The start of the fifth week and we are making small steps in the right direction. We were eager to see how Brendan did on the vent weaning yesterday, but we were skeptical that they would be ready to extubate today. We are so excited for that tube to come out, but we can’t rush him.
He is still taking all of his breaths on his own, but when the pressure settings are turned down he doesn’t take deep enough breaths to sustain his oxygen saturation so he starts to breath very rapidly and his heart rate goes too high.
The respiratory therapist is going to keep working with him to help strengthen his diaphragm and push him to breath more deeply. It could be a few more days on the vent while he gets some more training.
He still has pretty wet lungs as well, so they are increasing the Lasix to help him try to get rid of it. The cardiologist is very happy with how his heart is doing and does not think the fluid in his lungs is still related to his heart defect. They are very pleased with how the band is working and really liked what they saw on the echocardiogram. They are going to stop the Milrinone today.
He still has general edema that is slowly going away as well. If the Lasix works, then the lungs should dry out more and he will have a better chance of getting off the ventilator.
He is up to 10cc of milk every 3 hours now and he is tolerating it well.
Brendan is wrapped up like a burrito
This is all we can do to comfort him and let him know we are there.
We replaced the giant fish tank in the living room with fish-themed baby things! I am sure the babies would have loved the real tank too.
Trevor likes to have his picture taken about as much as his dad does.
Monkey pants!
I can’t tell you how much I look forward to these updates. It is now 2:53 pm on Wednesday and I just checked it in case and was surprised that the update was there. Little Brendan is doing well with the milk and all else I am so excited. He does look like a little burrito but it won’t be long before he spreads his wings as well. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving – as with the way they boys are doing there is much to be thanksful for. I continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers and you can bet I will be checking the progress all during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Miss you Tiff…..
oops much to be thankful for….my fat finger stuck in an s…
Brendan’s progress is amazing and Trevor looks wonderful! I think about you all everyday and keep placing wishes you can ALL be home together very soon!!
It really is such a blessing to hear about Brendan’s progress each day. Small steps but each one is so giant. Like the fact that he’s eating that much milk just compared to yesterday! God is there for your little boys and proves it in Brendan everyday. That’s why I love to check in on you guys everyday. To read the progress. Like I said we pray everyday for your family. I love your happy, funny comments, Tiffanie. I wish I knew you more then just on here. You’re so strong and positive, I hope to get our families together one day. I know it will be awhile but when that times comes…
My husband and I take care of grandson everyday while my daughter is at school. He is 7 months old and lives with us seeing how my daughter, Cassidy is only 16 yrs old. Our youngest son is 12 and in the 6th grade. We thought we were done with babies but Adrien has been a huge blessing to our life, although I was very upset about Cassidy. But babies are always a blessing and I wouldn’t give him up for the world. Being 43 myself, most people think he is our son. He practically is with how much we take care of him and are responsible for him in everyway. I am excited for you and Bill and what you have in store for you. I hope you don’t mind. Please tell Bill I said Hi, And once again thankyou for your postingings. It’s the 1st thing I look for everytime I get on the computer. Love Michelle. Trevor is so photogenic, I love that picture of him in his Dad’s boot. Precious.
Good Morning from a truly soggy East Coast! We haven’t dried out yet from Irene!! Loved all your pictures! So thankful things are still going forward for Brendan!! One step at a time, and he’s doing that! Kisses to you Tiffanie, Bill, Gramma, Trevor and Brendan for a very special Thanksgiving Day! We love you! Hugs 🙂
It’s so good to hear that things are going well for Brendan. Being able to log in here, and find out what’s going on, is truly a blessing. Thank You.
“Monkey Pants” 🙂 🙂 I wonder how long that name will be around……..
The progress Trevor is making has to be a welcome relief from the concerns for Brendan.
Prayers, now, for the day when Brendan can come home, and join his brother in the day to day living and growing.
Love,
Dad