July 19th, 2006. I'm writing this, but I'm really afraid I'll jinx it. Beau extubated himself again Monday night. I was really scared as I watched his blood O2 drop to 3 and his heartrate slow down conciderably. I stood there with my hands on him keeping him calm, just like I'd been when we were doing him up, as he rapidly declined. Everyone came over in a flash and bagged him. His vitals rose fast, but he was very still and I was very scared. I still have no idea how I didn't pass out myself right then and there. Okay I think I've said I was very scared enough now. For all of you out there panicing, this blog has a happy ending.
As they were getting ready to re-intubate him, his respitory therapist suggested CPAP. I had moved a few steps from his bed watching them bring him back. The doctors and his primary agreed and all looked at me. I didn't know what to do so I just agreed as they all kept repeating CPAP and that he's old enough now to be able to at least try it. I remember the doctor looking at me and saying, "The worst he could do is fail." I shook my head in agreement and left to the room with Aiden's mom Jess to go pump and calm down. I wouldn't have gotten through it in one piece without her.
When I returned I was a nervous wreck. I sat my his bed for two more hours just to make sure he was okay.
Yesterday I got to spend a whole day with him and half the night. He looked really good and happy. Much more comfortable. His oxygen requirements were about the same if not a touch lower (which is good). He's not dsating as much either which also leads me to think he's more comfortable. He can also handle brief periods without the CPAP and just oxygen supplement. I'm really proud of him but completely nervous. Originally he started at a pressure of 10, yesterday was brought down to 9, and today he's been brought down to 8. I really don't want him to have to go back on the respirator. He hated it so much and he was so uncomfortable.
Today he's working with his developmental specialist and his physical therapist to stretch out his muscles so they don't get tight and uncomfortable. So far they say he's doing really well with that.
Please, I'm asking now more than ever. Please pray and pray hard. Pray for Beau to keep doing well on the CPAP until he's ready for the nasal canula. Please pray to God to keep my little baby healthy, eating, strong, comfortable, and happy. Thank you.
posted by Andrea @ 6:30 AM
4 Comments:
Way to go, Beau! Such a great accomplishment to be able to tolerate CPAP even for just a while. I hope (and pray!) that he can remain vent-free and comfortable.
Go Beau!!! That is so great that he is doing so well on the CPAP. I'm hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that he will continue to do better and better and stay on the CPAP and not go back to the vent.
You know I will always be there for you. maybe all this happened so we would meet and become friends. As that is how it has turned out. I know in my heart they will be ok. I just feel it. As scared as I get I can't help but believe they will be playing together sooner then we think.
I almost cried when I saw Beau with out the "scuba steve" mask on. He looks like his mommy... I will be in soon to see Aiden and have a family meeting with the docs so I'll see you in a bit. Keep smiling chicky.. Love Jess
He looks like such a big boy! What a great day for you all. We were told to expect that Halle might go back to the vent (which she did) but to remember that every day the lungs are just growing stronger and stronger. My prayer is that Beau stays strong and keeps up the fight!
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