Today I think has been one of the hardest days of my life. They said that this would be a roller coaster, but we had been on such a high for a while that I was hoping there wouldn't be any drops or that if there were, they wouldn't be so big. He just kept having episode after episode of his oxygen dropping and everything they tried didn't help him get any better. I just stood there feeling helpless and scared. I sent out a Facebook message for people to pray for the doctors and for him to be more feisty and he definitely was much more feisty when we left for dinner. They did an x-ray of his lungs and stomach and said both look good. They put him on antibiotics in case he has an infection and then took blood and urine samples to see if there is any issue there. They also changed his machine from cpap to something that will help take breaths for him if he's not breathing like he should. Also, they are going to stop the feeds and put him on nutrition through his picc line to see if it might be from reflux. His hematocrit, which shows the percentage of red blood cells in his blood came back a little low, so if it doesn't go up, they said he might end up needing a blood transfusion. They said it being low could also be a cause of the oxygen drops. It's hard not to want to take control in a time like this, but if I were to be in control, I would have no idea what to do. So that's where the praying and trusting the doctors and nurses to know what to do to best help Joshua comes in. We've definitely had to trust God in the past, but this is far more out of our comfort zone than we've ever been as individuals or a married couple. So please pray for us to just have the strength each day for whatever trials come our way. Thank you so much for all the prayers!
Specifics to pray for:
That he will produce his own red blood cells and not end up needing a blood transfusion.
That he'll have the strength to take deep breaths and not tire out as easily.
If there is an infection, that the antibiotics will work well in treating it.
For wisdom for all the NICU staff to know exactly what Joshua needs and be able to help him get better.
For God to be all of our strengths in times of weakness
That God would be glorified through it all.
Hi Stephanie! My name is Debra and I am a friend of Kate Lennox. She emailed me the day Joshua was born as I laid on strict bed rest knowing we would be in NICU at some point. I have followed your blog every single day clinging to every word you write. I told her how encouraging you are to me. My little Lucy was born April 3rd at 29 weeks...2lbs 3oz. My mason was born at 30 weeks in 2008. I am not knew to this but it sure is a lot tougher than I remember.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, our day yesterday sounds a lot like yours. We too had to switch to a machine that would help Lucy take some breaths due to her bradycardias. Lots of labs for infection checks, etc. it's just so scary and hard nit bring in control!!
Anyway, I am rambling, but I wanted you to know that your trusting in God inspires me and that you are definitely making an impact on people through Joshua! I will be praying for you all and ask you return the favor for us! :). We both have a long similar road ahead. If you want to message me feel free!! Debrady06@hotmail.com