaller. If it is great, if not, perhaps another course of Indicin or we start talking surgery.
They will start the meds tomorrow- giving his kidneys a chance to step it up. He currently has high BUN and creatine numbers, which could be due to not enough fluid or the PDA. They are upping his fluids tonight to see if that will do anything.
Everyone has tried to be reassuring, pointing out how well Sam, is doing overall. It helps- but only just a little. I just want my little guy better!
And now for your moment of zen:
Hi Melissa (and Peter),
Wow — hang in there! I’ve been following the blog since I emailed your folks to see if we could get together for a drink over the weekend while Hank and I are in Tahoe. Your dad sent me a link to the blog to explain why they weren’t up here, and I’ve been worried and/or impressed ever since. Hank and I are sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts to Sam, the two of you, your family, and all of the terrific caregivers that are helping you through this. It sounds as though Sam is hanging tough, as are you — way to go, keep up the good work.
Our best to you all,
Nan