Luke, Day 3.

Things have stayed pretty much the same overnight for Luke. When we saw him this morning we got to talk with his overnight NICU MD, his daytime MD, and his pediatrician. Their main concern for Luke right now is that he hasn't "turned the corner" yet. He has Respiratory Distress Syndrome and his lungs aren't  producing enough of an important substance called Surfactant, a substance that allows the inner surface of the lungs to expand properly. Today he is on 38-40 percent O2 on the CPAP, which is the highest he has been. And with this, his sats still dip below 94, which is the minimum they want him to maintain. The main concern with all of this is that his little body is working so hard to breathe. And eventually it can get to be too much, he can get tired, and it can take a toll on other parts of his little, growing body. Right now he's retracting and using his neck muscles to breathe, evidence that he is using all that he has. So the Dr's discussion this morning was how long they want to wait and watch to see if he turns the corner. The next step would be to intubate, to give his body a much needed break, and also allow them to give him artificial Surfactant. Obviously the ideal would be to avoid the intubation but we want to do whatever will allow Luke to heal faster. I talked to his Dr a few minutes ago and he said that his plan right now is to give Luke more time to see what direction he goes. Luke is at 38-40 percent O2 on the CPAP and if he gets to 50 percent and remains there, at that point he would choose to intubate. So that is where we are at right now.

{Here's some good new to share}

Today the little guy got his first food! Pretty big deal. In the NICU they call the pumped milk liquid gold. And I agree. Can't think of anything more healing and comforting then a full belly for this little guy. And it feels good to feel like I'm giving him something. And now I have a job to do. 

Hello, breastpump my old friend. Its been awhile, where should we begin.

{And more good news}

When the respiratory therapist came by we decided to change his sheets and change out some equipment before she suctioned. While the nurse was changing everything out I got to hold him. It was only a few minutes, but it made me so happy. And never underestimate the power of a mama's touch. While I was holding him his sats were 100. The highest I've ever seen them. He was breathing easily and seemed so content. It was hard when it was time to put him back down.

So, when the Dr came by the check him I told him about this and asked how he would feel about us holding him today. He talked to the nurse and they decided that as long as his sats stay consisted, he would allow it.

Happy day! We are just eating lunch now and then are heading back down to {hopefully!} hold him.

Will post a picture later.

Thank you all for thoughts and prayers for Luke. It means so much to us.