Keller and Hollister are responding really well to being back on the CPAP (the big headgear in the pics). Their x-rays have shown steady improvement in lung volume and there is no indication that either of them have infections. The doctor's best guess is that the girls had developed their symptoms (apneas and high CO2 levels in their blood) due to failure to really exhale fully. They were just shallow breathing and their lungs weren't making full air excahnges. This shallow breathing allowed their lungs to begin collapsing slightly. The CPAP machine helps them by forcing air into their lungs to help re-expand them. Hopefully after a few days of this the girls chests will become stronger and they can come off the machines. Both of them have had virtually zero apnea events since going back on the CPAPs. The down-side is you can tell that the girls really dislike wearing the face-masks. They pull at the hose and skoot their noses out from the mask. I tell them that daddy wears an oxygen mask too some times because its important to keep you healthy.
Quinn, on the other hand, is totally off of any respiratory gear. The only tube on her is her feeding tube. She's maintaining her own body temp and maintains great blood O2 levels with no machine assistance.
Weight update:
Quinn is still out front at 2lb, 15oz
Keller is in front of Holister now at 2lb, 9oz
Hollister lost 15 grams to fall back (slightly) to 2lb, 8.5oz.
They are so beautiful! Quinn is really filling out; amazing what a few ounces can do. Sorry to hear about the set back for Holister and Keller - but they are exactly where they need to be and having all their needs met. Thanks so much for taking the time to do all these updates. I love all the pictures!! You both look so happy. Love you and we continue to pray for all of you! Love, Jill, B, Sondra, Bug, Jackson, and Coop!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jill. Its a week on and K&H are past their minor setback. We know it's going to be more "2 steps forward, 1 step back" in the future. Still, its progess!
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