Things remain fairly steady with the two of them. They both continue to gain weight. As of last night, Kaitlyn weighed 2 lbs. 13 oz. and Hunter weighed 3 lbs. 7 oz. We are happy to see the weight gain in both of them. They also continue to increase the amount they are being fed. both kids are getting extra calories added to the milk to fortify it as well as some protein powder. They also are experiencing some reflux and are getting some Prilosec as well.
They have decided to put Kaitlyn back on the nasal cannula for now because of reflux and the fact that she continues to drop her heart rate. Hopefully, between the Prilosec and the cannula, this will improve. They are working on weaning Hunter off the cannula, but he is not ready to be off it either. Both of them are receiving just a little oxygen at a light flow. Hopefully, soon they will be off it for good.
The biggest news we had over the last week was that Kaitlyn's head ultrasound did not show improvements. They changed the diagnosis of the level 2 bleed to a level 3. There was no new bleeding, but there was excess cerebral spinal fluid built up that her brain did not seem to be re-absorbing. There is not a lot that we can do right now other than watch it and see what happens. The NICU staff is going to take head circumference measurements twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays and will also continue with weekly head ultrasounds. As of today, she has not shown any change in head circumference from Thursday, which is good, because that shows that right now her brain is not swelling at a rapid rate. Hopefully, Kaitlyn will be able to re-absorb the fluid on her own. If not, we were given several options of intervention, all of which are fairly invasive. They range from performing a spinal tap to surgically inserting a permanent shunt that will drain fluid into her stomach. As for long-term, developmental impacts on Kaitlyn, we cannot say at this time. All we can do is wait and see. Please keep her in your prayers. She has a long couple of weeks ahead of her to see what will happen with the fluid on her brain.
I think that is about all of the news from the past week. We continue to push on and thank God that Kaitlyn and Hunter are doing as well as they are. Please continue to pray for them, and us as a family. We still have a long road ahead of us.
Kaitlyn
Hunter
Praying every day for you guys, and have enlisted the prayers of my Sunday school class at church too. :) We'll have a little army of prayers for these babies. Take care of yourself too Mama. If you need anything, just let me know.
ReplyDeleteyour babys are absolutely beautiful! we all hope they continue to improve; lots of "ups" and "downs" during this critical period of their development. you all are in our thoughts and prayers! Kiss that precious Madeline for us!
ReplyDeleteDebbie and Bill Harper (Julie Comardelle's mom and dad)