Just a quick one this morning. Gaines is doing really well right now. His nurses are weaning his oxygen ever so slowly (1 point every 3-4 hours) but it seems to be working. They've weaned him down to 58% and he's doing really well with it. At his last bottle feeding he took 15ccs which is about a quarter of his bottle. Please pray that he keeps making this slow and steady progress and for another good day.
Love to all,
Brittany
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Another Good Day
Gaines had a good day. He has been fairly calm and maintained his oxygen requirements. The doctor said his chest x-ray looked even better today than yesterday. I think the extra dose of lasix has really helped him.
The doctor did increase the amount of lasix Gaines is getting per day. I think the doctors were hoping they could keep the amount of lasix the same as he got bigger. Thus, the dosage would "get smaller" relative to his weight. However, this has not been the case. It appears that Gaines still needs a decent amount of lasix to help with fluid retention.
Oh yeah, kind of a neat story. Our neighbor in Montgomery is a doctor. He was at the hospital yesterday and stopped in the NICU when Brittany was visiting. Our neighbor is not a neonatologist. He stopped by specifically to see Gaines. He told Brittany he wanted to meet the little guy that he had been praying for. Brittany and I both thought that was really cool. It made me realize there are many people who have been praying for Gaines that will never meet him. It made me realize we will never be able to thank all of you because we don't know many of you. Our family has been blessed in so many ways throughout this journey and the biggest blessing has been the prayers that have been prayed for our family. To our friends, family, and strangers: Thank you for joining us on this journey. Thank you for praying for us during this journey. It has been a long journey, almost 4.5 months since Brittany was admitted to GWUH in DC. One of our prayers that you continue this journey with us and that you continue to pray for Gaines.
Beau
The doctor did increase the amount of lasix Gaines is getting per day. I think the doctors were hoping they could keep the amount of lasix the same as he got bigger. Thus, the dosage would "get smaller" relative to his weight. However, this has not been the case. It appears that Gaines still needs a decent amount of lasix to help with fluid retention.
Oh yeah, kind of a neat story. Our neighbor in Montgomery is a doctor. He was at the hospital yesterday and stopped in the NICU when Brittany was visiting. Our neighbor is not a neonatologist. He stopped by specifically to see Gaines. He told Brittany he wanted to meet the little guy that he had been praying for. Brittany and I both thought that was really cool. It made me realize there are many people who have been praying for Gaines that will never meet him. It made me realize we will never be able to thank all of you because we don't know many of you. Our family has been blessed in so many ways throughout this journey and the biggest blessing has been the prayers that have been prayed for our family. To our friends, family, and strangers: Thank you for joining us on this journey. Thank you for praying for us during this journey. It has been a long journey, almost 4.5 months since Brittany was admitted to GWUH in DC. One of our prayers that you continue this journey with us and that you continue to pray for Gaines.
Beau
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A better day
Thankfully, Gaines had a better day today. Last night he did receive a blood transfusion and continued the extra lasix. He actually gained weight last night; however, we expect him to lose a decent amount of weight tonight due to the lasix. Gaines' nurse said he was much more active today and "looked" better. He did get another chest x-ray and the doctor said it looked much clearer. Since the x-ray was better and Gaines "looked" better, the doctor does not think that the pneumonia is a possibility (big sigh of relief).
The plan for the next 24-48 hours is to let Gaines rest. The doctor and nurses are not going to try to wean his flow. They are going to let the lasix continue to work and get a chest x-ray once per day. Hopefully, the next couple of days will be uneventful.
Thank you all for praying for our little guy. Please continue to do so.
Beau
The plan for the next 24-48 hours is to let Gaines rest. The doctor and nurses are not going to try to wean his flow. They are going to let the lasix continue to work and get a chest x-ray once per day. Hopefully, the next couple of days will be uneventful.
Thank you all for praying for our little guy. Please continue to do so.
Beau
Monday, July 27, 2009
It's been a while...
I'm not quite sure where I left off with the Gaines report. I haven't posted in a few days. Between hospital visits and life, its not always easy to get on here and post. The good news is that I had a really productive weekend and got to spend a lot of good time with Gaines.
Ok...let see. Late last week Gaines was on 5 liters and somewhere between 60-80%. I visited early Saturday morning and he was back to around 60% so I was happy. Later that morning the doctor called me to tell me that he wanted to wean Gaines down to 4 liters. Of course I was on board. He had no problem weaning down and seemed to have a good weekend on 4 liters and 60-65%.
Overnight he crept up to around 70% and this morning the doctor decided to put him back at 5 liters. I'm not exactly sure why because Sunday he seemed happy with his progress. His nurse says its because his sats were hanging in the low 80s and the doctor didn't want to go too high on the oxygen. They also did an x-ray (they do one about every other day here) and it showed that his lungs looked pretty cloudy. The doctor thought it could be one of several things.
One thing he was concerned about was possible pneumonia so they did some blood work which, sigh of relief, came back fine for now. The other thing he thought was that it could be fluid so he's getting two extra doses of lasix. He's had some crazy weight gain patterns lately so that doesn't surprise me. Hopefully the lasix will help him breath a little easier. He's also getting some blood today (which I have mixed emotions about) but maybe it will help. I've just been under the impression that he shouldn't be getting blood now because it sort of tells your bone marrow to quit producing red blood cells...which we don't want. I'm sure the folks with medical degrees know a little more than me...I was just surprised that they wanted to do that.
So, I guess the bottom line is that today wasn't Gaines' best day but with the lasix and new blood, tomorrow should be much better. Please keep him in your prayers. If Gaines got pneumonia it could be really bad for him.
Everything else is going really well for us. We are still really thankful to be home and are settling into a new routine. I feel like we go non-stop but I'm getting used to it. It hit me tonight that Reed is fairly close to turning two so I'm mulling over birthday party ideas in my head. The last few months have gone by painfully slow yet they've flown by. Weird concept I know.
I guess that's about it for tonight. Please really keep Gaines in your prayers. He's not quite out of the woods just yet. Right now he's fine and we are just trying to figure out how to get him home but the doctor reminds me that he is still at risk of developing things (pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension) that could be really bad. Also, keep praying for his little lungs to improve.
Love to all,
Brittany
Ok...let see. Late last week Gaines was on 5 liters and somewhere between 60-80%. I visited early Saturday morning and he was back to around 60% so I was happy. Later that morning the doctor called me to tell me that he wanted to wean Gaines down to 4 liters. Of course I was on board. He had no problem weaning down and seemed to have a good weekend on 4 liters and 60-65%.
Overnight he crept up to around 70% and this morning the doctor decided to put him back at 5 liters. I'm not exactly sure why because Sunday he seemed happy with his progress. His nurse says its because his sats were hanging in the low 80s and the doctor didn't want to go too high on the oxygen. They also did an x-ray (they do one about every other day here) and it showed that his lungs looked pretty cloudy. The doctor thought it could be one of several things.
One thing he was concerned about was possible pneumonia so they did some blood work which, sigh of relief, came back fine for now. The other thing he thought was that it could be fluid so he's getting two extra doses of lasix. He's had some crazy weight gain patterns lately so that doesn't surprise me. Hopefully the lasix will help him breath a little easier. He's also getting some blood today (which I have mixed emotions about) but maybe it will help. I've just been under the impression that he shouldn't be getting blood now because it sort of tells your bone marrow to quit producing red blood cells...which we don't want. I'm sure the folks with medical degrees know a little more than me...I was just surprised that they wanted to do that.
So, I guess the bottom line is that today wasn't Gaines' best day but with the lasix and new blood, tomorrow should be much better. Please keep him in your prayers. If Gaines got pneumonia it could be really bad for him.
Everything else is going really well for us. We are still really thankful to be home and are settling into a new routine. I feel like we go non-stop but I'm getting used to it. It hit me tonight that Reed is fairly close to turning two so I'm mulling over birthday party ideas in my head. The last few months have gone by painfully slow yet they've flown by. Weird concept I know.
I guess that's about it for tonight. Please really keep Gaines in your prayers. He's not quite out of the woods just yet. Right now he's fine and we are just trying to figure out how to get him home but the doctor reminds me that he is still at risk of developing things (pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension) that could be really bad. Also, keep praying for his little lungs to improve.
Love to all,
Brittany
Sunday, July 26, 2009
New Pictures and an Update
Gaines has made some progress over the past couple of days. To recap, on Friday he was at 5 liters of flow and about 80% oxygen. Since Friday, Gaines' oxygen requirement dipped to about 60% on 5 liters so the doctor decided to wean the flow. The flow was reduced to 4.5 liters on Saturday morning and Gaines tolerated it. Saturday afternoon the flow was reduced again to 4 liters and he tolerated that as well. This morning, he is on 4 liters of flow and 70% oxygen. Praise God for small steps forward.
The little guy has continued his weight gain. This morning he was up to 7 pounds 7 ounces. At this rate you will be able to use the term "chunky" to describe him very soon.
The little guy has continued his weight gain. This morning he was up to 7 pounds 7 ounces. At this rate you will be able to use the term "chunky" to describe him very soon.
Below are a few new picture of Gaines. Please continue to pray with us for his lungs to heal.
Beau
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Footprints
According to Gaines' nurse, today was a pretty good day. He rested most of the day and his breathing was not labored. He spent some of the day in his "bouncy" chair and the nurses held him some of the day as well. He is also up to 7 pounds 3 ounces.
On a different note, I have been asked to speak at a Charity Golf Tournament. Basically, a luncheon will be held the day of the tournament and I will share Gaines' story with the golfers. The purpose of me speaking is to better inform the golfers of the "NICU experience". The tournament benefits a non-profit organization based in Montgomery, AL known as The Footprints Ministry. The Footprints Ministry supports families who have had a baby admitted to the NICU. Their web page pretty much sums up their mission by stating "Our prayer is that we will share the love of Christ with NICU families and provide support and encouragement to them during the most exciting and difficult time in their life". If you would like to learn more about this ministry, their website is listed below.
www.nicufootprints.org
By the way, Gaines is 3 months old tomorrow, Friday, July 24th. He has come so far in these past three months. Brittany and I know his progress is directly attributed to answered prayers. That being said, please continue to pray for him.
Beau
On a different note, I have been asked to speak at a Charity Golf Tournament. Basically, a luncheon will be held the day of the tournament and I will share Gaines' story with the golfers. The purpose of me speaking is to better inform the golfers of the "NICU experience". The tournament benefits a non-profit organization based in Montgomery, AL known as The Footprints Ministry. The Footprints Ministry supports families who have had a baby admitted to the NICU. Their web page pretty much sums up their mission by stating "Our prayer is that we will share the love of Christ with NICU families and provide support and encouragement to them during the most exciting and difficult time in their life". If you would like to learn more about this ministry, their website is listed below.
www.nicufootprints.org
By the way, Gaines is 3 months old tomorrow, Friday, July 24th. He has come so far in these past three months. Brittany and I know his progress is directly attributed to answered prayers. That being said, please continue to pray for him.
Beau
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Gaines' Condition Update
I don't really have much of an update. Gaines is having a really good day but really not much has changed today. Gaines really seems to be taking to his new cannula. I found out today that it is a high flow/high humidity nasal cannula and it is a lot like CPAP. It offers more pressure like CPAP which Gaines really seems to respond to. I think I'll update you all on Gaines' condition. I don't know that I've really done that in a while...probably because I am only now coming to really understand it.
Gaines' lungs are not like regular 29 week preemie lungs. His lungs were/are much, much worse. A normal preemie has immature lungs...Gaines were immature as well but they are also hypoplastic. This link (http://www.pediatricweb.com/seattle/article.asp?ArticleID=829&ArticleType=9#1) does a good job of describing the differences in immature and hypoplastic lungs. His lungs are like this because my water broke so early and he was without fluid for so long not because he was premature. I was blessed to hold off on labor for 5 1/2 weeks but those were 5 weeks that Gaines' lungs didn't get the practice breathing.
I know your next question...would I have been better off having him at 24 weeks? The answer is no. If he had been born when my water broke we'd be fighting an immature lung battle, possible brain issues, possible sight problems etc. Obviously there are 24 weekers without these problems but because of Gaines age and size we didn't have to fight many of the battles that we very easily could have.
Anyway, we have seen several doctors along this journey. Four that we really trusted at GW and three (so far) here that we are learning to trust. While all of these doctors have differing opinions on the best way to actually treat Gaines' lungs, they all agree on his problem and they all agree that his recovery is going to take some time. It could be several more months before he is ready to go home and even then it will be on oxygen and it could be for two years or so. Obviously we hope not but it very easily could be that long.
I'm not sure if I ever passed this along but it can't hurt to tell it again. When Gaines was first born and was having so many problems his doctors told us about three other babies that had similar circumstances as Gaines and that none of them made it. At the time I was under the impression that these had been recent cases. It wasn't until several weeks later that we learned that the doctors meant they had 3 other babies in 25 years with these circumstances. It really makes me realize just how sick Gaines was so early on and how much of a miracle he is now. I said it earlier this week, he shouldn't be here and he is. That is not an accident. God has big plans for this little boy.
I feel very good about where Gaines is right now in his recovery. I really like his doctor this week and I'm very confident that he is doing the absolute best thing for Gaines. I just know that its going to take a while and I'm ok with that (today!). Now that I'm starting to understand more about Gaines' condition I'm much more relaxed day to day as I'm not expecting drastic changes.
One other quick note...Our little 3 pounder hit 7 pounds last night! I tell you...that little boy is so precious. I love every minute that I get to hold him.
Please keep praying.
Love to all,
Brittany
Gaines' lungs are not like regular 29 week preemie lungs. His lungs were/are much, much worse. A normal preemie has immature lungs...Gaines were immature as well but they are also hypoplastic. This link (http://www.pediatricweb.com/seattle/article.asp?ArticleID=829&ArticleType=9#1) does a good job of describing the differences in immature and hypoplastic lungs. His lungs are like this because my water broke so early and he was without fluid for so long not because he was premature. I was blessed to hold off on labor for 5 1/2 weeks but those were 5 weeks that Gaines' lungs didn't get the practice breathing.
I know your next question...would I have been better off having him at 24 weeks? The answer is no. If he had been born when my water broke we'd be fighting an immature lung battle, possible brain issues, possible sight problems etc. Obviously there are 24 weekers without these problems but because of Gaines age and size we didn't have to fight many of the battles that we very easily could have.
Anyway, we have seen several doctors along this journey. Four that we really trusted at GW and three (so far) here that we are learning to trust. While all of these doctors have differing opinions on the best way to actually treat Gaines' lungs, they all agree on his problem and they all agree that his recovery is going to take some time. It could be several more months before he is ready to go home and even then it will be on oxygen and it could be for two years or so. Obviously we hope not but it very easily could be that long.
I'm not sure if I ever passed this along but it can't hurt to tell it again. When Gaines was first born and was having so many problems his doctors told us about three other babies that had similar circumstances as Gaines and that none of them made it. At the time I was under the impression that these had been recent cases. It wasn't until several weeks later that we learned that the doctors meant they had 3 other babies in 25 years with these circumstances. It really makes me realize just how sick Gaines was so early on and how much of a miracle he is now. I said it earlier this week, he shouldn't be here and he is. That is not an accident. God has big plans for this little boy.
I feel very good about where Gaines is right now in his recovery. I really like his doctor this week and I'm very confident that he is doing the absolute best thing for Gaines. I just know that its going to take a while and I'm ok with that (today!). Now that I'm starting to understand more about Gaines' condition I'm much more relaxed day to day as I'm not expecting drastic changes.
One other quick note...Our little 3 pounder hit 7 pounds last night! I tell you...that little boy is so precious. I love every minute that I get to hold him.
Please keep praying.
Love to all,
Brittany
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Confused But Positive
I'd love to give you all an update on Gaines but I'm so confused at this point that I don't really know where to start. We got another new doctor this week and he is great but I think I would really like for a doctor to stick with Gaines for a while. They change every week here and its getting a little frustrating to me. I feel like once a doctor gets to know Gaines and starts forming a good plan for him...they are gone. This doctor is on for two weeks so I hope we can get a good plan mapped out and stick to it. He's also new and seems to subscribe to the breathing philosophy that we are used to from GW...not exactly but he's a good middle ground between these and the DC doctors.
So, scratch the old plan that we were on. Now, Gaines is on 4 liters (more pressure), a new type of cannula that provides more humidity (don't ask me why) and less oxygen. I'm not exactly sure where we go from here. The nurses tell me that right now we are trying several different things and seeing how Gaines reacts to each of them. I think then we'll figure out what works best for Gaines...more oxygen, more pressure, etc...a baseline...and then wean from there. They are supposed to be finding out what exactly the home health companies around here will support. Once we get that info, we'll know what Gaines has to be at before he can go home...once he stabilizes and starts taking bottles. I'm not exactly sure when we'll get to the bottles again. I think once we find a good baseline for Gaines. I really like the approach that this doctor is taking of not doing too much at once.
I got a little discouraged this afternoon. Beau met with the doctor and mentioned his personal goal of getting Gaines home before Reed's birthday in October. He feels like the doctor thought that was more of a reasonable goal than my Labor Day. I think we could look at Labor Day as best case scenario. Anyway, I just got kind of down about it...I mean, mid-October means we are only halfway there. I didn't let myself stay down long. I've gotten a new perspective on things again (I've gotten pretty good at giving myself little pep talks).
In the great scheme of things, that would not be that much longer and I'd rather not take him home before he's ready. Also, I'm trying really hard to think about how lucky I am to have these circumstances. I got a little irritated with someone the other day complaining about their baby being so fussy...I wanted to say, just be thankful that you have a baby at home to be fussing. Obviously, I didn't say it but thinking back about it now, what if someone with no baby, or a baby worse off than Gaines hears me complaining about a lung problem that he will get over in time. I guess you just have to keep in mind that someone always has it worse than you.
In other news, Reed slept in his big boy bed last night...all night. He's off to a good start on it tonight as well. He was so proud of himself this morning and kept saying, "My bed, my bed" this morning. Beau and I were really proud of him too. He's getting so big these days. School seems to be going a smidge better. They say he's starting to enjoy himself more but the drop-off portion of the day is still pretty rough.
I love my two little boys and can't wait to get them under one roof. Please keep praying for healthy lungs.
Love to all,
Brittany
So, scratch the old plan that we were on. Now, Gaines is on 4 liters (more pressure), a new type of cannula that provides more humidity (don't ask me why) and less oxygen. I'm not exactly sure where we go from here. The nurses tell me that right now we are trying several different things and seeing how Gaines reacts to each of them. I think then we'll figure out what works best for Gaines...more oxygen, more pressure, etc...a baseline...and then wean from there. They are supposed to be finding out what exactly the home health companies around here will support. Once we get that info, we'll know what Gaines has to be at before he can go home...once he stabilizes and starts taking bottles. I'm not exactly sure when we'll get to the bottles again. I think once we find a good baseline for Gaines. I really like the approach that this doctor is taking of not doing too much at once.
I got a little discouraged this afternoon. Beau met with the doctor and mentioned his personal goal of getting Gaines home before Reed's birthday in October. He feels like the doctor thought that was more of a reasonable goal than my Labor Day. I think we could look at Labor Day as best case scenario. Anyway, I just got kind of down about it...I mean, mid-October means we are only halfway there. I didn't let myself stay down long. I've gotten a new perspective on things again (I've gotten pretty good at giving myself little pep talks).
In the great scheme of things, that would not be that much longer and I'd rather not take him home before he's ready. Also, I'm trying really hard to think about how lucky I am to have these circumstances. I got a little irritated with someone the other day complaining about their baby being so fussy...I wanted to say, just be thankful that you have a baby at home to be fussing. Obviously, I didn't say it but thinking back about it now, what if someone with no baby, or a baby worse off than Gaines hears me complaining about a lung problem that he will get over in time. I guess you just have to keep in mind that someone always has it worse than you.
In other news, Reed slept in his big boy bed last night...all night. He's off to a good start on it tonight as well. He was so proud of himself this morning and kept saying, "My bed, my bed" this morning. Beau and I were really proud of him too. He's getting so big these days. School seems to be going a smidge better. They say he's starting to enjoy himself more but the drop-off portion of the day is still pretty rough.
I love my two little boys and can't wait to get them under one roof. Please keep praying for healthy lungs.
Love to all,
Brittany
Monday, July 20, 2009
No News is Good News
Not much to report today. The doctors started to monitor Gaines more closely today. They hope to begin to wean the flow on the cannula. I guess his "resting period" is over. He has continued to gain weight and is now 6 pounds 13 ounces. Isn't unbelievable he is almost 7 pounds?
Brittany and I are still getting adjusted to being home. I think we have finally settled into a routine. I visit Gaines during the day at his 2:00 PM feeding. I get to spend about an hour with him. Normally I get off work at 4:00 but because of my time at the hospital I now stay until 5:00. Brittany brings Reed by my office at 5:00 and then she visits Gaines until shift change at 6:30 PM. We are all home by 7:00 for dinner and then Reed goes to bed at 8:00.
Fortunately, our Sunday School class is bringing us dinner every other night. This has been a huge help. It is amazing how God continues to provide for us. Please continue to pray for Gaines' progress and that he tolerates the weaning of the flow of his cannula.
Beau
Brittany and I are still getting adjusted to being home. I think we have finally settled into a routine. I visit Gaines during the day at his 2:00 PM feeding. I get to spend about an hour with him. Normally I get off work at 4:00 but because of my time at the hospital I now stay until 5:00. Brittany brings Reed by my office at 5:00 and then she visits Gaines until shift change at 6:30 PM. We are all home by 7:00 for dinner and then Reed goes to bed at 8:00.
Fortunately, our Sunday School class is bringing us dinner every other night. This has been a huge help. It is amazing how God continues to provide for us. Please continue to pray for Gaines' progress and that he tolerates the weaning of the flow of his cannula.
Beau
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Beaten But Not Beat
Today's been a really good day. Gaines is still doing well but they decided not to try and wean his oxygen today. The doctor really wants to give him a good rest. She mentioned that they might try it tomorrow but then again, they might not. I talked to his nurse today about what exactly the problem was with Gaines' lungs. I asked if it was just that some of the alveoli were collapsed and needed to reopen. She told me it was more like that they were ruined and that his body needs to rebuild them. I'm not sure if that is entirely accurate but it kind of helps me understand what is going on with him.
I got to spend a lot of good time with him again today and Beau and I even got to visit him together. My parents were here and they watched Reed for a little while so we could both go in the NICU. Also a sweet nurse let Reed come back for about one minute today. For the first time ever, Reed un-coached said "Gaines" (came out like Janes) as Beau carried him up to see his brother. Beau and I looked at each other with disbelief. Maybe the little guy understands more than we thought.
This morning at church we had a guest speaker. It was the author of the book 90 Minutes in Heaven. I haven't read it (Beau has) but apparently its a fairly popular little book. I knew something about it because Beau had told me some of it but listening to the guy who wrote it was really a neat experience. Long story short, this guy was in a terrible wreck and was pronounced dead. A preacher that came up behind the wreck about 90 minutes later asked the police officer working the scene if he could pray for the man. He did and while the preacher was praying for him and singing "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" the "dead" man started to sing with him. The book is by the "dead" man and is about his experience.
Several things from his sermon really touched me today but I wanted to share two with you. I'm paraphrasing here, but after the accident the police called his office (he was a preacher too) and left a message with his secretary that he'd been in an accident and that she should gather his family as a police officer was on the way to give them more details...that he had not survived. In the meantime, his church started a prayer chain that resulted in hundreds of thousands of people praying for this man. The man believes that he is in the world today because so many people were praying for him. As soon as he said it, I knew that was true for Gaines as well. Tears welled up in my eyes because I was so thankful for all of the people out there that prayed and continue to pray for Gaines. It is truly humbling to know that one of the greatest gifts of my life is still in this world because of the compassion of family, friends, acquaintances and strangers. By worldly standards, Gaines should not be here. I mean he had to be resuscitated and he's still here...still fighting. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your prayers.
The second thing the man said that really struck me was about his recovery after the accident. He was in a hospital bed for 13 months and endured 34 surgeries. He spoke about how he was depressed at times and of many of the struggles he dealt with. Finally he realized that he had been beaten but that he was not beat. Again, as soon as he said it I knew it was the same way that I felt...or should feel. Things have been better since I've been home and 95% of the time in DC I was fine...positive attitude and everything. But there were times that I felt like I'd been beaten...that I'd never be the same again. Obviously I won't ever be the same again but I felt like I'd never laugh again, that I'd never be able to bounce back from this. I felt like the scars from this experience would be with me forever. Hearing this man say this today just made me realize that yes I had been beaten...but I was not beat. I too will be on the other side of a really rough (that may be the understatement of the year) time and that the scars will only be there to remind me of how good God is and how he carried me through this storm.
Just two thoughts of the day.
I better run. Tomorrow is a work day and it is past my bedtime.
I hope you all had a good weekend. Thank you for all of your prayers and please keep them up. Please pray for Gaines' lungs and that he can come home by Labor Day.
Love to all,
Brittany
I got to spend a lot of good time with him again today and Beau and I even got to visit him together. My parents were here and they watched Reed for a little while so we could both go in the NICU. Also a sweet nurse let Reed come back for about one minute today. For the first time ever, Reed un-coached said "Gaines" (came out like Janes) as Beau carried him up to see his brother. Beau and I looked at each other with disbelief. Maybe the little guy understands more than we thought.
This morning at church we had a guest speaker. It was the author of the book 90 Minutes in Heaven. I haven't read it (Beau has) but apparently its a fairly popular little book. I knew something about it because Beau had told me some of it but listening to the guy who wrote it was really a neat experience. Long story short, this guy was in a terrible wreck and was pronounced dead. A preacher that came up behind the wreck about 90 minutes later asked the police officer working the scene if he could pray for the man. He did and while the preacher was praying for him and singing "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" the "dead" man started to sing with him. The book is by the "dead" man and is about his experience.
Several things from his sermon really touched me today but I wanted to share two with you. I'm paraphrasing here, but after the accident the police called his office (he was a preacher too) and left a message with his secretary that he'd been in an accident and that she should gather his family as a police officer was on the way to give them more details...that he had not survived. In the meantime, his church started a prayer chain that resulted in hundreds of thousands of people praying for this man. The man believes that he is in the world today because so many people were praying for him. As soon as he said it, I knew that was true for Gaines as well. Tears welled up in my eyes because I was so thankful for all of the people out there that prayed and continue to pray for Gaines. It is truly humbling to know that one of the greatest gifts of my life is still in this world because of the compassion of family, friends, acquaintances and strangers. By worldly standards, Gaines should not be here. I mean he had to be resuscitated and he's still here...still fighting. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your prayers.
The second thing the man said that really struck me was about his recovery after the accident. He was in a hospital bed for 13 months and endured 34 surgeries. He spoke about how he was depressed at times and of many of the struggles he dealt with. Finally he realized that he had been beaten but that he was not beat. Again, as soon as he said it I knew it was the same way that I felt...or should feel. Things have been better since I've been home and 95% of the time in DC I was fine...positive attitude and everything. But there were times that I felt like I'd been beaten...that I'd never be the same again. Obviously I won't ever be the same again but I felt like I'd never laugh again, that I'd never be able to bounce back from this. I felt like the scars from this experience would be with me forever. Hearing this man say this today just made me realize that yes I had been beaten...but I was not beat. I too will be on the other side of a really rough (that may be the understatement of the year) time and that the scars will only be there to remind me of how good God is and how he carried me through this storm.
Just two thoughts of the day.
I better run. Tomorrow is a work day and it is past my bedtime.
I hope you all had a good weekend. Thank you for all of your prayers and please keep them up. Please pray for Gaines' lungs and that he can come home by Labor Day.
Love to all,
Brittany
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Normal Saturday
Its been a good day here again. Gaines is doing well so that makes me happy. He's still resting with his three liters and 100% oxygen but I got to spend a lot of time with him today. This afternoon he was awake while I was holding him and he was looking around all bright eyed and alert. They are giving him these sucker type things to suck on since they aren't really trying the bottle feedings right now. They look like a lollipop but are lemon flavored and I think they are to help keep his sucking reflex active. Its so funny to see him laying there with a stick hanging out of his mouth. He was really going to town on those things today. Anyway, tomorrow they will probably start to wean the flow of his oxygen. Please pray that he tolerates that well.
I mentioned my Labor Day goal to the doctor this morning and she felt like it was a reasonable goal. She didn't say, "Oh, he'll surely be home by then" like I had hoped but she didn't shoot it down either.
The rest of the day has been pretty good as well. We ran some errands and Reed went to a birthday party. My sister and her boyfriend came over for dinner and Beau is cleaning up the kitchen right now. I know...I have a really great husband. All in all its been a fairly nice and normal Saturday...especially considering multiple hospital visits are now part of our routine.
Anyway, its late for me so I better run. I don't think Reed is going to let us sleep past 6 ever again. Or once he does, Gaines won't. It will be so weird to have two kids at home...I can't wait!
Love to all,
Brittany
I mentioned my Labor Day goal to the doctor this morning and she felt like it was a reasonable goal. She didn't say, "Oh, he'll surely be home by then" like I had hoped but she didn't shoot it down either.
The rest of the day has been pretty good as well. We ran some errands and Reed went to a birthday party. My sister and her boyfriend came over for dinner and Beau is cleaning up the kitchen right now. I know...I have a really great husband. All in all its been a fairly nice and normal Saturday...especially considering multiple hospital visits are now part of our routine.
Anyway, its late for me so I better run. I don't think Reed is going to let us sleep past 6 ever again. Or once he does, Gaines won't. It will be so weird to have two kids at home...I can't wait!
Love to all,
Brittany
Friday, July 17, 2009
Friday Night
I'm feeling better today but I didn't think I was totally well yet so I didn't go see Gaines today either. Beau got to go twice. I HATE not going but I know its the best thing for him. I would die if he got sick and it was because of me. I had a little fever this morning but nothing now so I should be good for tomorrow. I bet he's grown.
Gaines didn't have his best night last night (probably because he missed his mom). His oxygen was between 75-80% so his nurse checked his blood gases and they didn't come back great so they did a chest x-ray. The nurse practitioner didn't see anything on the x-ray to cause her to change things so they waited until the doctor saw him today. Keep in mind that (according to our doctor) 75-80% is not much more than 60% on cannula because he breathes in room air around his nasal prongs.
So...when the doctor saw him today she made some changes. Basically, she thinks that Gaines was just getting tired and she wants him to rest for the next 24-48 hours. Right now he's at 100% oxygen at 3 liters. Obviously, his sats are great. The new plan is to leave him at 100% and in a day or two, start to wean the flow. This makes sense to me because when we take him home on oxygen, he'll be at 100% just hopefully less flow. They aren't trying any bottle feedings for 24 hours because they really want him to rest.
Also, he's back on the lasix and on a higher dose. He had an eye exam today and passed with flying colors. I'm not exactly sure why he needed it since his last one at GW was great but whatever.
I'm coming to terms with the going home on oxygen deal. I think I was a little sad about it because through this whole deal I'd been focusing on the "prize"...getting to take a healthy Gaines home. I just feel like now I'm not getting the prize. I'll be taking a not totally healthy Gaines home. Beau says that's still the prize, we just have another step before we get there. I know that he's right and I'm warming up to the idea...I guess I'd better. I just hope that he's home by labor day.
I guess that's about it for now. Beau and Reed are watching cartoons on the couch before bed I think I'll join them.
Love to all,
Brittany
Gaines didn't have his best night last night (probably because he missed his mom). His oxygen was between 75-80% so his nurse checked his blood gases and they didn't come back great so they did a chest x-ray. The nurse practitioner didn't see anything on the x-ray to cause her to change things so they waited until the doctor saw him today. Keep in mind that (according to our doctor) 75-80% is not much more than 60% on cannula because he breathes in room air around his nasal prongs.
So...when the doctor saw him today she made some changes. Basically, she thinks that Gaines was just getting tired and she wants him to rest for the next 24-48 hours. Right now he's at 100% oxygen at 3 liters. Obviously, his sats are great. The new plan is to leave him at 100% and in a day or two, start to wean the flow. This makes sense to me because when we take him home on oxygen, he'll be at 100% just hopefully less flow. They aren't trying any bottle feedings for 24 hours because they really want him to rest.
Also, he's back on the lasix and on a higher dose. He had an eye exam today and passed with flying colors. I'm not exactly sure why he needed it since his last one at GW was great but whatever.
I'm coming to terms with the going home on oxygen deal. I think I was a little sad about it because through this whole deal I'd been focusing on the "prize"...getting to take a healthy Gaines home. I just feel like now I'm not getting the prize. I'll be taking a not totally healthy Gaines home. Beau says that's still the prize, we just have another step before we get there. I know that he's right and I'm warming up to the idea...I guess I'd better. I just hope that he's home by labor day.
I guess that's about it for now. Beau and Reed are watching cartoons on the couch before bed I think I'll join them.
Love to all,
Brittany
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Gaines' Condo
I visited Gaines twice today because Brittany is under the weather. This morning she thought it might be allergies but this afternoon she started to develop a fever. She actually fell asleep tonight at 7:15. I think she has exhausted herself. I'm hoping about 12 hours of sleep will do the trick.
Gaines continues to be doing okay. His oxygen is hanging around 60% and he lost 2 ounces last night. He is now 6 pounds 6 ounces. There is really not much more to report. I did remember to take pictures today so they are posted below.
Beau
Gaines continues to be doing okay. His oxygen is hanging around 60% and he lost 2 ounces last night. He is now 6 pounds 6 ounces. There is really not much more to report. I did remember to take pictures today so they are posted below.
Beau
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Forgot the Pictures
When I left for work this morning I forgot to take our camera with me. Brittany remembered to take the camera with her but she forgot to take pictures of Gaines' new "condo". I describe it as a condo because it has all the bells and whistles. I think Brittany got a little excited when we were told that we could bring some stuff from home for Gaines. She packed a quilt to lay over his mattress. She packed several blankets, a stuffed elephant that plays music, his boppy pillow, his car seat and his mobile. I almost had to make two trips into the hospital. It was a lot of stuff.
When I visited this afternoon the nurse was getting ready to move Gaines bed. He is now in the corner of the NICU, almost by himself. He is the only baby in a toddler bed, the only baby with a mobile, and the only baby with toys. He really seemed to like the mobile. He stared at it and listened to the music. The nurses told me that if other parents questioned all his stuff she would tell them it was perk you got after three months in the NICU.
The doctors did temporarily change some of his medicines. He is not getting lasix for the next couple of days. The lasix are being temporarily replaced by a stronger diuretic. His oxygen requirement has increased from 35% to 75% since he arrived in Montgomery one week ago (he has maintained 2 liters of flow). The doctors believe he is probably retaining some fluid. Oh yeah, he now weighs an even 6 pounds 8 ounces. He has more than doubled his birth weight.
Gaines did get to meet his Great Uncle Anthony today (Brittany's side of the family). He has met a lot of family in the past couple of days.
I promise we will have pictures tomorrow. Thank you for all the prayers thus far...please continue to pray for Gaines' lungs.
Beau
When I visited this afternoon the nurse was getting ready to move Gaines bed. He is now in the corner of the NICU, almost by himself. He is the only baby in a toddler bed, the only baby with a mobile, and the only baby with toys. He really seemed to like the mobile. He stared at it and listened to the music. The nurses told me that if other parents questioned all his stuff she would tell them it was perk you got after three months in the NICU.
The doctors did temporarily change some of his medicines. He is not getting lasix for the next couple of days. The lasix are being temporarily replaced by a stronger diuretic. His oxygen requirement has increased from 35% to 75% since he arrived in Montgomery one week ago (he has maintained 2 liters of flow). The doctors believe he is probably retaining some fluid. Oh yeah, he now weighs an even 6 pounds 8 ounces. He has more than doubled his birth weight.
Gaines did get to meet his Great Uncle Anthony today (Brittany's side of the family). He has met a lot of family in the past couple of days.
I promise we will have pictures tomorrow. Thank you for all the prayers thus far...please continue to pray for Gaines' lungs.
Beau
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
He's growing up
During our visits with Gaines today he was given a bigger bed. The nurses told us that he is getting older, longer, and needed a change of scenery. It is kind of funny to see him in his new bed because it is a pediatric bed. The bed looks enormous! The nurses also told us that because he is getting older (almost 3 months old) he is getting bored. The new, bigger bed allows us to attach a mobile and to bring him a few toys. We are also going to bring his car seat so he will have a different place to rest other than his bed. The nurses are already giving him some time in an infant swing. I will try and take some pictures of his new "home" tomorrow after we get it set up. I'm sure all the other babies in the NICU will be jealous.
I think Brittany mentioned in the previous post that they reduced Gaines' cannula to only 1.5 liters of flow. This morning they had to increase it back to 2 liters. His oxygen requirement on 2 liters is 55% right now.
Brittany and Gaines' nurse had a good long talk today about his oxygen. I think it is finally sinking in that it is no longer possible that Gaines will be sent home on oxygen...it is probable. According to the nurse, 95% probable. I guess that will just be another step in this journey. We have to keep reminding ourselves...one step at a time.
Beau
I think Brittany mentioned in the previous post that they reduced Gaines' cannula to only 1.5 liters of flow. This morning they had to increase it back to 2 liters. His oxygen requirement on 2 liters is 55% right now.
Brittany and Gaines' nurse had a good long talk today about his oxygen. I think it is finally sinking in that it is no longer possible that Gaines will be sent home on oxygen...it is probable. According to the nurse, 95% probable. I guess that will just be another step in this journey. We have to keep reminding ourselves...one step at a time.
Beau
Monday, July 13, 2009
Long But Good Day
Tonight's post is a quick one. Beau and I both had great days at work today but I feel like I've been running non-stop. I'm back in the swing of things at work which is really nice. I love my job and being busy makes the day go by faster. It was also really nice to see so many people that have been praying for our family.
Beau went to visit Gaines today at 2:00 in the afternoon. Right after work I picked up Reed, quickly dropped him off with Beau and headed to the hospital. I spent almost an hour and a half with Gaines but it didn't seem like much at all. We have to be out between 6:30 and 7:30 so I leave at 6:30 and come home for dinner and to spend some time with Reed before bed. I hadn't factored in when we planned this all out that I would lose time with Reed. I feel a little pulled between my two boys but I imagine this is the first of many times that will happen.
I also feel a little guilty for not going back for a later night visit. The nurses just don't like us to mess with him between feedings (he needs to rest) and his next feeding isn't until 10. Beau had a good idea that maybe Wednesday or Thursday of the week we can go up for a late feeding. That way we don't wear ourselves out at the beginning of the week but we could get in a Gaines-fix to get us by until the weekend. We'll get it all worked out.
Anyway, today they are trying to wean Gaines' flow so they bumped him down to 1.5 liters while I was there. He seemed to be doing pretty well on it. I'm anxious to see if he's still doing well with it when we call back tonight. They are trying to wean his flow since he hasn't really come off of his oxygen much. I think they feel like he may have to go home on oxygen and they are trying to get him to a manageable level. Not exactly what I wanted to hear but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
That's it for now. Its not much but its all I've got energy for at the moment.
Love to all,
Brittany
Beau went to visit Gaines today at 2:00 in the afternoon. Right after work I picked up Reed, quickly dropped him off with Beau and headed to the hospital. I spent almost an hour and a half with Gaines but it didn't seem like much at all. We have to be out between 6:30 and 7:30 so I leave at 6:30 and come home for dinner and to spend some time with Reed before bed. I hadn't factored in when we planned this all out that I would lose time with Reed. I feel a little pulled between my two boys but I imagine this is the first of many times that will happen.
I also feel a little guilty for not going back for a later night visit. The nurses just don't like us to mess with him between feedings (he needs to rest) and his next feeding isn't until 10. Beau had a good idea that maybe Wednesday or Thursday of the week we can go up for a late feeding. That way we don't wear ourselves out at the beginning of the week but we could get in a Gaines-fix to get us by until the weekend. We'll get it all worked out.
Anyway, today they are trying to wean Gaines' flow so they bumped him down to 1.5 liters while I was there. He seemed to be doing pretty well on it. I'm anxious to see if he's still doing well with it when we call back tonight. They are trying to wean his flow since he hasn't really come off of his oxygen much. I think they feel like he may have to go home on oxygen and they are trying to get him to a manageable level. Not exactly what I wanted to hear but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
That's it for now. Its not much but its all I've got energy for at the moment.
Love to all,
Brittany
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday Evening Post
We have had a great couple of days here in the Daniel household. We've been able to get unpacked and mostly organized, visit with lots of family, go to church, spend a good bit of time with Gaines and we were even able to fit in a swim with Reed. It is SO nice to be back.
This morning at church we sang the Doxology at the end of the service and I almost cried. For some reason I've always loved that song and singing it each is one of the things I love about our church. I'd been wanting to sing it for a while as our church in DC didn't really sing a good hymn like I like (I need a church with hymns and pews) but today the words also had a special meaning to me. God is the source of ALL our blessings and I have so many.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Amen
Gaines is still doing well on the nasal cannula. He's still at 2 liters and about 40% oxygen. I wish I knew exactly how this compared to CPAP but I don't. I talked to the doctor about it yesterday and he seems to think that nasal cannula on 50-60% oxygen would still be a step in the right direction so I guess we are happy with where he's at. The doctor also told me that if he handled it for about 72 hours, you could pretty much assume he is "on" nasal cannula. This morning Gaines hit 72 hours. I'm so proud of him for maintaining this.
Honestly, I intended to really push the CPAP with the doctors here (I even brought some of the old doctor's research with me) but the doctor here seems to have just as good of a reason not to use it. It's so hard to know what to think...which option is the best? Right now we've decided to just go with these doctors and see if a new treatment shakes things up a bit. I'm hoping to start to see some oxygen weaning about Tuesday or Wednesday this week.
Gaines is still doing really well at taking his bottles. He took 35 ccs for me yesterday and did it again today...only 18 for Beau. The last few days they've been bumping his oxygen up during feedings but they didn't need to today. I guess he was showing out for all of his family that came to see him. My mom, grandmama, granddaddy, aunt, sister and three cousins came to see him today. I'm afraid the hospital is going to start charging us for the soap scrubbies that we've used. Seriously, we are so blessed to have the family that we have. They've been so supportive through this whole thing.
In other news, Reed is back in the crib tonight. He'd been in his big boy bed for a few nights but the last two have not gone so well so we are trying to get him back on a good routine before we try it again. Waking up the last two mornings at 5 and having the freedom to roam around pretty much sealed his fate for a few weeks.
I'm looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow and getting into some sort of routine. I think it will be good for all of us. Reed has not had the best time going back to school and Sunday school this morning was rough on him as well. I hate it because he used to be great about just walking in and telling us "Bye". Maybe some normalcy will do him some good.
Please continue to keep our little Gaines in your prayers. A huge prayer request was answered when we all made it to Montgomery safely but Gaines still has a ways to go. Please pray for his little lungs. Looking back it is amazing to me how far he has come. God is good.
Love to all,
Brittany
This morning at church we sang the Doxology at the end of the service and I almost cried. For some reason I've always loved that song and singing it each is one of the things I love about our church. I'd been wanting to sing it for a while as our church in DC didn't really sing a good hymn like I like (I need a church with hymns and pews) but today the words also had a special meaning to me. God is the source of ALL our blessings and I have so many.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Amen
Gaines is still doing well on the nasal cannula. He's still at 2 liters and about 40% oxygen. I wish I knew exactly how this compared to CPAP but I don't. I talked to the doctor about it yesterday and he seems to think that nasal cannula on 50-60% oxygen would still be a step in the right direction so I guess we are happy with where he's at. The doctor also told me that if he handled it for about 72 hours, you could pretty much assume he is "on" nasal cannula. This morning Gaines hit 72 hours. I'm so proud of him for maintaining this.
Honestly, I intended to really push the CPAP with the doctors here (I even brought some of the old doctor's research with me) but the doctor here seems to have just as good of a reason not to use it. It's so hard to know what to think...which option is the best? Right now we've decided to just go with these doctors and see if a new treatment shakes things up a bit. I'm hoping to start to see some oxygen weaning about Tuesday or Wednesday this week.
Gaines is still doing really well at taking his bottles. He took 35 ccs for me yesterday and did it again today...only 18 for Beau. The last few days they've been bumping his oxygen up during feedings but they didn't need to today. I guess he was showing out for all of his family that came to see him. My mom, grandmama, granddaddy, aunt, sister and three cousins came to see him today. I'm afraid the hospital is going to start charging us for the soap scrubbies that we've used. Seriously, we are so blessed to have the family that we have. They've been so supportive through this whole thing.
In other news, Reed is back in the crib tonight. He'd been in his big boy bed for a few nights but the last two have not gone so well so we are trying to get him back on a good routine before we try it again. Waking up the last two mornings at 5 and having the freedom to roam around pretty much sealed his fate for a few weeks.
I'm looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow and getting into some sort of routine. I think it will be good for all of us. Reed has not had the best time going back to school and Sunday school this morning was rough on him as well. I hate it because he used to be great about just walking in and telling us "Bye". Maybe some normalcy will do him some good.
Please continue to keep our little Gaines in your prayers. A huge prayer request was answered when we all made it to Montgomery safely but Gaines still has a ways to go. Please pray for his little lungs. Looking back it is amazing to me how far he has come. God is good.
Love to all,
Brittany
Saturday, July 11, 2009
New Pictures
Gaines and Reed were visited by my family today. My parents brought Reed a "Hotwheels" battery operated Jeep. He loves it.
Gaines is still on nasal cannula. He is currently requiring 2 liters of flow and 50% oxygen. He gained 200 grams last night which is almost 7 ounces. Needless to say he will be getting extra doses of lasix today. Some of the 7 ounce weight gain is definitely fluid retention. He is breathing a little hard so they checked his blood gases and did a chest x-ray. Both the blood gases and the x-ray looked fine. They will continue to monitor the "hard breathing".
Below are a few pictures of Reed and his cousin Maddie in his Jeep and a few pictures of Gaines taken today.
Beau
Friday, July 10, 2009
Today was another busy day. Brittany and I spent the morning unpacking until her Grandparents arrived around 11:30. We then went to visit Gaines and let him see his Great Grandparents. The rest of the day was spent running errands and visits to the hospital.
Gaines is still on nasal cannula and has been for the past 36 hours. Even if this nasal cannula try doesn't "stick", he has improved since his last nasal cannula try of two weeks ago when he only tolerated the cannula for 24 hours. Gaines did get another heart echo today. I think the doctors here in Montgomery just want to confirm what was in the report from the doctors in DC.
Tomorrow Gaines will get a visit from my parents and he will meet his Aunt Kelly and Uncle Greg for the first time. He might even get to meet his cousin Maddie who was a NICU baby herself.
We should have some pictures to post tomorrow. Since Gaines is on cannula he doesn't have to wear his hat thus you can see most of his face. I know I am biased, but he is a cute little guy.
Beau
Gaines is still on nasal cannula and has been for the past 36 hours. Even if this nasal cannula try doesn't "stick", he has improved since his last nasal cannula try of two weeks ago when he only tolerated the cannula for 24 hours. Gaines did get another heart echo today. I think the doctors here in Montgomery just want to confirm what was in the report from the doctors in DC.
Tomorrow Gaines will get a visit from my parents and he will meet his Aunt Kelly and Uncle Greg for the first time. He might even get to meet his cousin Maddie who was a NICU baby herself.
We should have some pictures to post tomorrow. Since Gaines is on cannula he doesn't have to wear his hat thus you can see most of his face. I know I am biased, but he is a cute little guy.
Beau
Still Holding Strong on Cannula
Just a quick one. I'm knee deep in clothes at the moment. I posted a longer post last night so scroll down if you haven't read it. Gaines is still on cannula this morning and his oxygen is between 35-40% on 2 liters. Everything else is great.
Love to all,
Brittany
Love to all,
Brittany
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Exhausted
This post is taking the last bit of energy that I have today. I'm worn out and so is poor Beau. I at least got about 2 hours of sleep last night...I think he got about 25 minutes on the plane. Today has been a really good day but we've been super busy. We have so much stuff to unpack, organize, laundry, etc. My goal today was to get Reed's new room finished and organized. It's close...I just need to find a big basket for his toys. I might tackle putting away my clothes tomorrow.
We also met one of Gaines' new doctors, several nurses and got acquainted with a new NICU today. So many things are similar but so many are different too. Just things like the way you wash your hands etc. Beau said today that it feels like we are starting over. I know what he means...we just have to adapt to our new surroundings, policies etc. Reed won't be able to visit Gaines here. He's not old enough. Good thing Reed was never super excited to visit him. I'm sure that he's going to get his fill of Gaines very soon.
Gaines is doing great today. They transported him on nasal cannula last night and since he did so well on it, the doctor here wants to see how long he can tolerate it. As of right now, he's on 35% oxygen with a flow of 2 liters. I don't exactly know how that compares to CPAP but I'm pretty sure he's not getting the same pressure that he was. We discussed keeping Gaines on CPAP with our doctor this morning and his reason for not using it is just about as strong as our old doctors reasons for using it. I'm too tired to go into all the specifics but it made sense to Beau and me at the time. Right now we feel like we'll give this new team a chance and see what happens the next few days. If things don't get better we'll press to get him back on CPAP. We'll see what happens. Keep in mind that if the cannula doesn't take, he'll be back on CPAP regardless.
There are only three other changes to his care right now. 1. He'll now be getting vitamin D to counteract some of the damage that the lasix can do to his bones. 2. They are trying his by mouth feedings without his feeding tube in. This morning he took 40 of his 60 ccs by mouth. That's a huge improvement. Tonight he only did about 20 but that's still great. I think he may have only done 20 one other time. 3. He is back in an isolet for now. He is still holding his temp fine but the doctor explained that it takes a lot of energy for a baby to do that and by keeping him from working so hard on that, his body can work on re-creating lung tissue.
I mentioned earlier how much stuff we have to do but there is also so much that we don't have to do. We have wonderful friends back home that took care of so many items on my to do list before I ever got back. The flowers in my front pots were replaced, my house was clean with linens washed, cars washed and vacuumed, grass cut, furniture moved, Gaines (hand me down...poor Gaines) clothes washed and in his closet...and so, so much more. There was even a thermostat replaced...I haven't figured out exactly why yet but how nice not to have to worry about fixing something right away. Also, our Sunday School class stocked our kitchen with tons of food. Our fridge, freezer and pantry are overflowing with food. I won't have to grocery shop for a while. They even re-stocked the basics in my fridge that had to be thrown away. We are so incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful support system here. Thank you all...from the bottom of our hearts.
A few notes about Reed. He slept in his big boy bed last night and did great. However, he was not super impressed with going back to school. He cried and it broke my heart. He really does love school. Right now Jack is in Reed's bed curled up. I won't let him stay there all night but I thought it was cute.
I better run for now. This was much longer than I anticipated. My grandparents are coming to visit tomorrow, Beau's family on Saturday and more of my family on Sunday so we are going to have a busy couple of days. Its so nice for Gaines to meet is big family in Alabama!
Thank you all so much for continuing to keep up with and pray for us. We are truly, truly humbled by you support.
Love to all,
Brittany
We also met one of Gaines' new doctors, several nurses and got acquainted with a new NICU today. So many things are similar but so many are different too. Just things like the way you wash your hands etc. Beau said today that it feels like we are starting over. I know what he means...we just have to adapt to our new surroundings, policies etc. Reed won't be able to visit Gaines here. He's not old enough. Good thing Reed was never super excited to visit him. I'm sure that he's going to get his fill of Gaines very soon.
Gaines is doing great today. They transported him on nasal cannula last night and since he did so well on it, the doctor here wants to see how long he can tolerate it. As of right now, he's on 35% oxygen with a flow of 2 liters. I don't exactly know how that compares to CPAP but I'm pretty sure he's not getting the same pressure that he was. We discussed keeping Gaines on CPAP with our doctor this morning and his reason for not using it is just about as strong as our old doctors reasons for using it. I'm too tired to go into all the specifics but it made sense to Beau and me at the time. Right now we feel like we'll give this new team a chance and see what happens the next few days. If things don't get better we'll press to get him back on CPAP. We'll see what happens. Keep in mind that if the cannula doesn't take, he'll be back on CPAP regardless.
There are only three other changes to his care right now. 1. He'll now be getting vitamin D to counteract some of the damage that the lasix can do to his bones. 2. They are trying his by mouth feedings without his feeding tube in. This morning he took 40 of his 60 ccs by mouth. That's a huge improvement. Tonight he only did about 20 but that's still great. I think he may have only done 20 one other time. 3. He is back in an isolet for now. He is still holding his temp fine but the doctor explained that it takes a lot of energy for a baby to do that and by keeping him from working so hard on that, his body can work on re-creating lung tissue.
I mentioned earlier how much stuff we have to do but there is also so much that we don't have to do. We have wonderful friends back home that took care of so many items on my to do list before I ever got back. The flowers in my front pots were replaced, my house was clean with linens washed, cars washed and vacuumed, grass cut, furniture moved, Gaines (hand me down...poor Gaines) clothes washed and in his closet...and so, so much more. There was even a thermostat replaced...I haven't figured out exactly why yet but how nice not to have to worry about fixing something right away. Also, our Sunday School class stocked our kitchen with tons of food. Our fridge, freezer and pantry are overflowing with food. I won't have to grocery shop for a while. They even re-stocked the basics in my fridge that had to be thrown away. We are so incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful support system here. Thank you all...from the bottom of our hearts.
A few notes about Reed. He slept in his big boy bed last night and did great. However, he was not super impressed with going back to school. He cried and it broke my heart. He really does love school. Right now Jack is in Reed's bed curled up. I won't let him stay there all night but I thought it was cute.
I better run for now. This was much longer than I anticipated. My grandparents are coming to visit tomorrow, Beau's family on Saturday and more of my family on Sunday so we are going to have a busy couple of days. Its so nice for Gaines to meet is big family in Alabama!
Thank you all so much for continuing to keep up with and pray for us. We are truly, truly humbled by you support.
Love to all,
Brittany
We're Home
The UAB Critical Care Transfer Team arrived at GWUH at 2:30 AM this morning to pick up Gaines and me. We left GWUH in an ambulance around 3:00 AM. The ambulance took us to Baltimore where we boarded a jet bound for home. The jet took off around 3:30 and we landed in Montgomery at 4:45 AM Central.
Gaines did excellent during the transfer. He was able to transfer on nasal canula (5 liters at 35% oxygen). The Transfer Team decided nasal canula was best because their CPAP seemed to irritate him. He is now safely in the NICU in Montgomery. Oh yeah, we also had to change Montgomery NICU's. Apparently, Baptist South was too full so he was transferred to the Baptist East NICU.
Below are a few pictures of the transfer. We will update more later. We are exhausted. Thank you all for your prayers.
Beau
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Another change of plans...
The transfer will now begin at 11:40 PM Eastern tonight. Hopefully there wwill be no more changes.
Change of Plans
Apparently, someone in Alabama had an emergency C-section and the baby needed the critical care jet. Thus, Gaines' transfer will tentatively begin at 2:00 AM tomorrow morning rather than 8:00 PM tonight. I will continue to update as I know more.
Beau
Beau
Brittany is Home
I just spoke with Brittany and she and Reed have made it safely home to Montgomery. They were about an hour late getting in because their connecting flight in Atlanta was delayed due to weather. They actually sat on the runway for about an hour. I'm sure Reed entertained everyone on the plane.
As for now (its 4:00 PM in DC), Gaines' transfer is still scheduled. The transfer would be postponed only if Gaines had a setback or the transfer team had an emergency transfer. Gaines and I should be leaving DC in about 4-5 hours.
Beau
As for now (its 4:00 PM in DC), Gaines' transfer is still scheduled. The transfer would be postponed only if Gaines had a setback or the transfer team had an emergency transfer. Gaines and I should be leaving DC in about 4-5 hours.
Beau
Bittersweet Goodbyes...
Well, today is the day. We have been in DC for 113 days and this part of our journey ends today. We have not been in our home since March 18th.
Brittany woke up early this morning and made one last visit to GWUH. She arrived during shift change and was able to say goodbye to many of the day shift and night shift nurses. She shed a few tears as she walked out of the hospital for the last time. I'm sure she was a little sad, a little excited, and a little scared. Brittany then met Reed and me at Reagan International Airport. Brittany and Reed's flight left at 10:00 AM and they should be back in Montgomery by early afternoon.
Gaines and I will not leave until tonight. Apparently, the transfer team likes to do these transfers at night. The transfer team should arrive at GWUH between 8 and 9 PM. An ambulance will take all of us to an airport where we will board a plane headed to Montgomery. Once the plane lands, another ambulance will take us to Baptist South. We have been told the whole process should take between 6-8 hours so we should be in Montgomery between 2:00 and 4:00 AM tomorrow morning.
Our doctors here at GWUH believe Gaines should be transferred on CPAP. They see no reason to re-intubate him. However, once the transfer team picks Gaines up it is their decision to re-intubate him or not. Basically, the transfer team is responsible for Gaines so they decide what they think is the safest possible transfer for him.
On a side note, someone commented earlier that a friend of theirs was admitted to GWUH just a few days ago with preterm complications and she was only 25 weeks pregnant. When Brittany and I read this comment, we realized there was one thing left that God wanted us to do in DC. Brittany went and visited this stranger. When Brittany was on bed rest, so many people knocked on our door and said "you don't know me, but...". It was if things had come full circle. Brittany knocked on this stranger's hospital room door and said "you don't know me, but...". Brittany gave her our blog address, gave her a quick synopsis of our journey, and encouraged her to stay positive. As she left this stranger's room, she realized it was the exact same room she had been in while on bed rest for almost 6 weeks.
We'll keep everyone updated throughout the next 24 hours. Please say a special prayer tonight around 7 PM Central. This will be about the time Gaines transfer begins. Please pray for a safe and uneventful flight home.
Beau
Brittany woke up early this morning and made one last visit to GWUH. She arrived during shift change and was able to say goodbye to many of the day shift and night shift nurses. She shed a few tears as she walked out of the hospital for the last time. I'm sure she was a little sad, a little excited, and a little scared. Brittany then met Reed and me at Reagan International Airport. Brittany and Reed's flight left at 10:00 AM and they should be back in Montgomery by early afternoon.
Gaines and I will not leave until tonight. Apparently, the transfer team likes to do these transfers at night. The transfer team should arrive at GWUH between 8 and 9 PM. An ambulance will take all of us to an airport where we will board a plane headed to Montgomery. Once the plane lands, another ambulance will take us to Baptist South. We have been told the whole process should take between 6-8 hours so we should be in Montgomery between 2:00 and 4:00 AM tomorrow morning.
Our doctors here at GWUH believe Gaines should be transferred on CPAP. They see no reason to re-intubate him. However, once the transfer team picks Gaines up it is their decision to re-intubate him or not. Basically, the transfer team is responsible for Gaines so they decide what they think is the safest possible transfer for him.
On a side note, someone commented earlier that a friend of theirs was admitted to GWUH just a few days ago with preterm complications and she was only 25 weeks pregnant. When Brittany and I read this comment, we realized there was one thing left that God wanted us to do in DC. Brittany went and visited this stranger. When Brittany was on bed rest, so many people knocked on our door and said "you don't know me, but...". It was if things had come full circle. Brittany knocked on this stranger's hospital room door and said "you don't know me, but...". Brittany gave her our blog address, gave her a quick synopsis of our journey, and encouraged her to stay positive. As she left this stranger's room, she realized it was the exact same room she had been in while on bed rest for almost 6 weeks.
We'll keep everyone updated throughout the next 24 hours. Please say a special prayer tonight around 7 PM Central. This will be about the time Gaines transfer begins. Please pray for a safe and uneventful flight home.
Beau
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Travel Update
Its not definite yet but it looks like Gaines could be going home tomorrow. Our doctors here have talked with the Montgomery doctors and Baptist South is ready for him. Our insurance contact has spoken with the transfer team and right now they don't have anything on their books so it could be tomorrow. She reminded me that since Gaines is not an emergency, should an emergency come up, he'd be bumped to a later date this week. I'm just so excited that my baby is going home!
So far the plan is for Reed and me to fly home tomorrow and for Beau to fly with Gaines (I think I'd be a nervous wreck). Here's how it will work: an ambulance will pick up Gaines from GWUH and take him to the airport. From there a medical jet will take him to a Montgomery airport where another ambulance will be waiting to take him to the hospital. All of this should take about 6-8 hours. I am SO excited to get Gaines home but also SO nervous about his transfer. Please pray for a successful and safe transfer and comfort for my nerves.
While I am so excited about all of this I'm also a little sad. We have come to really rely on so many people here. The doctors and nurses at GWUH have all been incredible and I will never be able to repay them for the care they have given Gaines and me. They have truly become our friends and family in D.C. I will also be sad to leave the friends we have made outside the hospital. I won't call you all by name but you all know who you are and we will be forever grateful to you for the support you've provided us throughout this long journey.
I'm tearing up writing this!
While this journey is still far from over (Gaines probably has another good month at least in the hospital), I feel like a huge chapter is closing. It's a little bittersweet. We aren't taking a healthy baby home like I'd envisioned, but I know that God is going to be with us back in Alabama and will carry us through the rest of this. God is SO good. I am truly humbled by His grace.
I need to run...TONS to do. We have lots of loose ends that we need to tie up today so I won't be able to respond to all of my well wishing emails, texts, etc. but please know that I'm getting them and that I'm so thankful for them all. And yes...we'll keep the blog up at least until Gaines gets home.
Love to all,
Brittany
So far the plan is for Reed and me to fly home tomorrow and for Beau to fly with Gaines (I think I'd be a nervous wreck). Here's how it will work: an ambulance will pick up Gaines from GWUH and take him to the airport. From there a medical jet will take him to a Montgomery airport where another ambulance will be waiting to take him to the hospital. All of this should take about 6-8 hours. I am SO excited to get Gaines home but also SO nervous about his transfer. Please pray for a successful and safe transfer and comfort for my nerves.
While I am so excited about all of this I'm also a little sad. We have come to really rely on so many people here. The doctors and nurses at GWUH have all been incredible and I will never be able to repay them for the care they have given Gaines and me. They have truly become our friends and family in D.C. I will also be sad to leave the friends we have made outside the hospital. I won't call you all by name but you all know who you are and we will be forever grateful to you for the support you've provided us throughout this long journey.
I'm tearing up writing this!
While this journey is still far from over (Gaines probably has another good month at least in the hospital), I feel like a huge chapter is closing. It's a little bittersweet. We aren't taking a healthy baby home like I'd envisioned, but I know that God is going to be with us back in Alabama and will carry us through the rest of this. God is SO good. I am truly humbled by His grace.
I need to run...TONS to do. We have lots of loose ends that we need to tie up today so I won't be able to respond to all of my well wishing emails, texts, etc. but please know that I'm getting them and that I'm so thankful for them all. And yes...we'll keep the blog up at least until Gaines gets home.
Love to all,
Brittany
Monday, July 6, 2009
Going Home!
We just found out about an hour ago that Gaines' transfer was approved! We are beyond excited. We don't know when exactly but it will probably be this week. He'll be at Baptist South as long as they have room for him. Baptist South is directly across the street from my office and has a level 3 NICU (same as GW). This is such an answered prayer and proof for any doubters that God DOES hear and answer prayers. I'll post more info as we know more. Probably sometime tomorrow.
Love to all!
Brittany
Love to all!
Brittany
Monday Update...No Big News
I might actually be able to write a post and not be rushed through it. I swear it is so hard to get anytime on this computer lately. Side note...I'd like a count on how many times I've used the phrase "so hard" in this blog since March 18. I hope its as many times as "so blessed" but I doubt it. I've said it before but its not easy to remember all the ways God has provided for us when the one thing I keep asking for hasn't happened yet.
A few days ago I was all set to write a blog about how I've been actually thankful for this situation and how much I've learned from it, et cetera and so on. That post never got written because the next day is when Gaines started having trouble with his oxygen again. Not so much trouble but we lost the 25% and headed back up to 30%. When you've waited so long for 25, going back to 30 is devastating. It's enough to really shake you up and make you question God. Why won't He just fix him, is He really listening when I pray, is He really there? Thankfully I let those questions come in and sent them right back out.
So many things have happened so perfectly that I know He's there. I don't think I've handled this situation better than anyone else would so don't think I'm patting myself on the back...I'm not. BUT, I have handled it and I'm still sane (I think), and I still have a husband who loves me and I still have two beautiful children and I still have lots of family and friends back home supporting me. I don't think any of that would be the case if God wasn't there directing this whole thing. If I was doing this on my own I surely would have gone crazy, pushed Beau away with my craziness, I might not have both my children and people back home would have said "how sad" and gone about their business. I'm quite sure that paragraph isn't grammatically correct but by MLA handbook husband isn't here right now so I'm letting it go.
I really don't think I had a point to all of that rambling...just something I felt like writing.
Gaines is still doing about the same. He's still hanging around 30%. Every so often the nurse will get him just right and he'll hang out at 27% for a while but really he's about 30%. They have decided to give him an extra dose of lasix today which I've been thinking he needed the last few days. He's had a good bit of weight gain lately (could be a sign of him retaining fluid) and with his oxygen up it just made sense to me...with all of my medical training. I think they were trying to give him every opportunity to not need it but finally decided to try it today. I hope that it helps and that his oxygen requirement comes down.
As far as going home to Alabama is concerned, we still don't know anything. I spoke with our insurance company this morning and they still need some info from GWUH before they have a decision. Please pray that this works out. I'm so afraid the group administrator is not going to let it go through and I will be devastated.
I need to run...Reed's up...so much for not being rushed.
Love to all,
Brittany
A few days ago I was all set to write a blog about how I've been actually thankful for this situation and how much I've learned from it, et cetera and so on. That post never got written because the next day is when Gaines started having trouble with his oxygen again. Not so much trouble but we lost the 25% and headed back up to 30%. When you've waited so long for 25, going back to 30 is devastating. It's enough to really shake you up and make you question God. Why won't He just fix him, is He really listening when I pray, is He really there? Thankfully I let those questions come in and sent them right back out.
So many things have happened so perfectly that I know He's there. I don't think I've handled this situation better than anyone else would so don't think I'm patting myself on the back...I'm not. BUT, I have handled it and I'm still sane (I think), and I still have a husband who loves me and I still have two beautiful children and I still have lots of family and friends back home supporting me. I don't think any of that would be the case if God wasn't there directing this whole thing. If I was doing this on my own I surely would have gone crazy, pushed Beau away with my craziness, I might not have both my children and people back home would have said "how sad" and gone about their business. I'm quite sure that paragraph isn't grammatically correct but by MLA handbook husband isn't here right now so I'm letting it go.
I really don't think I had a point to all of that rambling...just something I felt like writing.
Gaines is still doing about the same. He's still hanging around 30%. Every so often the nurse will get him just right and he'll hang out at 27% for a while but really he's about 30%. They have decided to give him an extra dose of lasix today which I've been thinking he needed the last few days. He's had a good bit of weight gain lately (could be a sign of him retaining fluid) and with his oxygen up it just made sense to me...with all of my medical training. I think they were trying to give him every opportunity to not need it but finally decided to try it today. I hope that it helps and that his oxygen requirement comes down.
As far as going home to Alabama is concerned, we still don't know anything. I spoke with our insurance company this morning and they still need some info from GWUH before they have a decision. Please pray that this works out. I'm so afraid the group administrator is not going to let it go through and I will be devastated.
I need to run...Reed's up...so much for not being rushed.
Love to all,
Brittany
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Long few days...
Hello all. The last few days have been pretty trying for me. I am so emotionally invested in Gaines progress (or lack of) that these few days since the cannula experiment have been kind of tough for me to swallow. Right now his oxygen is hanging around 30% but right this minute its at 32%. I hate it. I'm just so confused as to why he's not back to 25%. I thought he'd be back there by now. I haven't gotten to talk to the doctor today but the nurse said that he wasn't concerned because overall, he's still progressing.
Beau says that I'm starting to look at things day to day again and that I've got to stop but I can't. Next week I won't even be here so honestly, I'm looking at things minute to minute now. My mom was here this weekend and I think that was God's plan. He knew I'd need a distraction these few days to keep me sane.
I hope to know something from insurance on Monday...Tuesday at the latest about transferring home. Little pieces are starting to slowly come together but that's the biggest one right now. If I can get that worked out before I leave I'll be okay. Right now I think I'd be happy if Gaines was home within a week of me leaving. Right now I feel like a week isn't long enough to make a transfer happen but two weeks should be...if insurance decides to help us out that is.
This has been such a long road and we are so desperate to get back home. I'm okay with Gaines still being in a hospital as long as we are back home. While we are by no means at the end, I hope (with insurance cooperation) that we are getting ready to start a new phase of this journey...one that puts us back in Alabama.
Love to all,
Brittany
Beau says that I'm starting to look at things day to day again and that I've got to stop but I can't. Next week I won't even be here so honestly, I'm looking at things minute to minute now. My mom was here this weekend and I think that was God's plan. He knew I'd need a distraction these few days to keep me sane.
I hope to know something from insurance on Monday...Tuesday at the latest about transferring home. Little pieces are starting to slowly come together but that's the biggest one right now. If I can get that worked out before I leave I'll be okay. Right now I think I'd be happy if Gaines was home within a week of me leaving. Right now I feel like a week isn't long enough to make a transfer happen but two weeks should be...if insurance decides to help us out that is.
This has been such a long road and we are so desperate to get back home. I'm okay with Gaines still being in a hospital as long as we are back home. While we are by no means at the end, I hope (with insurance cooperation) that we are getting ready to start a new phase of this journey...one that puts us back in Alabama.
Love to all,
Brittany
Friday, July 3, 2009
Quick Update
Gaines has had a pretty good day. Last night his oxygen was as low as 25% and today it has been between 26% and 30%. He has gained a good bit of weight the past couple of days, currently weighing 5 pounds 10 ounces. Brittany and I think some of the recent weight gain could be due to fluid retention in his lungs, which would explaining the higher oxygen requirement. However, the doctors are monitoring this and believe he might just be gaining weight since he is almost "full term".
We should have more time tomorrow to give more updates. Got to run, Reed is trying to turn off the laptop.
Beau
We should have more time tomorrow to give more updates. Got to run, Reed is trying to turn off the laptop.
Beau
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Day 70 in the NICU
Today is day 70 in the NICU and Gaines will be 10 weeks old tomorrow. I try not to count the days but its impossible not to. As I see it, as each day passes we are one day closer to going home.
Brittany's mom is visiting us this weekend and held Gaines today for the first time. She also brought Reed a stuffed animal. Its a little red crab that has been named Herman. As we left the hospital this afternoon and walked Brittany's mom to her hotel, Reed sat in his stroller and talked to "Herman" the whole way. It was pretty funny.
Gaines has done okay today. His oxygen requirement on CPAP was at 30% this morning and decreased to 28% by this afternoon. We are hopeful that his oxygen will get back down to 25% like it was before "the nasal cannula experiment" (as I like to refer to it). They did try him on nasal cannula again today during a bottle feeding and he didn't do well. Apparently he just needs a little more time for his lungs to recover. While it was great that he made it 24 hours on nasal cannula a couple of days ago, it probably allowed "pockets" of his lungs to collapse. Since he is back on CPAP those "pockets" of collapsed lung should resolve themselves. As they resolve themselves his oxygen requirement should continue to decrease.
Basically, from "the nasal cannula experiment" we learned that he has made great progress over the last two weeks. It was only two weeks ago that he didn't last five minutes on 5 liters of the nasal cannula. Just a few days ago he lasted 24 hours on only 2 liters. This is very important because a transfer home would possibly require him to be re-intubated to the ventilator unless he can sustain the nasal cannula. Even though Brittany and I really want him home, we and the doctors feel that re-intubating him on to the ventilator would be a step backwards. Oh, and by the way, we should have an answer from our insurance company sometime early next week regarding a possible transfer.
At this point, Brittany and I feel that the possible transfer is in God's hands. So many pieces have to fall into place for the transfer to occur. We feel that God will put all the pieces in place if that is what is best for Gaines. If the transfer doesn't occur, we feel like that is God telling us that our journey in DC is not quite over. Either way we should know something soon.
Beau
Brittany's mom is visiting us this weekend and held Gaines today for the first time. She also brought Reed a stuffed animal. Its a little red crab that has been named Herman. As we left the hospital this afternoon and walked Brittany's mom to her hotel, Reed sat in his stroller and talked to "Herman" the whole way. It was pretty funny.
Gaines has done okay today. His oxygen requirement on CPAP was at 30% this morning and decreased to 28% by this afternoon. We are hopeful that his oxygen will get back down to 25% like it was before "the nasal cannula experiment" (as I like to refer to it). They did try him on nasal cannula again today during a bottle feeding and he didn't do well. Apparently he just needs a little more time for his lungs to recover. While it was great that he made it 24 hours on nasal cannula a couple of days ago, it probably allowed "pockets" of his lungs to collapse. Since he is back on CPAP those "pockets" of collapsed lung should resolve themselves. As they resolve themselves his oxygen requirement should continue to decrease.
Basically, from "the nasal cannula experiment" we learned that he has made great progress over the last two weeks. It was only two weeks ago that he didn't last five minutes on 5 liters of the nasal cannula. Just a few days ago he lasted 24 hours on only 2 liters. This is very important because a transfer home would possibly require him to be re-intubated to the ventilator unless he can sustain the nasal cannula. Even though Brittany and I really want him home, we and the doctors feel that re-intubating him on to the ventilator would be a step backwards. Oh, and by the way, we should have an answer from our insurance company sometime early next week regarding a possible transfer.
At this point, Brittany and I feel that the possible transfer is in God's hands. So many pieces have to fall into place for the transfer to occur. We feel that God will put all the pieces in place if that is what is best for Gaines. If the transfer doesn't occur, we feel like that is God telling us that our journey in DC is not quite over. Either way we should know something soon.
Beau
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
A Step Back
We've taken a little step back today. Gaines held strong on the cannula all night but he started having trouble with it about 11:00 this morning so they put him back on the CPAP. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't discouraged but at least I'm not devastated. I let myself do what I always try not to do...get my hopes up. I let my mind wander to the possibility of Gaines getting to go home (not just a hospital) with us. I was starting to think that it might really be possible for us to go home as a family. At least it was only a single tear today and not a major meltdown.
The good news is that after talking to the doctor today, I think we have a goal that we are working towards. All along we've been sort of heading in the same direction but today I feel like we are starting to make big efforts to get Gaines to a hospital back home around the time that I leave. Our doctor feels like its in Gaines' best interest to be in Alabama with us. Now we just have to convince the insurance company of this and get Gaines stable enough on cannula to get him home. Once we get there we'll really press our doctors there to continue with the CPAP philosophy.
Brittany 
The good news is that after talking to the doctor today, I think we have a goal that we are working towards. All along we've been sort of heading in the same direction but today I feel like we are starting to make big efforts to get Gaines to a hospital back home around the time that I leave. Our doctor feels like its in Gaines' best interest to be in Alabama with us. Now we just have to convince the insurance company of this and get Gaines stable enough on cannula to get him home. Once we get there we'll really press our doctors there to continue with the CPAP philosophy.
Gaines' oxygen is back up to 30% but the doctor is not concerned. He thinks that he'll be back down around 25-26% by tomorrow. Something about collapsed alveoli that will take a while to reopen. Please continue to pray for his lungs to improve and wisdom and peace for Beau and me as we start making big decisions about getting our family home.
The doctor has encouraged me to keep in mind that Gaines has made so much progress in the last 10-14 days. Although today seems to be a setback he is still headed in the right direction...just a little slower than any of us would like.
I'm attaching a few pictures of Gaines taken yesterday while he was on nasal cannula.
Love to all,
Brittany
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