*exhales* What a day.
Eleanor had a very eventful morning and has gone through quite a lot today. In her PICC line procedure, doctors couldn't place the line initially and had to use ultrasound to ensure good placement on the second attempt. Her line is placed up through her right leg. She has orders for physical therapy and occupational therapy tomorrow for assessment. The PICC line would normally have gone in her arm, but they were unable to stretch her arm as much as was required. A chest x-ray showed good placement on the PICC line.
She was able to have her left chest tube out today, meaning the left lung is functioning well on its own. She still has an umbilical line and was undergoing a blood transfusion due to low hemoglobin levels (this is pretty normal). Of course, she still also has the breathing tube.
After her busy morning, nurses were increasing her oxygen because she is, understandably, too tired to be doing everything on her own at this point. Nitric was up to 5 as well. She is on morphine because of all her work today, and won't have another feeding until tomorrow.
Eleanor could be seen resting with her left hand on her chest, occasionally sticking her fingers in her mouth (very cute). Kim was comforted by the fact that Eleanor had an angel watching over her today (her morning nurse was Angel) .
Around 3pm, another chest x-ray was ordered. In her morning x-ray, her left lung issue showed up resolved (which is why she was able to get the chest tube removed on that side). However, her nurse wanted to ensure that the tube in her right lung was still placed correctly because they were struggling to take her oxygen levels down. The x-ray revealed that the tube had migrated away from the pocket of air bubbles its purpose is to remove, so doctors came in to attempt a readjustment.
Ultimately, Eleanor required a second chest tube in her right side. We stepped out of the room to let the doctors do their thing, and they reported that she did beautifully and they were able to stabilize her. Dr. Protain remarked that Eleanor is, to her advantage, a feisty baby and has so far been able to handle everything thrown at her. We just love this little lady so much already (and her doctors do, too)!
Today has been especially overwhelming for Kim, as this morning was very stressful and the chest tube situation a bit traumatic. But Eleanor is making positive steps forward, and tomorrow is a brand new day. Tomorrow is also quite a milestone, as Eleanor Jane will "officially" be ONE WEEK OLD.
Fun fact of the day: Eleanor's blood type is O+ (the most common blood type)
Continued prayers and soothing thoughts for Kim, Alex, and Eleanor.
-Pam
Eleanor had a very eventful morning and has gone through quite a lot today. In her PICC line procedure, doctors couldn't place the line initially and had to use ultrasound to ensure good placement on the second attempt. Her line is placed up through her right leg. She has orders for physical therapy and occupational therapy tomorrow for assessment. The PICC line would normally have gone in her arm, but they were unable to stretch her arm as much as was required. A chest x-ray showed good placement on the PICC line.
She was able to have her left chest tube out today, meaning the left lung is functioning well on its own. She still has an umbilical line and was undergoing a blood transfusion due to low hemoglobin levels (this is pretty normal). Of course, she still also has the breathing tube.
After her busy morning, nurses were increasing her oxygen because she is, understandably, too tired to be doing everything on her own at this point. Nitric was up to 5 as well. She is on morphine because of all her work today, and won't have another feeding until tomorrow.
Eleanor could be seen resting with her left hand on her chest, occasionally sticking her fingers in her mouth (very cute). Kim was comforted by the fact that Eleanor had an angel watching over her today (her morning nurse was Angel) .
Around 3pm, another chest x-ray was ordered. In her morning x-ray, her left lung issue showed up resolved (which is why she was able to get the chest tube removed on that side). However, her nurse wanted to ensure that the tube in her right lung was still placed correctly because they were struggling to take her oxygen levels down. The x-ray revealed that the tube had migrated away from the pocket of air bubbles its purpose is to remove, so doctors came in to attempt a readjustment.
Ultimately, Eleanor required a second chest tube in her right side. We stepped out of the room to let the doctors do their thing, and they reported that she did beautifully and they were able to stabilize her. Dr. Protain remarked that Eleanor is, to her advantage, a feisty baby and has so far been able to handle everything thrown at her. We just love this little lady so much already (and her doctors do, too)!
Today has been especially overwhelming for Kim, as this morning was very stressful and the chest tube situation a bit traumatic. But Eleanor is making positive steps forward, and tomorrow is a brand new day. Tomorrow is also quite a milestone, as Eleanor Jane will "officially" be ONE WEEK OLD.
Fun fact of the day: Eleanor's blood type is O+ (the most common blood type)
Continued prayers and soothing thoughts for Kim, Alex, and Eleanor.
-Pam
My heart aches for all she is going thru. Baby Eleanor you sure are a fighter. Prayers going up for you from everyone I know. Hope to see you soon. Love you bunches Gramma Rose
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