After the doctors decided to turn down Lincoln's oxygen and one of his blood pressure medicines yesterday, he continued to decline. Throughout the night I called to check up on his lab work, which they were testing every two hours to stay on top of his oxygen levels. His numbers steadily dropped. The doctors decided to return Linc's ventilator oxygen level back to 100 and they also returned his blood pressure meds. They also added an epinephrine drip. Then around 3 am the nurse told me that it looked as those he may be coming around and that she would do another blood test at 4 to confirm.
At 4:20am my phone rang. It was the hospital, and I felt my heart race as I answered it. I knew they would only call if it was urgent. The doctor said that Lincoln's blood cell count was low due to all of the lab work they had run all night. They had not gotten his labs back yet from the 4am draw, but they wanted to perform a blood transfusion to get more blood into Linc's system. They said that since his cell count was down, that may be contributing to his continued low oxygen levels, since blood cells are what carry oxygen throughout the body. The doctor needed my consent over the phone to start the transfusion. After briefly discussing with Dan, I gave consent. Within 15 mins Dan and I were on our way to Children's to be by his side. The transfusion would be given over 2 hours.
Dan and I arrived at children's at 5:20am and Linc's levels were drifting. At 7am the team of surgeons and neonatologists came by to discuss Lincoln, and by that time his oxygen levels had dropped as low as they were on Saturday (our first dip in the roller coaster). They said this looks like typical pulmonary hypertension, and they have been expecting it. They decided to decrease the pressure of his ventilator to prevent his lungs from over filling, and not being able to absorb the oxygen they are giving him. They also decided to fully sedate Linc to see if that will allow him to relax enough to get the oxygen in his system. The surgeon in chief mentioned ECMO again, and said it may be where we are headed for later in the day.
So now we are waiting to see how Linc responds to the various small changes the doctors will make this morning.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Fingers crossed
Yesterday was Lincoln's best day yet. All of his numbers looked good, especially oxygen levels. The doctors were pleased enough to start weaning one of his 7 medicines this morning, just a little, to see how he reacted. He did well with that, so at 12 noon today they decreased his ventilator oxygen level by 2 percent. If he continues to do well (or "be a good boy" as his neonatologist says) they will continue to slowly take things away.
We don't know how fast they will remove/reduce meds. We haven't been told what the exact requirements will be for him to have his surgery. We just take every hour as it comes. Lincoln will be four days old within the hour. He is a sweetie and we love him.
We don't know how fast they will remove/reduce meds. We haven't been told what the exact requirements will be for him to have his surgery. We just take every hour as it comes. Lincoln will be four days old within the hour. He is a sweetie and we love him.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Day 2 First Dip in the Rollercoaster Ride
The doctors have been warning us from the beginning that babies born with CDH go through many phases during the first couple of weeks of life. A real roller coaster of ups and downs. After a good first day, Linc gave us our first real scare yesterday when his oxygen levels dropped dramatically. The doctors say that the real threat of pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) usually starts to show up after about 24 hrs of life. Linc was right on time.
Within a short time, Linc's new room was filled with nurses, neonatologists, and surgeons. The room was a buzz as they discussed options to help Linc take in more oxygen. The word ECMO was brought up to Dan and me so we were really concerned. After trying several things over the course of a few hours, they were able to get him stabilized on a new med that gets pumped into his ventilator to relax the blood vessels. Once he was stable for over an hour, they decided to change his ventilator tube to a larger one that takes up more space in his throat. They think the other one was allowing some of the gases to escape, but they didn't want to risk taking him off of the ventilator, only for a few mins, when he was not stable. The switch was scary for us (we had to wait outside), but Lincoln did great! He was showing good numbers when we left him last night and have called several times throughout the night and have been told he is doing ok. He's a fighter
Within a short time, Linc's new room was filled with nurses, neonatologists, and surgeons. The room was a buzz as they discussed options to help Linc take in more oxygen. The word ECMO was brought up to Dan and me so we were really concerned. After trying several things over the course of a few hours, they were able to get him stabilized on a new med that gets pumped into his ventilator to relax the blood vessels. Once he was stable for over an hour, they decided to change his ventilator tube to a larger one that takes up more space in his throat. They think the other one was allowing some of the gases to escape, but they didn't want to risk taking him off of the ventilator, only for a few mins, when he was not stable. The switch was scary for us (we had to wait outside), but Lincoln did great! He was showing good numbers when we left him last night and have called several times throughout the night and have been told he is doing ok. He's a fighter
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Diaper changed
Dorothy really hasn't had much time to post, so I figured I would sum things up for everyone. Dorothy is a trooper, and I couldn't be more proud of her. We had a scare when Lincoln's heart rate slowed down to 50bpm during the induction. The Oxytocin had to be turned off until his heart rate climbed back to normal. It wasn't fun for anyone. Shortly after Lincoln stabilized Dorothy called the anesthesiologist in to insert the epidural catheter. Dorothy wanted to have a natural birth without pain medication, the catheter was just inserted incase of emergency c-section. Luckily it wasn't needed. The doctors wanted Dorothy to try a couple practice pushes in the laboring room just to see how well she would do. She did a little too well. The doctors rushed her into the operating room to proceed with the birth. Within 3 minutes Lincoln was born. The doctors showed him to us for a few seconds before they took him over to the table to start working on him. We couldn't see much through the sea of blue gowns and hairnets. After he stabilized I followed the transport team to the NICU. I was hurried out due to another baby on the way in. We eventually got a chance to see him later in the evening. He's a cute little guy
Last night Lincoln was moved to his new private room inside of the NICU. It is much more comfortable for all of us. The nurses were a little concerned with his diaper change yesterday evening. They were afraid that he wasn't peeing enough, so they gave him more fluids to see if he would produce more. Around midnight the nurse came back in to change his diaper. Dorothy nearly wet with excitement when the nurse asked her if she wanted to do the diaper change. I really don't know how close she was to peeing, but she was really, really happy. Dorothy changed the diaper like a pro, no easy task with the maze of wires and tubing. The diaper weighed in at 65g. The nurses were very happy with the weight. We said goodnight and made the trek back to Barnes, fueled by our first real contact with our son.
Last night Lincoln was moved to his new private room inside of the NICU. It is much more comfortable for all of us. The nurses were a little concerned with his diaper change yesterday evening. They were afraid that he wasn't peeing enough, so they gave him more fluids to see if he would produce more. Around midnight the nurse came back in to change his diaper. Dorothy nearly wet with excitement when the nurse asked her if she wanted to do the diaper change. I really don't know how close she was to peeing, but she was really, really happy. Dorothy changed the diaper like a pro, no easy task with the maze of wires and tubing. The diaper weighed in at 65g. The nurses were very happy with the weight. We said goodnight and made the trek back to Barnes, fueled by our first real contact with our son.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Lincoln is Here!
I just want to quickly post the arrival of Lincoln Daniel Olds!
Born May 26th at 3:38pm via vaginal induction. He is 5lbs 13oz and 18.5 in long. He was stabilized before being taken to the NICU at Children's where he has been doing well on a conventional ventilator for almost 24hours now. (he's a fighter!)
I will be posting more details about the delivery day and his status when I get more time.
Happy Birthday Lincoln!
Born May 26th at 3:38pm via vaginal induction. He is 5lbs 13oz and 18.5 in long. He was stabilized before being taken to the NICU at Children's where he has been doing well on a conventional ventilator for almost 24hours now. (he's a fighter!)
I will be posting more details about the delivery day and his status when I get more time.
Happy Birthday Lincoln!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
1 Day to Go
Yesterday was my last day at work. I took today off today to get ready for our trip to the hospital and to just relax before becoming a mom! It is a little strange knowing when Lincoln will come, but it makes things easier to prepare for, for us and the doctors.
Today I am spending most of my time packing a bigger bag for our stay at Barnes (I had already packed a small “go bag” in case Linc decided to come early). I am packing a few changes of clothes, since I don’t know if Dan and I will want to leave the hospital when I am discharged or just stay with Linc. That way we won’t feel like we have to run home for clothes, anyway. I am also sanitizing my breast pump pieces so that I can take that with me. I will use the hospital’s pumps while I am there, but I want to be sure I know how to properly use my own before I leave. Providing breast milk for Linc is so important to me. It’s one of the few ways I can care for him in the first few weeks, even though he will not be able to eat for a while. (He will be nourished through his IV.)
I am also trying to relax and rest today. I am not sure how much sleep I will get tonight, thinking of tomorrow’s events. I have been overwhelmed with feelings of becoming a mother for the first time. I already have so much love for Lincoln and I can’t wait to see him. To see how much he has grown, how much hair he has and what color his eyes are. All of the normal anticipations a new mother has. At the same time, a part of me would like to stay pregnant forever, because I know he is safe inside me, where he has everything he needs.
It is hard to believe that the months have flown by so quickly. It seems like yesterday that we went to St. John’s to have our first ultrasound. We were so excited to find out if we were having a little boy or girl. From then on, my pregnancy has been a roller coaster of emotions and filled with doctors appointments. I am so grateful to all of the doctors who have had a hand in getting us to where we are; in the hands of the skilled doctors at Barnes and Children’s. I have great confidence in all of them to do everything they can for Lincoln.
Even though my pregnancy hasn’t been what I originally envisioned (a drug-free water birth...), I have nothing to compare it to, and I think that has made things a little easier to deal with. I have gone back and forth with myself over the past few months on what to prepare ahead of time exactly. Lincoln’s nursery is still not ready. The replacement crib pieces have not yet arrived, so his bed is still in pieces around the nursery. All of his clothes are still unwashed with tags, hanging in his closet. I still have a good feeling about tomorrow’s outcome, but there is a small part of me that still knows the reality of the situation is Lincoln may never need those items. At the very least, he won't need them for several weeks.
People say things happen for a reason. I am still searching for the reason our lives have been touched by CDH, and I am sure that tomorrow will add to my soul searching. Perhaps it is to bring my family closer together, or to open our eyes to what is really important in life. I know it has definitely changed the way I see life, already. The love of the friends and family surrounding you is what life is about. I don’t know how I would have gotten through this pregnancy without my family and especially Dan. He has been so strong and the only person who knows how I am feeling, because he is going through it too. Tomorrow Dan and I will be parents, and our lives will never be the same.
Today I am spending most of my time packing a bigger bag for our stay at Barnes (I had already packed a small “go bag” in case Linc decided to come early). I am packing a few changes of clothes, since I don’t know if Dan and I will want to leave the hospital when I am discharged or just stay with Linc. That way we won’t feel like we have to run home for clothes, anyway. I am also sanitizing my breast pump pieces so that I can take that with me. I will use the hospital’s pumps while I am there, but I want to be sure I know how to properly use my own before I leave. Providing breast milk for Linc is so important to me. It’s one of the few ways I can care for him in the first few weeks, even though he will not be able to eat for a while. (He will be nourished through his IV.)
I am also trying to relax and rest today. I am not sure how much sleep I will get tonight, thinking of tomorrow’s events. I have been overwhelmed with feelings of becoming a mother for the first time. I already have so much love for Lincoln and I can’t wait to see him. To see how much he has grown, how much hair he has and what color his eyes are. All of the normal anticipations a new mother has. At the same time, a part of me would like to stay pregnant forever, because I know he is safe inside me, where he has everything he needs.
It is hard to believe that the months have flown by so quickly. It seems like yesterday that we went to St. John’s to have our first ultrasound. We were so excited to find out if we were having a little boy or girl. From then on, my pregnancy has been a roller coaster of emotions and filled with doctors appointments. I am so grateful to all of the doctors who have had a hand in getting us to where we are; in the hands of the skilled doctors at Barnes and Children’s. I have great confidence in all of them to do everything they can for Lincoln.
Even though my pregnancy hasn’t been what I originally envisioned (a drug-free water birth...), I have nothing to compare it to, and I think that has made things a little easier to deal with. I have gone back and forth with myself over the past few months on what to prepare ahead of time exactly. Lincoln’s nursery is still not ready. The replacement crib pieces have not yet arrived, so his bed is still in pieces around the nursery. All of his clothes are still unwashed with tags, hanging in his closet. I still have a good feeling about tomorrow’s outcome, but there is a small part of me that still knows the reality of the situation is Lincoln may never need those items. At the very least, he won't need them for several weeks.
People say things happen for a reason. I am still searching for the reason our lives have been touched by CDH, and I am sure that tomorrow will add to my soul searching. Perhaps it is to bring my family closer together, or to open our eyes to what is really important in life. I know it has definitely changed the way I see life, already. The love of the friends and family surrounding you is what life is about. I don’t know how I would have gotten through this pregnancy without my family and especially Dan. He has been so strong and the only person who knows how I am feeling, because he is going through it too. Tomorrow Dan and I will be parents, and our lives will never be the same.
One more day to go. We are scheduled to be at the hospital at 6am tomorrow to start my induction. Lincoln will be here soon!!
Monday, May 23, 2011
3 Days to Go
Lincoln passed his last NST today. He was moving so much that he was off of the monitor for a good 5 minutes, but then he relaxed a bit and they were able to get a good reading of his heart rate. So, with the doctors approval we were sent home.
The next time I go to the hospital it will be Thursday to become a mommy! I am not feeling nervous or anything (yet). I feel very confident in the staff at Barnes/Children's and I have a good feeling about Thursday. The support of every one around us has been so wonderful, too. Every one seems so optimistic and excited. There are only three more days until we get to meet little Linc! He has been so active the past couple of days. Maybe he is getting excited too!
The next time I go to the hospital it will be Thursday to become a mommy! I am not feeling nervous or anything (yet). I feel very confident in the staff at Barnes/Children's and I have a good feeling about Thursday. The support of every one around us has been so wonderful, too. Every one seems so optimistic and excited. There are only three more days until we get to meet little Linc! He has been so active the past couple of days. Maybe he is getting excited too!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
7 Days to Go
Today was my last OB appt at Barnes Maternal Fetal Medicine group. I also had appts for a NST and BPP.
Lincoln passed both his biophysical profile and non-stress test. He did great practicing his breathing and movement during the BPP. The technician pointed out how much hair he has on his head again! My amniotic fluid was down to a normal range, too! During his NST his heart rate was about 125-160, which is just right. Linc has been doing so great. (hopefully a sign of things to come!) the NST also showed that I was having contractions and didn't even know it! They aren't painful, obviously, so it's just a sign that Linc is getting ready to come see us!
My weight and blood pressure are still good. I asked for the results of my group b strep culture, just in case they forgot to write it in my chart, plus I was curious. The doctor checked my cervix and I am already 2cm dilated, which is another good sign that my labor will progress nicely. Meg scheduled my induction for Thursday morning at 6am. It looks like it won't take too long for the delivery to happen, so we won't need to come in Wednesday evening. One week from now Lincoln will be here and we will finally get to meet him! It still seems a little unreal that we are about to be parents, but it definitely is real!
Lincoln passed both his biophysical profile and non-stress test. He did great practicing his breathing and movement during the BPP. The technician pointed out how much hair he has on his head again! My amniotic fluid was down to a normal range, too! During his NST his heart rate was about 125-160, which is just right. Linc has been doing so great. (hopefully a sign of things to come!) the NST also showed that I was having contractions and didn't even know it! They aren't painful, obviously, so it's just a sign that Linc is getting ready to come see us!
My weight and blood pressure are still good. I asked for the results of my group b strep culture, just in case they forgot to write it in my chart, plus I was curious. The doctor checked my cervix and I am already 2cm dilated, which is another good sign that my labor will progress nicely. Meg scheduled my induction for Thursday morning at 6am. It looks like it won't take too long for the delivery to happen, so we won't need to come in Wednesday evening. One week from now Lincoln will be here and we will finally get to meet him! It still seems a little unreal that we are about to be parents, but it definitely is real!
Monday, May 16, 2011
10 Days to Go
There are ten days to go until my induction and Lincoln is here!
The service manager from Treasure Rooms came by today at lunch to look at the crib pieces. He didn't measure anything and only looked at them for a few minutes. I guess he just had to come by to be sure that we weren't just idiots and couldn't follow the directions. He said he would get the pieces ordered and fed ex them quickly. He also said that when they arrive, he will come back to assemble the crib for us. Hopefully that gets sorted out quickly since I don't want to be dealing with that after Linc is here.
Lincoln passed his NST today, which is great. He's becoming quite the test-taker. I go back Thursday for my last OB appt, another NST and a BPP.
Dan and I are trying to enjoy our last days together as a family of two. Soon enough there will be a little man with us at all times!
The service manager from Treasure Rooms came by today at lunch to look at the crib pieces. He didn't measure anything and only looked at them for a few minutes. I guess he just had to come by to be sure that we weren't just idiots and couldn't follow the directions. He said he would get the pieces ordered and fed ex them quickly. He also said that when they arrive, he will come back to assemble the crib for us. Hopefully that gets sorted out quickly since I don't want to be dealing with that after Linc is here.
Lincoln passed his NST today, which is great. He's becoming quite the test-taker. I go back Thursday for my last OB appt, another NST and a BPP.
Dan and I are trying to enjoy our last days together as a family of two. Soon enough there will be a little man with us at all times!
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Final Count Down
Yesterday, Dan and I made another trip to Barnes for my 36 week appt, Biophysical Profile (mini ultrasound) and NST. Everything went really well. Lincoln passed all of his tests. We saw him practicing his breathing motions again and my amniotic fluid has not gotten any higher (it hasn’t gotten any lower either). My blood pressure and weight are still good.
The doctors have picked May 25/26th for my induction date(s). They want me to continue to come in twice a week for NSTs and I’ll have one more BPP next Thursday, the 19th. Thursday will also be my last OB appt, where the doc will give me a pelvic exam to see if my cervix is “favorable.” If so, I will come to Barnes on the 26th in the morning to start the induction process. If not, I will need to come the day before, on the 25th to give Linc a little more time. The doctors’ goal is to have Lincoln delivered by that Friday, the 27th. I told the doc of my family history of fast deliveries, so I do not expect a 24 hour labor, but we shall see soon enough. Less than two weeks to go now…
The doctors have picked May 25/26th for my induction date(s). They want me to continue to come in twice a week for NSTs and I’ll have one more BPP next Thursday, the 19th. Thursday will also be my last OB appt, where the doc will give me a pelvic exam to see if my cervix is “favorable.” If so, I will come to Barnes on the 26th in the morning to start the induction process. If not, I will need to come the day before, on the 25th to give Linc a little more time. The doctors’ goal is to have Lincoln delivered by that Friday, the 27th. I told the doc of my family history of fast deliveries, so I do not expect a 24 hour labor, but we shall see soon enough. Less than two weeks to go now…
Monday, May 9, 2011
First NST
Today was Lincoln's first Non-Stress Test (NST). The OB's wanted to start monitoring Lincoln's heart rate two times per week until delivery. Lincoln's small size could be an indication of the placenta not working correctly, and could possibly give out sooner than the typical 40wks. The NST is a 30 minute test where two monitors are placed on my belly, one for Linc's heart beat and one for contractions I may be having. All I do is lay back in a recliner and relax.
Linc's heart rate varied from about 126bpm when he was resting to 156bpm when he was moving. The nurse said that was exactly what they should see and that Lincoln was in great shape! As long as he continues to do well on the NST's, the OB's feel comfortable letting my pregnancy progress closer to 39 wks. If they see something they don't like on a future NST, we will discuss an even earlier delivery if they think he may be in danger.
I go back for another NST Thursday, as well as an OB appt and a biophysical profile (BPP) where they look at Linc's movements and practice breathing again. They are going to keep a close eye on him until he's here!
Linc's heart rate varied from about 126bpm when he was resting to 156bpm when he was moving. The nurse said that was exactly what they should see and that Lincoln was in great shape! As long as he continues to do well on the NST's, the OB's feel comfortable letting my pregnancy progress closer to 39 wks. If they see something they don't like on a future NST, we will discuss an even earlier delivery if they think he may be in danger.
I go back for another NST Thursday, as well as an OB appt and a biophysical profile (BPP) where they look at Linc's movements and practice breathing again. They are going to keep a close eye on him until he's here!
Nursery Furniture Disappointment
This past week, Lincoln's nursery furniture came in! So Saturday, Dan, Jake and I went to Earth City to pick up the crib, double dresser and tow conversion kits from the warehouse. The dresser came fully assembled, and we were able to inspect it before taking it home. The crib, was not assembled so we weren't able to inspect that at the warehouse. Both the toddler and full bed conversion kits were also in boxes.
We go everything home and brought it into Lincoln's room. The dresser looks fantastic! All I needed to do was put on the drawer pulls and put the changing pad on top. I started to fill the top drawer with diapers from my diaper cake, but they are not all going to fit! (I had no idea there were so many in that cake!) I was so excited to get the nursery in order, even though I know that Linc won't be home right away.
Dan and Jake started assembling the crib but were not able to finish because the pieces didn't fit together! The pre-drilled holes and threaded inserts on connecting pieces were off by a minimum of 1/4"! Some as much as one inch! So I called Treasure Rooms immediately to tell them what happened. I told them of my disappointment with this happening, and they were very nice and said that they will contact the vendor to rush order new pieces to us. They asked me to take some pictures and measurements to that they could be sure of what the issue was. They also said when the new pieces arrive, they will come to our house to assemble everything, just for our trouble. Hopefully the new pieces show up soon! Lincoln is coming in about two weeks and it would be nice not to be messing with furniture when he's here!
We go everything home and brought it into Lincoln's room. The dresser looks fantastic! All I needed to do was put on the drawer pulls and put the changing pad on top. I started to fill the top drawer with diapers from my diaper cake, but they are not all going to fit! (I had no idea there were so many in that cake!) I was so excited to get the nursery in order, even though I know that Linc won't be home right away.
Dan and Jake started assembling the crib but were not able to finish because the pieces didn't fit together! The pre-drilled holes and threaded inserts on connecting pieces were off by a minimum of 1/4"! Some as much as one inch! So I called Treasure Rooms immediately to tell them what happened. I told them of my disappointment with this happening, and they were very nice and said that they will contact the vendor to rush order new pieces to us. They asked me to take some pictures and measurements to that they could be sure of what the issue was. They also said when the new pieces arrive, they will come to our house to assemble everything, just for our trouble. Hopefully the new pieces show up soon! Lincoln is coming in about two weeks and it would be nice not to be messing with furniture when he's here!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
35 wk Appt with U/S
Dan and I went to Barnes today for a growth ultrasound and OB appt. Lincoln has gained a little over a pound in the past three weeks, putting him at 4lbs 3 oz! (one oz shy of the 2kg requirement for ECMO). His heartbeat was 139bpm and he did a great job "practice breathing." My amniotic fluid is about the same as last time. It is still a little high, but at least it isn't any higher. My blood pressure and weight are good too. I also was tested for group B strep.
The doctors were very pleased with Lincoln's growth and decided to start having me come in for non-stress tests (NST) which involve 30min monitoring of Lincoln's heartbeat. I will have the NST's 2 x per week until delivery to be sure that he is doing well. They didn't say anything about having another ultrasound, so I think that today was that last one. (We got some nice 3D pictures of Linc's face! He's so cute!) It has been nice to see him so often and watch him grow. They tentatively want to plan for induction between 38 and 39 weeks (3 weeks from today), and they will let us know a more firm date after they meet tomorrow to discuss.
It won't be long now...I'm excited and nervous all at the same time.
The doctors were very pleased with Lincoln's growth and decided to start having me come in for non-stress tests (NST) which involve 30min monitoring of Lincoln's heartbeat. I will have the NST's 2 x per week until delivery to be sure that he is doing well. They didn't say anything about having another ultrasound, so I think that today was that last one. (We got some nice 3D pictures of Linc's face! He's so cute!) It has been nice to see him so often and watch him grow. They tentatively want to plan for induction between 38 and 39 weeks (3 weeks from today), and they will let us know a more firm date after they meet tomorrow to discuss.
It won't be long now...I'm excited and nervous all at the same time.
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Search is Over
Today was my third "new mom" interview at a pediatrician for Lincoln and the search is over! I like the location, the size of the practice, the staff and especially the familiarity of the doc with Lincoln's condition and affiliation with Children's Hospital. She is on staff at Children's so she will be able to visit him in the NICU and have access to all of his files online, which will make it that much easier for the neonatologists at Children's to stay in touch with her. Most importantly I felt the most comfortable with this doctor compared to the other two that I interviewed. She seemed knowledgeable, friendly and down to earth. Now I'll just need to inform the docs at Barnes that she will be Lincoln's primary pediatrician and they will contact her when he arrives. One more thing crossed off the list to prepare for Lincoln's arrival!
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