NJ or NG?

We had another pretty good day today. There wasn't a whole lot that really went on today. The doctors decided to let Elaina rest and get used to the high flow before they start trying to wean her onto regular oxygen. They actually talked about discharge in the next 2 weeks if all continues to go well. Elaina won't transition to the surgical unit, they want to limit her exposure, she'll just go straight home from the PICU. It's still far enough in the future that I don't know a whole lot of details, but at least they are talking about it. The only thing that would alter this idea is the stupid femoral art line wound:


You can't really see it in this picture, but the broviac insertion site is in her thigh (under the nurses hand). If you were able to look up close into the large hole, you would be able see the broviac before it enters the femoral vein. (I couldn't get my camera to focus well that close up....) They are going to have the plastic surgeon and possibly vascular surgeon look at it tomorrow and see if she needs to have any type of surgery to repair this. It doesn't look infected at the moment, but we really don't need it to get septic and have her die from a stupid infection after she's fought so hard! It's in such a bad spot. Every time she poops her pants they have to change the dressing. They try to pack the hole with sterile gauze and then put tegaderm over the top, but it's still a huge infection risk. I'll let you know more about this when I know what's been decided.

The only other eventful moment today was the realization that Elaina's NJ has moved into the NG position. She had an "event" where she gagged and threw up and the nurse realized that the medication that had just been given along with formula, was mixed with the mucus that came up. Since she is being fed in her small intestine, this shouldn't happen. So they took an x-ray and sure enough, the tube is in her stomach. She'll get it replaced Monday morning. For the time being they've stopped her feeds, and have her on IV fluids. They are still giving her medications through the now NG, but they don't want to risk her throwing up formula and aspirating into her lungs. She doesn't seem to mind though. Look how peacefully she's sleeping tonight:


I just had to take a picture of her stats too! Best they've been since before surgery!!!!


(Heart rate 134, Respiratory rate 40, Oxygen Saturation 86%)

WAY TO GO TURTLE-BUG!!! YOU SHOW THESE DOCTORS HOW IT'S DONE!!!

Once again, I must express my gratitude. Gratitude for the support and encouragement that has been shown to me and gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the miracle that has taken place in our lives. What a roller coaster ride we're on!