Also, please continue to pray for all of these other babies in the NICU and other facilities around the country. For every good report we hear, there are unfortunately many more cases that aren't hearing as good of news. Thank you for your prayers for us!
So, on to Thursday. Not much sleep and lots of tears made for a pretty foggy day. We met our team of medical professionals, which included the resident physician, a visiting fellow, and two nurse practitioners. We were very impressed by the way they handled our case, our emotions, our little boy. They stand near Thad's bed and discuss history, test results, plan of action, etc., then turn and address us in terms we can understand and ask for any input or questions (things like clarifying when and what happened before we arrived, etc.) Thursday morning they were able to tell us that the CT scan was normal, as was the lumbar puncture. They didn't feel an MRI or another echocardiogram was necessary, meaning they had ruled out anything cardiac or brain related...HUGE SIGH of relief! But still no answer. And though Thad had desatted (lost oxygen saturation) a few times, he had not turned colors since we arrived at the NICU and had not required oxygen to recover. This was also really great news!
Thanks to our nurse for the day, who watches only Thad and one other baby for her 12 hour shift, had been watching him while he ate (he had been put on IV fluids in Manhattan and I wasn't allowed to feed him for 24 hours, but the team thought I should be able to try feeding since the episodes were not happening during feeds) and was very aware of what was happening after feeds...some gurgling, choking sounds along with squeaky breathing. She mentioned to the nurse practitioner, who put in a request for the ENT consult. ENT came and put a scope through Thad's nose to see if there was an airway issue or reflux that was causing problems.
The ENT report was that Thad had very narrow nasal passages that were a bit more swollen due to all of the tubes, suctioning, etc. that had been taking place, as well as an immature larynx that was causing issues with his air intake, especially in certain positions, such as on my shoulder or if his chin dropped to his chest at all. They recommended FloVent and saline drops to help reduce swelling, and Zantac to help with some acid reflux that was being exaggerated by the larynx issue. They would report to our team of doctors who would make the ultimate decision.
Thad had a few desat episodes today, but nothing too serious and mainly due to positioning. We are still waiting another 24 hours to get cultures back from the lumbar puncture and blood cultures. Doctor this morning was thinking we may be able to go home over the weekend!
Also, Gabe and Zoey arrived today to see Thad, along with Wade's parents. The older two were so excited to see Thad, and even though they couldn't hold him, they were happy to see him and us, and even more happy to have the opportunity to stay at my aunt penny's house! Ha! Like a vacation for them! And at some point, Gabriel talked about what a fun hospital this was (being a children's hospital, they have all sorts colorful displays and fun stuff to see). More in another post about ways to explain what was going on to a very curious 6 year old!
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