circle the wagons
Nolan is in the midst of a crisis at the moment. They believe he has a systemic infection, which is impacting him in a number of ways. They have started him on “big gun” antibiotics (vancomycin) and we hope he will begin to respond by Wednesday morning, though that’s a vague guideline.
He has been having trouble with oxygenation and ventilation all day. They have had to increase the pressure on the ventilator to a very high level, and there is some danger that it will burst a hole in his lungs, so we hope they will be able to turn that down soon. His oxygen level is up to about 80% right now, and he’s saturating well at that level.
He is also having gastrointestinal problems. He is not “processing” the milk they are giving him — it just stays in his stomach. They did an x-ray and were able to determine that it isn’t caused by a worst case problem (sorry, I don’t know what that is), so is probably another symptom of the systemic infection. That’s good, because at least we’re dealing with one source problem.
Blood pressure and heart rate have also been problems today. His blood pressure was extremely low for a while, though they have gotten that back to a level they’re more comfortable with. His heart rate is high now. Again, these problems are due to the infection.
Kara is still in the hospital tonight but she has been up and around and spent most of the day with Nolan in the NICU. As far as we know, she will be discharged on Wednesday.
Hold tight to the good news and lift Nolan up with your love to help him get past the bad news. Visualize antibiotics circling the wagons to defend Nolan and quickly vanquish non-resistant bad bacteria. Sweet dreams to Nolan on his many undoubtedly loopy medications, and sweet dreams to all of you out there who are loving Nolan.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 3:46 am
Hang in there kids! You warned us that this would happen, that there would be ups and downs as the pendulum swings back and forth. Pleasant dreams to all of you as well as you remember how many of us are out there praying and loving and supporting you throughout the rough spots as well as the healthier moments.
peter y paco
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 7:18 am
Wow, what a rollercoaster you all are on…Baby Nolan is in our thoughts all day long. Keep the updates coming Maria - seems like so many are just hanging until the next post. Kara, wishing you a very speedy recovery so you can get back to being a Mommy. Ronan, you are the rock. Grow Baby Nolan, Grow!! We love ya’ll.
renee
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 8:49 am
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. No one ever said being a parent is easy, but every day is a gift to treasure. May you have many, many more of those days in your future with your beautiful Nolan! Charlene
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 9:39 am
Darlings - I’m sending out constant love and prayers that Nolan comes through this crisis as he has through every other crisis, each time getting a little bigger, and a little stronger, and a little closer to coming home. Love, love, love to you all.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 10:14 am
Thanks for the update, Maria. You’re a lifeline.
Whew. What a ride. Hang in, you guys. You’re all in my heart and mind fulltime. I’m hoping this humpday will see Nolan moving over this latest hump. …Sweet little guy…you can do it, little man!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 12:32 pm
We are holding on with you - all this love is a powerful thing.
Nolan is in our hearts - you too. - Heather
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 1:14 pm
Just wanted to remind you Ronan, Kara, and Nolan that you all are in the hearts and prayers of so many. May this bring some peace in the midst of this roller coaster storm. With love, Lisa