a bit more information on the ventilator
We’ve all left the hospital for the night, and I have a little more information now than I did at the last post. The problem with the CO2 seems to be only one part of the problem with Nolan’s lungs. He is building up too much CO2, presumably because his lungs are not expelling enough after each breath. However, it is also the case that his lungs aren’t strong enough to handle the ventilator. I believe they’ve moved the vent back up to full volume, which puts a lot of pressure on his lungs every time it inflates them. It essentially scars them, potentially creating a lot of severe long-term respiratory problems.
The oscillating ventilator would resolve at least the first problem and possibly the second problem. The way I understand it works is that it keeps the lungs inflated all the time and gives lots of quick small puffs. Kara said that it would breath out for him as well, unlike a traditional ventilator which just puts air in the lungs and relies on the natural “collapse” of the lungs to push air back out. Nolan’s lungs aren’t pliable enough to push that air back out on their own. The oscillating ventilator would get it out for him, and I think that by keeping the lungs inflated and having to use less forceful pressure, it would injure his lungs less. Of course, there’s a drawback, or they would have put him on it a long time ago. Apparently it vibrates in order to do its job. The vibrations pose a real risk to the fragile blood vessels in Nolan’s brain. As long as the bleeding stays in one side of the brain, there’s a reasonable chance that the other side of his brain will be able to compensate for any damage done. Using the oscillating ventilator would increase the risk of bleeding on the other side. (Here is the original post about the bleed.)
The steroids would help the lungs grow, which could help them begin to push air back out as well as resist injury. However, the steroids are associated with marked increased risk of cerebral palsy and mental retardation, so they don’t come without problems, either.
They will do another blood gas check at midnight tonight, and if the CO2 is not looking better, they will try the oscillating ventilator.
Pray tonight for Nolan’s lungs and blood vessels to be stronger than they seem and to mature quickly. Hold Kara and Ronan in your thoughts as they try to make sense of so much inconclusive information.
Thanks for all your support,
Maria
Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 11:25 am
Dear ones - you are ever in our thoughts - I find myself drawn to Nolan’s incredible web site almost every hour - what a gift Maria has given us all. My girls, Courtenay, Downing and Anna and I are so grateful to be a part of the Ikenberry/Peterson family. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. I’m knitting for tiny Nolan. With every stitch I’m sending love and strength your way. XXXXX Lee
Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 12:38 pm
Dear ones, today at church we sang “love like a river flows into my heart,” and I felt such a connection to each of you there. Please feel that love flowing and holding and we pray that it is also healing.
All our family joins me in sending that love.
Margaret
Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 1:07 pm
Lots of love and many prayers from the Hassetts in Cambridge. Pull through, little boy!!
Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 5:43 pm
Almost exactly 37 years ago, as a one week old after a pretty rocky start ( my parents were told on my first day that my condition was ” incompatible with life” ) -my one working lung tore open after brushing against my ribcage after an operation. In the NICU I was hyperventilating - breathing - or panting my mom says now - like a little dog who had run too hard. My parents were there as you are Kara and Ronan with their hands on me and their love. My mother says that after having gone through already such a hard week she almost broke at that point and couldnt make herself go back to the hospital but she and my father took the love and family and friends and used that strength to be there and get through - I still have and treasure the book my mother made of all the loving notes and prayers from friends around the world. that helped us all come through that experience. I come to this site often everyday and think about Nolan and you - feeling that love from so many. Wanting our love and prayers to help you and Nolan so deeply. Our hearts are with you- I am sending my crazy lung power your way beautiful baby. ALL OUR LOVE - HEATHER
Monday, September 25, 2006 at 10:13 am
All across the world
Many aware breaths taken
With Nolan in mind