Week 2 Update - Thursday, June 12, 2008

Test results show that Justin’s jaundice has gone away so he was taken off of the photo therapy light treatment. The head ultrasound taken on Monday showed a Grade 1 bleed which the doctor stated is of no consequence because that type of bleed is very small and will resolve itself, but another head ultrasound will be done in two weeks. His chest x-ray has improved and shows that his lungs have expanded. They are starting daily diuretics to help increase the excretion of water from the body, which will help the lungs.

Justin developed a staph infection this week. Of course I was freaked out about it but the nurses said that this is something very common for preemies and assured me that this was nothing to be highly concerned about. His infection is colonized in the nose, is not in any of his bodily fluids or blood and all tracheal cultures were negative. But they will continue to monitor and test for any changes.

Justin’s current weight is 450 grams (15.9 oz), which was down from 490 (1 lb 1.5 oz) on Wednesday. The doctor mentioned that because his growth was restricted in the womb he will more than likely have a slow growth rate. Now that he is two weeks old the goal is to focus on weight gain, so they are increasing his caloric and protein intake.

Highlights of the week
On Monday they started breast milk feedings, but suspended them the following day because the chest x-ray showed that there is no gas in the stomach and he has yet to have a bowel movement.

Carl and I were able to change his diapers, take his temperature, change the pulsox sensor, and clean his mouth.

Justin is now wearing big boy preemie diapers. Previously he was so small that they had to make his diapers out of gauze bandages.