| Amanda Update |
| (Last Updated: January 14th, 2002) |
| Hi Everyone. Thankfully this update is going to be a lot less exciting. Our little girl has had a really good week and we have our fingers crossed that things will continue this way. Our little brut is up to a whopping 1lb, 14oz (so close to the 2lb mark) and she's still doing well on the CPAP respirator. In fact, her lungs have been so good that they are letting her wear a nasal canula (the little nose plugs like you see on TV) while we hold her. The've restarted her feedings and have gradually worked the volume up from a few drops every couple of hours to a continuous trickle feed. She eats a very easily digestible formula called Neocate diluted at half strength with sterilized water. Mmmm. That sounds yummy! John and I never thought we'd look forward to poopie diapers this much, but for right now, each one she makes is very exciting because it means her belly is working. Her belly has been one of her toughest obstacles. She is still showing some dilation on X-ray, but they are watching it closely. Yesterday a neonatal opthamologist examined her eyes and indicated that she wasn't showing signs of ROP, but her eyes are still immature and will need frequent future evaluations to rule it out completely. Due to the high levels of Oxygen that are often required, vision problems and hearing problems are common among extreme preemies. She's got a whole team of specialists watching out for her. Last week she had another Broviac catheter surgically re-inserted into her circulatory system up near the heart. This allows the nurses to deliver fluids and draw blood more efficiently. All of her peripheral I.V. sites were pretty much exhausted and she was getting heel sticks every few hours that were giving her feet a real beating. This route will be much easier on her. The last time she had a Broviac put it, it only lasted a few days. This one seems to be working well and we're praying that it keeps up and infection keeps out. These types of catheter lines have been a suspected source of infection for her in the past. Thanks for your prayers and support. We plan to update this site regularly so save it in your "favorite places" and come back ofter. Also, feel free to leave a message in Amanda's guest book on the main page. Kim and John |