Monday, August 04, 2008

Had a good day

Elaina had a pretty good day today. She didn't really have that many changes. We're still tweaking her diuretics and electrolites and she was able to come down to 7 liters on the high flow. She was awake for a good part of the day and seemed very interactive. I even think I caught a couple of coy little smiles. No big grins, but at least she seemed pretty happy. Her eyes are SO expressive. Sometimes I really feel like she is trying to tell me things. I'm going to have to film her tomorrow, she's so sweet. She loves having all the attention, but she didn't cry today unless it was for her binky. Thank goodness for the binky! We've decided to try putting her on c-pap tonight to see if maybe having the benefit of positive pressure in her lungs for a period of time will help her overall. This is actually something that I could do for her at home if we find that it helps. She can be on c-pap at night and then her regular oxygen during the day. If I understand correctly, the positive pressure given by the c-pap will help open up her airways and she won't have to work as hard. I guess when she's asleep her breaths are more shallow and she breathes faster, so we're trying this in an attempt to give her a little extra rest at night because the c-pap will do part of the work for her. We're just doing it as an experiment tonight and we'll see if it helps her out. If it doesn't seem to help her, she'll go back to the high flow and we'll keep on truckin!
I stayed at the hospital again tonight. Ben has a cold, and since I really can't afford to get sick right now (for a number of reasons...), I'm staying away and leaving him in my Aunt Kathyrn's capable hands. Poor kiddo, he hates to be sick....

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Sounds like a good plan. I really hope the CPAP helps her little lungs. At least this is something you could continue for her at home. I love how positive you always sound. There is SO much to be happy for right now! You have such a little fighter on your hands.

~Always in my prayers~

Vanessa

Melissa said...

Hang in there! You are the best mom! Those two darling kids are so lucky! Let us know if you need anything!

Melissa

The Hood's said...

You're doing such a great job being so positive through your trials! We will continue to pray for each of you.

Unknown said...

Just thinking of you guys today. Hope Elaina is doing well and hopefully the CPAP has helped.

Love,
Vanessa

Tina:0) said...

Sounds like she's got her own timetable for this! What a fighter she is... sooo strong! Makes for great teenage years, I'm sure!

Sending our love & prayers! Give Elaina hugs & kisses from Vaeh (& us, too!):0)

Sara and Stefano said...

Hollie,
I am so glad things seem to be okay. Elaina is such a tough little think. She is also so lucky to have an amazing mom who would give anything for her baby. You are my hero, Hollie!!
Love, Sara