"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8
We received the results of the EKG this evening and the ductus is very small...to small to even treat!!! Praise God! The doctors are going to keep a close eye on the ductus, but assume that it will close the rest of the way on it's own. Since the ductus is so small, Kyle will be able to resume feedings tomorrow. Hopefully this will assist him in gaining some weight.
Another important milestone occurred today, Kyle was taken off the mechanical ventilator and put on CPAP. When preemies are disconnected from a mechanical ventilator, often they require a form of assisted breathing called nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A nasal CPAP device consists of a large tube with tiny prongs that fit into Kyle's nose, which is hooked to a machine that provides oxygenated air into the baby's air passages and lungs. The pressure from the CPAP machine helps keep Kyle's lungs open so he can breathe. However, the machine does not provide breaths for Kyle, so he actually breathes on his own! I am obviously very happy that the doctors feel Kyle is up to the challenge of breathing on his own, but I am also a little apprehensive. Kyle was on CPAP for the first couple days of his life, but he was having quite a few apnea spells. Apnea is caused by immaturity in the area of the brain that controls the drive to breathe. While Kyle is able to breath on his own, it is something that a baby this young should not have to do, and occasionally his brain "forgets" to breath, which is something we did not have to worry about when he was on the mechanical ventilator. Kyle will be monitored continuously for any evidence of apnea and is hooked up to a cardiorespiratory monitor (also known as an apnea and bradycardia, or A/B, monitor) that tracks his breathing and heart rate. An alarm on the monitor sounds if there's no breath for a set number of seconds. When the monitor sounds, a nurse immediately checks Kyle for signs of distress. Anyways, this is our next big hurdle...please pray that Kyle is able to breath successfully on his own.
We received the results of the EKG this evening and the ductus is very small...to small to even treat!!! Praise God! The doctors are going to keep a close eye on the ductus, but assume that it will close the rest of the way on it's own. Since the ductus is so small, Kyle will be able to resume feedings tomorrow. Hopefully this will assist him in gaining some weight.
Another important milestone occurred today, Kyle was taken off the mechanical ventilator and put on CPAP. When preemies are disconnected from a mechanical ventilator, often they require a form of assisted breathing called nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A nasal CPAP device consists of a large tube with tiny prongs that fit into Kyle's nose, which is hooked to a machine that provides oxygenated air into the baby's air passages and lungs. The pressure from the CPAP machine helps keep Kyle's lungs open so he can breathe. However, the machine does not provide breaths for Kyle, so he actually breathes on his own! I am obviously very happy that the doctors feel Kyle is up to the challenge of breathing on his own, but I am also a little apprehensive. Kyle was on CPAP for the first couple days of his life, but he was having quite a few apnea spells. Apnea is caused by immaturity in the area of the brain that controls the drive to breathe. While Kyle is able to breath on his own, it is something that a baby this young should not have to do, and occasionally his brain "forgets" to breath, which is something we did not have to worry about when he was on the mechanical ventilator. Kyle will be monitored continuously for any evidence of apnea and is hooked up to a cardiorespiratory monitor (also known as an apnea and bradycardia, or A/B, monitor) that tracks his breathing and heart rate. An alarm on the monitor sounds if there's no breath for a set number of seconds. When the monitor sounds, a nurse immediately checks Kyle for signs of distress. Anyways, this is our next big hurdle...please pray that Kyle is able to breath successfully on his own.
My mom flew in today and will be here for the weekend. It is so good to see her! She was able to meet baby Kyle this evening. I think she was a bit surprised by how small he actually is!
It is so obvious to us that you encourage us daily. We have through the Holy Spirit been held up in this time in our lives and we owe that to the prayers of God's children...those who have accepted the gift of His son Jesus Christ. We can all share in Christ if we hold firm to the belief that there is only one God and no other. That it is He that has made us and not we ourselves. My prayer for you tonight is that you understand the truth of God and come to know His Son personally.
Much Love,
Jennifer, Joe, Madison and Kyle
P.S. The pictures above are from Madison and Joe's visit. I forgot to post them earlier! The first one is Madison and I "surfing" at Universal's City Walk, plus there is a picture of Joe and Madison at the Nick Hotel as well as the three of us at Disney.
7 comments:
Oh Jen!! I have just been sitting here this evening reading through every day of your ordeal and I can tell you that I too like others am in awe of your families strengh and love for the Lord!! Continue with your love and prayers and he will continue to bring this tiny miracles to Kyle.
Not sure if you saw my message earlier this week, but TK called me this week and told me about what had happened and asked if Cary and I could call as you may be wanting to see a familar face or two. I was traveling all week so I did not have an opportunity to call until tonight..we left a message Joe so I hope that he got it. From your updates I understand your mom is here this weekend and Joe is back home with Madison, but we would love to come over and see you. You are only an hour away and I would love to come over and spend some time with you. Here is our number and email, let us know when Joe will be back down and perhaps we/I can make some arrangements to come your way and have lunch/dinner or whatever. We love you and Congrats on your new miracle. God Bless you and I am praying for you all everynight.
Love.. Cristi, Cary and Owen
Forgot to leave the phone and email..813-453-9712 and email is chudkins@verizon.net..
- cristi
Dear Jennifer, Joe and Madison,
What wonderful news about Kyle! The ductus and his breathing are developing, with God's help. It truly is an answer to prayer! Uncle Earl uses a CPAP for sleep apnea also, so we certainly understand the concept. We are anxious to learn how much Kyle weighs from day-to-day, now that he can start taking feedings again. God has blessed you so much - and you are a blessing to others through all this.
Love,
Aunt Karen
Good morning to everyone
So glad to hear the good report on Kyle's heart closing up, I just knew that would happen and I am so thankful to the Lord for what He is doing in Kyle's body.Now he can start eating today and start to gain them pounds he needs to get ready to go home to Ohio.
I love all the pictures you sent last night and Madison looks so swweet. I know she misses her mommy and baby brother, but won't be to much longer than she will be back I'm sure.
So glad your Mom got to fly down to see her grandson, I know she was thrilled to see him and a shock to her also. No one can understand how little he is unless you have been there with one. The pictures make him look so much bigger that he really is, when you take them up close also.
Won't keep you long just wanted to say HI and hope you and your Mom has a great time together today enjoying your son and her new little grandson. Give your Mom my love a big hug for me today.
Take care & remember..JESUS LOVES YOU ALL....and so do I.
Lot of love and God bless you all,
Aunt Sandra in the mountains of Tn.
Dear Jennifer, Joe, Madison, and Kyle:
We continue to be overwhelmed with joy watching from a distance and knowing a miracle is taking place before our very eyes. I thank God for holding all of you in the palm of His hand.
Now that Kyle can resume his feedings, I know he will get stronger each and every day.
We love you all very much and continue to have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Angela, Joe, Katie, Grandma Mary, Grandpa Ted, Aunt Lynn, and Uncle Bob
Jennifer, PRAISE GOD for good results. I cannot tell you how often I check for updates from you throughout the course of the day. I just anticipate the encouraging news and then I pray for your further requests based on what you report. Kyle's feedings will make a significant improvement in growth and strength. It must feel wonderful to have crossed this hurdle.
It is also good to see you enjoying a leisurely period with your husband and daughter before they returned to Ohio. And, I know it is a huge comfort to you as well as to your mother for the two of you to be together. Enjoy this time as best as you can and continue to take care of your self.
Kyle is a fighter! Laura
Jennifer, PRAISE GOD for good results. I cannot tell you how often I check for updates from you throughout the course of the day. I just anticipate the encouraging news and then I pray for your further requests based on what you report. Kyle's feedings will make a significant improvement in growth and strength. It must feel wonderful to have crossed this hurdle.
It is also good to see you enjoying a leisurely period with your husband and daughter before they returned to Ohio. And, I know it is a huge comfort to you as well as to your mother for the two of you to be together. Enjoy this time as best as you can and continue to take care of your self.
Kyle is a fighter! Laura
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