Timothy James

I was admitted to the hospital on Dec. 8th because my amniotic sac was leaking and I had begun to dilate. I was ordered to lie flat on my back until the baby came ( I was due April 2nd!). Well, on Dec. 17th my water broke at 7:15pm and Timothy James decided to come early. He was breech and already on his way out, so the doctor did an emergency C-section and at 10:20 pm he was delivered. He went straight to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and has been there ever since. Timothy was only 25 weeks along in his development (a "normal" pregnancy lasts 40 weeks) so he still has a lot of growing to do.

Weight: 3 lbs. 10 1/2 oz.

Timothy has had quite a bit of discomfort since coming off the continuous sedative, however, today the surgeon did remove 1 drainage tube from his incision. 1 down, 1 to go. That will help his comfort level.

The doctor continues to make ventilator adjustments based on his performance and blood gas test results (which are still good!)

They have taken several blood tests and other fluid cultures to check for infection again. His urine sample came back positive for a yeast infection and his blood sample came back positive for infection as well. He is on an antifungal medication (IV) for the yeast infection and as soon as the lab identifies the specific "blood bug", they will put him on an appropriate antibiotic to fight the specific type of infection.

Other periodic medications/treatments:
-theophylline - stimulates the lungs to help decrease the number of apnea spells (*apnea - spells where he stops breathing)
-phenobarbitol - anti-seizure drug
-breathing treatments to help open up his lungs
-versed - as needed for pain/sedation

Prayer: - that the other chest tube would be removed soon
-continued healing/development of the lungs

Weight: 3 lbs. 11 oz.

Timothy is continuing to recover from surgery. He still has 2 drainage tubes from the incision. Hopefully these will be taken out in the next day or two.

He is showing indications of jaundice again, which means his liver is having trouble. The doctors are trying to figure out what might be causing this. They have put him on a special baby formula (in place of my breastmilk) which is easier to digest and they will re-evaluate on Mon.

Feedings are up to 4 cc's per hour and they are increasing the calories in his IV feedings as well in order to help him start gaining "good" weight.

Prayer - for his liver to function correctly and that my breastmilk would not be the cause of the problem and he'll be able to go back on it next week
- that the drainage tubes would be removed very soon (they can be quite uncomfortable)
- comfort as he adjusts to being off continuous sedation
- strength and rest for mommy & daddy - we're a bit weary right now

Weight: 3 lbs. 13 oz. = good weight loss! (without the Atkins Diet) :)

Timothy had a great day today.

He is no longer on Lasix (diuretic) or Fentanyl (sedative) which means he is off all continuous drip medications! He still receives several others intermittently throughout the day.

Feedings up to 3 cc's per hour ( = a little over 2 ounces in 24 hours)

He has been having good blood gas test results, therefore the doctor has been going down on some of the ventilator settings as he tolerates it (indicated by good test results).

He has daily x-rays of his lungs and so far they are looking better!

Praise- weight loss
- body systems seem to be functioning correctly
- off medications

Prayer- comfort as he comes off the Fentanyl; he actually goes through some withdrawal symptoms
- continued functioning of the lungs more on their own

Weight: 4lbs. 4 oz. The Pillsbury Dough Boy returns!

*For those of you who have been praying for him to gain weight, don't get too excited. :) This is not really his own body weight. It is mostly due to excess fluid from his surgery and we figure he actually needs to lose about 8-12 ounces at least. This will make it easier on his lungs, heart and other organs that need to function.

Feedings have been increased to 2 cc's an hour.

His catheter (inserted for surgery) has been removed and he is urinating great. This is important because it helps to rid the body of excess fluid.

He is no longer on Dopamine (the blood pressure medication). He is holding his own blood pressure well today.

Praise: - His digestive system is beginning to function again - we had "evidence" in his "diaper bag" :)
-He has had good blood gas test results today.

Prayer: - that the swelling would continue to decrease and he would actually begin to lose some weight
- comfort as he recovers
- peace for mommy & daddy as we learn patience and lean on the Lord

Weight: 3lbs. 11oz.

Timothy is still dealing with excess fluid gain from the surgery.

He has had some great blood gas tests. Please continue your prayers regarding this.

The doctor has begun continuous feedings again through a tube in his mouth. He is starting at 1 cc per hour again. She is concerned about his digestive system and wants to see it begin functioning again.

They are beginning to wean him off the Fentanyl (sedative).

Prayer: - for minimum pain/maximum comfort as he comes out of a sedated state
-decrease of excess fluid post surgery
-continued good blood gas test results
-for his digestive system to begin functioning correctly (evidence in his "diaper bag" :)

* We appreciate your e-mails letting us know that you are praying and telling others so they can pray as well. You are all blessings to us.

Weight: 3lbs. 6oz.

Timothy continues to recover from his right thoracotomy (lung surgery).
He is quite swollen, but that is a normal post operative condition. He is also on several new medications:
-Lasix - a diuretic to help with the swelling
-Fentanyl - a sedative
-Dopamine - for blood pressure (it was too low)

Prayer: - that the swelling would go down
- that his blood gas tests would be good over the next few days. He has to show that his body is using the air he breathes correctly (proper levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide) in order to get off the ventilator (the ultimate goal!)