The waiting game

I'm starting to realize that there is a whole lot of waiting that goes on around the NICU.  And most of the answers we got today are going to involve a whole lot more.  But the good news is that the doctors haven't found anything of concern at this point -- and if that's the case, I've got all the time in the world.

I spoke to the cardiologist today to go over the findings from Elyse's heart analysis.  She said that there doesn't appear to be anything overly concerning about the abnormal heart rhythms, and that they might be triggered by reflux.  They are going to keep her at CHEO for the time being for observation, and repeat the Holter monitor in a week or so.  In the meantime, they have slowed down the speed of her milk feedings to help with reflux, as well as increase her daily dose of caffeine.  Yes, you read right -- NICU babies often get their morning Timmies just like the rest of us, to treat apnea and bradycardia.  Only they actually do have it flowing through an IV, the way we all wish for it on Monday mornings.  Who knew?!

Her feeds have now increased to 9mL every 2 hours, and the intravenous TPN solution should be finished as of tomorrow.  Since she is still so little, they will be adding fortifier to her milk to supplement the minerals and iron she would have received during the last trimester in utero.  If she tolerates the fortifier, and makes it up to full feedings (10mL) without issue, then her PICC line should be removed in the next few days -- keeping our fingers crossed!

And finally, Elyse weighed in at a whopping 2lbs (910g) today!  Keep growing baby girl!

"Sometimes the littlest things

take up the most room in your heart"

- Winnie the Pooh