Yesterday (3/2/10) was Malachi's 18-week birthday. It was a big day for John and I do with initial vent training and family rounds and DISCHARGE PLANNING!
Besides all of his home care supplies that we'll be stocked with, Malachi will be coming home with a suction machine, cardiac/apnea monitor, a pulse oximeter, and his ventilator (and all that goes with that).
Due to his immune system issues, he will be on prophylactic (preventative) medications; two anti-viral meds and one antibiotic med. He had been progressing on his trach collar, but the last two days he has struggled with it. Thankfully, he is still handling CPAP just fine and that he does not always require a straight ventilator setting with a breath rate.
They have increased his feeds so that he is now getting 5 ounces every four hours only 5 times a day (they are cutting out the 1:00 a.m. feeding). He is still getting it over a span of one hour and he's also getting some reglan to help with his reflux (unfortunately I was right about him probably needing a nissen fundoplication when he got his g-tube placed, but three separate docs told me it was unnecessary.. just frustrating for him).
Discharge is set for March 22. This is what our schedule looks like up until that point:
3/4: Marissa vent check-offs
3/5: John vent check-offs.
3/5: Home care supply home inspection
3/8: Marissa 8-hour shift
3/13: John 8-hour shift
3/15: Marissa 24-hour shift
3/17: Equipment delivery
3/20: John 24-hour shift
3/22: BRING BABY HOME!!!
I don't remember how I found you blog but I have been praying for Malachi. My sister has been on a vent at night for almost 4 years now. I went through all the training with my mom so I know how overwhelming it can feel but once you get home it will become second nature. Before you know it you will be able to do it with your eyes closed. Good Luck.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Please know the prayers won't stop just because your daily drives to Riley will.
ReplyDeleteI know you both must be scary happy! A new beginning for your family and a new type of life. We continue to pray and will even when he finally gets home! PRAISE THE LORD!
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