Ethan Update #2

Hello all...
Jayme, Loryn and I wanted to fill everyone in on what we learned about our newest addition. Last night Ethan was kept on a C-PAP machine while he slept, so that there was a continuous flow of oxygen being supplied to him. Over all he did pretty well, only having three "episodes" where his breathing suffered. This morning they did another chest x-ray, and his lungs do look a little bit improved, although they said it could be from the oxygen he was receiving. In addition, it seems that the blood cultures they took are going to be coming back negative, which means he is not fighting any infections, which is good. As of this morning, the doctor said that he is even more confident that what we are dealing with is RDS and a minor case of PPHN which is high blood pressure in the lungs which is also known as pulmonary hypertension. They still have to do an echocardiogram this afternoon to confirm the PPHN. *** They did the update and Ethan does have PPHN. He is also slightly jaundice. They will be monitoring his bilirubin levels.***

What this means is that the current course of treatment (C-PAP to assist with breathing and simple time to allow the lungs to finish developing) seems to be the right course of treatment. The doctor told us that recovery time is highly variable, but we are looking at a minimum of 4 more days, but more likely 9-13 more days before we will be able to bring Ethan home.

Jayme on the other hand is recovering wonderfully. She is a bit anxious as a result of worrying for our son, and as a result is not yet sleeping well, but the docs are going to try and help her with some meds that should help her relax and get some rest.

Loryn is enjoying her time with her Grandma, but is also anxious to meet her brother. She cryed a little yesterday when Grandman took her home from the hospital, and has been very vocal today about spending going to the hospitalto see Mommy, Daddy, and E-Fin as she calls him.

For those wanting to visit today, we are all in a better frame of mind after the doctors reassurances and some sleep, so all are welcome to come visit. Obviously trips to the NICU to see Ethan are unlikely, however, Jayme, Loryn and I would love the company. Please just call either Jayme or I before you come by so we can ensure everyone has places to sit when you come on over.

Thank you all again for you words of encouragement and support. We are very luck to have family and friends like you all in our lives.