Ryan continues to have a nasal tube to offer PEEP support (of 5, for those wondering) operating on a CPAP. In laymen’s terms, he is breathing on his own, but when he initiates his breath, the machine blows air into his lungs to help them inflate.
I learned Monday that they did an ultrasound late Friday (somehow I missed this info over the weekend) which showed there is no fluid in his right lung – the bottom lobe is actually collapsed. So pulmonary (i.e. lung doctors) was called in today. I missed the fellow, but heard the attending was supposed to come by while I was there. However, I had not seen anyone when I left at quarter after four so she must’ve gotten side-tracked.
Pulmonary will assess Ryan’s lungs and perhaps do some testing or intervention to see if they can help his right lung along. As I said the other day, we are walking a fine line trying to avoid fully intubating with an ET tube (one that would snake all the way down Ryan’s trachea and into his lungs).
That being said, the little bit of PEEP support he is getting seems to be helping. His numbers were stable throughout today (other than a bout this morning when he was cranky) and was Mr. Smiley when the girls and I visited with him. OT and PT both visited him today and worked his little leg, arm and neck muscles. OT also worked with him on reaching, bringing his hands together, and grasping. I was not around when OT was there, but was able to watch PT and hope to work with Ryan when I am there as well.
Here are some photos from when Ryan was home in July:
Look how big his tissue expanders make him look…
Looking at his hand…
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (5)
Ya know, I didn’t even think about how he needs to be moving around for his muscles. Thank God for OT’s and PT’s to keep those muscles going. We will be praying about his lungs!
PTL for the stable numbers & the OT & PT to work with his muscles! Will continue to pray about his lungs 🙂
Thank you for doing such a good job of updating the blog. It’s so nice to know how he’s doing from day to day and how to pray specifically for him and you all.
Praying for Ryan! Thank the Lord he’s doing well.
Paula
I have been lurking for the past month, reading all the posts back to the beginning; don’t even know how I ended up on your site, but I’m glad I did. I am a neonatal nurse, and am fascinated by what you write about Ryan & your hospital journey.
Leighann, you appear to be an extraordinary mother with an amazing family, taking the roller-coaster ride of living with a medically-fragile infant as a challenge. I’ve learned much from reading your blog, and have come to admire you for your strength & faith & calmness.
God’s blessings to you all (in largest quantities for Ryan & all his caregivers)
Peggy, RN, in Ohio