Today has been a pretty hard day. We are posting earlier than usual to request some specific prayers on Juniors behalf.
This morning Junior started struggling to keep enough oxygen in his lungs. The x-ray showed that his lungs were actually hyperventilated, so they couldn't increase the amount of ventilator support other than giving him 100% oxygen. Then, they switched ventilators back to his original ventilator that doesn't keep a residual pressure. This didn't help too much and his oxygen was still way down.
They tested the blood oxygen level between his wrist and leg, and it was different by about 10-15%, showing that his oxygenated blood wasn't circulating. They were able to give him some nitric oxide which helped increase the blood oxygen level overall and increase the amount of oxygenated blood circulated throughout the body. Even with this extra support, they have had to keep him on 100% oxygen. Our doctor told us they are running out of options to treat him if this doesn't work. That was very hard to hear and we have been teary today. They think that the PDA (hole in his heart) is shunting blood without properly oxygenating it. The faster the PDA can close, the better it will be for Junior. Right now it doesn't look like the Tylenol is being very effective. They also gave him an extra steroid, hoping it will help his lungs. There is a small chance it could result in brain damage, but low oxygen could also do that.
The bright spot of the day was that he opened both of his eyes and was looking around a little today. It was so cute and was just what we needed to lift our spirits a little. We have felt very blessed to have so many good days with Baby Jacob the past two weeks. We trust in the Lord and have felt his comfort and love throughout this tough day.
We would love your prayers
Here are the things we are praying for specifically:
1. Tylenol will be effective in closing his PDA.
2. He will be able to have enough oxygen in his blood and that his body will circulate it properly.
3. His bleeding in his brain will decrease.
4. That he will be able to be stable enough that he can tolerate feeds and his intestines will work properly.
Thank you so much for your faith and prayers. We are hoping that as we unite in specific prayers, he will be able to receive these specific blessings.
Both eyes open!
Three Generations
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