Tuesday, January 25, 2011

ECHO! Echo. echo.....

Brigham's echo this morning had some good news to tell us!


On his last echo, his PPHN was almost double super-systemic. Today it was just barely over half-systemic. I know those words don't mean anything to you, but trust me, it's an improvement!! I know I sound super excited, and I am, but it's still baby steps.

I feel like a broken record but his ECMO is down a little and the vent is up a little. His blood gases look good and the xrays are still confusingly just ok. Not bad, but not great either. They tweaked the placement of his breathing tube this afternoon and are hoping that it will help make sure all the parts of the lung have a chance to be inflated.

The ECMO is turned about as low as it can go without risking having clotting problems. During the night shift, they're going to turn it way down for about half an hour, draw the 4am blood gases and turn it back up to be safe (clotting-wise). By looking at those numbers they'll decide what to do next. Maybe a trial off ECMO?.....

We're still unsure of what tomorrow or the next day or the next is going to bring, but so far it seems like the prayers and blessings are working. Keep it up! It's amazing to me every time we hear another new person say they are praying for him. This little boy has captured so many hearts!! His miracle is presenting in tiny baby steps but we'll take it!

4 comments:

Matt and Jayna said...

I'm so glad to hear that today was a good day. It is amazing how much you can love a little boy and it isn't even your baby. :0) Brigham is so precious. We are always thinking and praying for you guys and check for updates nightly!

Jessica Rodgers said...

It was so good to see you and brigham yesterday I am glad things are going better!!!!

Karissa said...

I'm glad it's up for now- hopefully it keeps going that direction!

The Gatherers said...

Thank you for posting so many updates, I agree with Matt and Jayna's comment, that it really is hard not to love little Brigham. He is so precious, and I pray he will continue to improve.