Tuesday, March 10, 2009

making some progress.....

Lewis is amazing us everday with how strong his little body is. Today was a pretty good day. He is finally weaned off of Nitric. The nitric opens up the pulmonary veins in the lungs. They tried to wean him off this a few days ago but once they turned it off his body didnt tolerate it. So they came to the conclusion that he has something called pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. So since they took him off the nitric they had to give him a different drug & the miracle drug is Viagra. Wierd i know but they say it does almost the same thing as the nitric.... They are also telling us he will go home on this medication. I have a feeling Lewis is going to be very high maintenance once we get him home... they also say that most heart babies go home with feeding tubes & if they come out ill have to put it back in. I can barely watch the nurses put them in so i better start getting used to it. Also today they took out his catheter since he was peeing soo good. Alvin was happy about that!! so slowly we are getting rid of machines & tubes. Of course we still have a LONG way to go but at least he is making progress. Also the nurses are telling us his ventilator may come out by thursday if we are lucky. they are letting him wake up more so he will start breathing on his own. I cant wait to get that thing out... i havent heard a peep from my baby for almost a week. i cant wait to hear his little cry again. So that is his next big hurdle! to get that ventilator out & keep it out!
Also i can never say this enough.... Thanks for praying for Lewis & us. We have felt so much love & support thru all this, even from people who barely even know us. Your prayers are much appreciated!!! We love you all!

Here are a few pics from today. They took off his dressing on his chest yesterday & it looked soo much better than i thought it would. I cant say it enough how cute this little guy is.. i cant wait to kiss & squeeze on him.


Also he is finally getting fed some of my breastmilk. YEEPEE!!! all my hard work is finally paying off....he is up to 7cc an hour & they will try to get him to 10cc an hour so hopefully he will be able to tolerate it well so he can start gaining some weight.

13 comments:

  1. Thats great news! I am glad to hear all the progress he is making. We sure love him too...and we barely got to meet him. I cant wait to see him again. We'll keep sending over good vibes to that Thursday will be the good news you have been waiting for!

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  3. oh JESS!!! I am SO glad to hear all these good things! Best news I have heard today!! You all continue to be in our prayers. Can't wait to see you tomorrow!!! LOVE LoVe Love you!!

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  4. Amazing!! Prayer is a powerful thing. You really amaze me at how much faith and how strong you are through all of this. Keep your head up!

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  6. Yay! Go Lewis! It is so good to hear that he is doing so well. What a stud! And he is still just as cute as ever... can't wait to meet him! We have been dieing to get down there, hopefully this weekend. We admire yours and Alvin's strength and positive attitude through this all, you two are such amazing parents. He is a lucky little boy. We continue to pray for you, and hope that Thursday will bring more good news :) Love you guys

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  7. YAY! That is great news Jess! I am so glad he is making progress! We'll keep you guys in our thoughts and prayers!

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  8. What a cutie!!! I'm so glad he is staying strong through everything! You and Alvin are great examples of what faith is all about. We will continue to pray for the three of you!

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  9. Yippee for little Lewis! Hopefully one day soon you'll telling him to please be quiet for a few minutes. This is such good news and evidence that we have a Father in heaven who is in charge of things. Keep up the good work little man. You'll be a heck of a wrestler one day. (or basketball, his choice):) You guys are amazing. You've been an inspiration to us all.
    Love,
    Paula

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  10. Yay!! I am so happy to hear of the great advances Lewis is making!! Reading this, I can't help but to remember what it was like to have my sweet baby attached to all the machines and rejoicing at the LITTLEST thing because for these babies, the LITTLEST things really are HUGE for them! Keep your head up...little by little he will get rid of meds and machines and equip. It is all worth it...very hard and involved, but worth it! If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to call. We've dealt with oxygen, monitors, feeding tubes, meds, etc at home and would love to answer any questions, give support or just talk. It is a roller coaster that's for sure! Little Lewis and his wonderful family continue to be in our prayers! You're such wonderful parents and doing a great job! Call me if you ever need anything! 480-980-5934. With all of our love! Lacee Herbert

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  11. I'm so happy to hear the good news! Your little man just brings a smile to my face. He is adorable...seriously...so adorable. I'm rooting for him to get off the ventilator too. Go Lewis Go! (that's my sweet cheer...if I had some rad pom poms I would totally be waiving them around like crazy right now!)

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  12. Woo-hoo!!! I'm so glad he is doing well and he really does look so good!!! He is adorable! Jess, you will never know the impact you have made on my life...and I'm sure other's. You are such a strong woman with so much faith! I feel blessed to be able to read what you are going through and I know that you are being blessed for your strength. I know baby Lewis is truly being watched over and blessed!!! You just let me know when you want some pics of that little guy...even if that means multiple times...I'm up for it!

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  13. Jess and Alvin!

    It was SO good to see you guys and beautiful Lewis today!! He looks GREAT!! Keep your heads up and we love you guys and continue to prayer for you all!!

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