Another Bennet Update

Bennet is making strides! Yesterday he was transfered from the NICU to the NIM Pavilion. The NIM is still considered part of ICU but is more intermediate level care rather than critical care. In NICU there was one nurse for every 1-2 babies and in NIM the ratio is more like one nurse for every 3-4 babies. This was a big step that I am so proud of him making so soon!!

He was off the nasal canula (helps stimulate breathing) for several hours today but started getting tired in the evening so they had to put it back on. He is also having a latte every morning (a dose of caffine in his milk) to help stimulate his heart rate since it was still dropping to concerningly slow levels several times a day. He has been on it for 2 days now and it really seems to help as he hasn't had any "heart dips" since he started. He still has trouble with keeping his oxygen staturation levels (oxygen in our blood) up and "Desats" several times a day and often needs blow-by oxygen or stimulation (me trying to wake him up a little) to get him to breath deeper and process the oxygen better to bring his levels back to where they need to be. While he hasn't gotten to the point of turning completely blue yet he has gotten close enough a few times to make James and I really worry about him! He is off the IV and is taking all of his fluids by gavage (tube) feedings.

His path toward home depends on 3 factors.

1. He has to learn how to manage his breathing better, (Deeper, slower rate less than 60 resps per minute)

2 a.Has to learn how to suck, swallow, breathe so he can take either a bottle or the breast,
2b. Has to be strong enough to nurse/bottle feed completely for all feedings,

3. has to regulate his own body temperature.

Number one is more of an age thing than anything else, The breathing and heart rate problems that he has been having is called "Apnea of Prematurity" and they usually grow out of it between 35 & 36 weeks. So we just have to wait for him to do that.
Number two takes a long time (2-3weeks) for them to not only learn how to eat but have enough strength and energy to make it through a full feeding every time. Again, the suck, swallow, breath technique is something that has to "click" in their brain and is usually learned between weeks 35 & 36 but since they start with just a small percentage of the feeding by bottle/breast once or twice a day and up it only every couple of days it takes time.
He is already doing the last step fairly well and they popped the top on his isolette today so he is in room air with a sleeper, receiving blanket and quilt to help keep him warm. If he continues to maintain his temp through the night and tomorrow we can check that off the list. He will be 34 weeks old on Wednesday so we are getting closer

So overall...doing great! He just needs time to grow and develop. There are no other major concerns, illnesses or physical problems that he has to overcome praise God! I'm spending between 10 & 12 hours a day, 7 days a week at the hospital with him and being supported with meals and babysitting for the girls by my family and church friends. Coming on here when I can and seeing the comments and well wishes are also a huge boost to the moral. While Bennet is doing really well under the circumstances it makes for a hectic and disconnecting lifestyle that is not completely free of worrying and stress! I am most thankful for all of the support my family has been receiving from so many sources.

On another note...I am also encouraged to see that the board is thriving! I don't get enough time to read the new posts but take note of the new threads and number of responses. Way to go everyone!

Great news! I'm very happy for you. I hope you are all holding your own during this rough time.

Sending PM...

Nina, That is good news concerning Bennet.I will still pray for good health for him and that you will be able to bring him home soon. Regards,Jerry

Nina......I pray for Bennet's strength every day. He looks awesome in the picture and sounds like everything is going on schedule.

Hang in there and remember that you need your strength every bit as he does. It won't do him any good if you get sick. And it sure seems like this is a really strong flu and cold season (at least around here it sure is!).

Have a great week.

jul

Nina, YEAH! So glad to hear the update.. Please let me know what you need! If James and girls need meals, please let me know.. We are holding you all in our prayers, and can't wait to meet him in person! Praying for your emotional time too, a bit hard when you can't scooop him up! Hugs, and Prayers,, Pamela Swan

Great news Nina! Leanna and I are continuing to keep you and Bennet in our thoughts and prayers until he is safely home. Thank you for taking the time to share the update, I know you must be exhausted at this point.

Good to hear from you Nina... so happy that you and Bennet are doing well.

Nina, I think I speak for everyone on the boards when I say we're happy that Bennet is continuing to improve and that you are in our thoughts and prayers and will be until Bennet is home safe and sound.

Vinnie

Glad to hear everything is on the upswing Nina

Great news Nina

Love the new photo and very happy to hear Bennet continues to improve!

Nina,
I am so glad for your family that Bennet is improving, and hopefully will be home very shortly. You take care of yourself, so you will have some energy left when you do get home! The new picture is adorable.
All the best,
kk99

We hope to hear of continued strides with you and Bennet. We hope for the best.

Bennett seems to be doing so well. I dont blame you for being a proud mama. What a cutie pie he is already.

I pray for continued strength for Bennet and for YOU as well. I can't even imagine how exhausting it must be for you. You are definitely in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.

Nina so glad to hear Bennet is improving! My continued prayers that he gains strength and comes home soon.

Nina, it's wonderful to see Bennet looking stronger! I will continue to pray for both of you and your family.

Thanks for the update & the good news. I will continue to pray that he grow stronger everyday & will make it home soon.

Towanda

Nina, it's good to hear from you and, I'm happy to read about Bennet's progress. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Eddie and Maria

Good job, Bennet!! He's a fighter!

Continued best wishes, thoughts & prayers to you and your family, Nina!

I pray that Bennet continues to progress at a rapid rate and that all of you will be home, sharing the precious times you deserve. He has been through so much, and it shows that he is special in the eyes of the LORD! We pray for all of you and hope to hear of more progress when you are up to it.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL,
-Phil