First Days in the NICU

4/11/10

I am going to write about the twins' first days in the NICU. I can't remember each day because it all sort of ran together. It was overwhelming to hear about all the tests, ventilator settings, oxygen numbers, scans, etc. I just remember thinking I should be taking all this in, but I just couldn't especially on all the pain killers from my own surgery. I'm glad Jimmy was there to take in all that I missed. We are just now beginning to understand all the numbers and scans. It really is so much, and we have two babies in there. Sometimes I get confused if the information is for Camdyn or Cade.

Cade's start was a rough one. The neo-natologist came into our hospital room to let us know that he was going to need a nitrous oxide treatment to help his breathing. He was at 100% oxygen which meant the machine was doing everything for him. The doctor told us that the treatment was not FDA approved, but he had seen it work well for many preemies. It wasn't much of a choice; he needed it. So, they began the treatments and he started to do much better. He is now usually at 30-40% oxygen. Both babies' have PDA valves that are open. All babies at 24 weeks have their PDA valves open. They close later on. They are open in the womb to help the babies oxygenate. Our babies were just born before the valves had a chance to close in utero. The doctors are trying to close those with medicine. That is the first course of treatment, and we are praying that works. If it does not, then they will have to have surgery to close the valves. Again, the doctors don't seem concerned about that. Cade does have a grade one head bleed. When I found out about this, I just looked at him through his isolette and just cried. I really had a breakdown. I just so badly want everything to be alright. The doctor does not seem to think this is a big concern right now. We are hoping that the bleed just stops. He will get another scan later this week. All of his other signs are looking good though. They keep lowering his ventilator settings which is good news. That means that he is getting stronger and is able to do more on his own.

Camdyn, although much smaller than Cade, has been doing great. She has remained on low ventilator settings the last few days. She had started feedings with a tiny amount of breast milk, but she has now stopped that because she is again on medicine to hopefully close the PDA valve. They don't have to have the breast milk yet. They are getting their nutrition through IV fluids. The doctors want to get their respiratory needs leveled out first before they really start the feedings.

I feel like the babies are expected to do so much. Really, they aren't supposed to do any of these things on their own. But, they are fighters, and I know they understand what they need to do. They have been doing so well. The doctors keep telling us that each day is going to have its highs and lows. I'm trying to remember that and just take things as they come. We ask everyone to keep praying for our tiny sweet babies.

Tomorrow is their one week birthday! They will be one week old (or 25 weeks in gestation). I pray for a great week filled with small accomplishments, continued growth, and strength for my precious babies, Cade and Camdyn. I love you both so much! - Love, Mommy