Averi is still critical, but stable. It takes her a bit to recover from things like x-rays and dialysis circuit changes, but as days go by it seems like it is taking her less time to bounce back. They now think that one of the hematomas in her liver is stable, and the other has only grown minimally.
The kids got to see Averi briefly on Christmas Day, but they and Teresa are now showing signs of being sick, so they are all staying away. (Kevin is with Averi.)
...and GREAT news! The left lung has expanded! Kevin heard "good left lung" from one of the residents during rounds last night, and that there are equal upper chest breath sounds.
Pray for Teresa to be healthy, for the other kids to be healthy, and for Averi not to pick up any germs that might be in the air. Pray for continued lung expansion/growth, and increased stability.
Showing posts with label liver. Show all posts
Showing posts with label liver. Show all posts
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
20 days old (DAY 9 on ECMO)
I don't have much of an update. They changed the ECMO circuit today, and they have been having some very important talks with doctors as to next steps. Things are very, very tenuous, and your prayers are needed more than ever.
A "circuit change" is when they replace all the tubing and primer blood used in the ECMO. They remove baby from ECMO for like a minute and reconnect her with the new stuff. Sometimes it can cause a baby to get a little worse before she gets better, since they often have an inflamatory response to the new tubing and equipment that her blood is coming in contact with. In Averi's case, her oxygen levels were better since the circuit change. Usually a circuit change is necessary every 7-10 days.
One additional tidbit is that her lungs are looking better. She is having blood pressure and heart issues. (Something to do with the right side of the heart, but I don't know any more than that!) Additionally, the liver continues to be a concern.
A "circuit change" is when they replace all the tubing and primer blood used in the ECMO. They remove baby from ECMO for like a minute and reconnect her with the new stuff. Sometimes it can cause a baby to get a little worse before she gets better, since they often have an inflamatory response to the new tubing and equipment that her blood is coming in contact with. In Averi's case, her oxygen levels were better since the circuit change. Usually a circuit change is necessary every 7-10 days.
One additional tidbit is that her lungs are looking better. She is having blood pressure and heart issues. (Something to do with the right side of the heart, but I don't know any more than that!) Additionally, the liver continues to be a concern.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Thursday morning (17 days old-Day 6 on ECMO)
I just got a text from Teresa indicating that they are worried that there is bleeding in the liver. I don't know the details as to why they suspect this. They are adding a hemofilter to the ECMO machine. Teresa hasn't talked to the doctor yet... just the nurse. Teresa said she's scared. :(
A hemofilter is a type of dialysis that helps to give the kidneys rest. (which will also help get rid of fluid.) The bleeding in the liver is a hematoma from surgery. It can't resolve itself until after ECMO is removed. They haven't changed anything in the vent settings because they want to let dialysis do its thing first.
A hemofilter is a type of dialysis that helps to give the kidneys rest. (which will also help get rid of fluid.) The bleeding in the liver is a hematoma from surgery. It can't resolve itself until after ECMO is removed. They haven't changed anything in the vent settings because they want to let dialysis do its thing first.
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