Two steps forward, one step back

(Original appeared April 19, 2016)

This morning was a “one step back” type of morning. Jacob struggled with breathing, and the medical staff are trying to figure out how best to regulate the new ventilator to meet his need while also fostering his own efforts. For a few moments, his heart rate dropped quite low, and his oxygen levels did too. He’s restless and seems to be fighting the whole set up. We will be speaking more in depth with the staff about the situation, and perhaps come up with a different plan. For now, we think the doctor has things dialed in. We need to be cautious not to jump to something different too soon so as to let things work out a bit, but we also need to act as soon as possible when something isn’t right. Ugh.
Also, his kidneys now seem to be struggling. We are watching that closely. They are immature, and not developed enough to handle life outside the womb yet. It’s difficult to remember that he’s processing so much that we all take for granted (nutrition, air, hydration, medicines, etc) when he’s just not built for that yet. Double-ugh.
We are also facing the time when his remaining umbilical line must be removed. Those lines are not intended to stay in for long, and we’re pushing the time as it is. When that is pulled, he will get a PIC line (a catheter inserted into his arm or leg) which will be the main delivery line for him. There are pros and cons to that, but one of the major pros is that a PIC line is required before we can move and hold him. There’s no time frame on that just yet, especially given the unknown with the current status of his brain bleed. We’ll see how it goes, but we cannot wait for that day.
We rejoice he is at day 10. Each day brings new hope that things will end up okay.