extubation part deux, update
The planned extubation was successfully accomplished, and as of this writing, Nolan has been off the vent and on CPAP for about seven hours now. Happy birthday! He seems to be tolerating it well (medically speaking) and his blood gases this evening were apparently very good. While his body is handling the CPAP well, Nolan the being is not particularly psyched about it much of the time and he gets a little agitated. However, now that the large tube is out of his mouth and throat (small feeding line still present), he can really suck and swallow and… drumroll… cry! He doesn’t have much lung capacity to create volume with, but you can hear it for sure (a bit like watching t.v. on very low volume). The crying uses way too much energy and oxygen for a growing bean, but the pacifier seems to help calm him at times so he’s getting a fair amount of use out of that. And, we hope that with a bit more time he’ll get used to the new setup.
We’ve taken a number of pictures to share as soon as we can get them posted, but don’t expect much. The CPAP actually makes it harder to take a good picture of Nolan because it goes up from his nose and divides his face in half (think of an elephant with its trunk raised to trumpet)… Plus, all the pictures seem to be pretty blurry.
Just wanted to share the great birthday news before I went to bed.
-Maria
Friday, December 15, 2006 at 8:40 am
Such blessings this holiday season! May Nolan continue to grow and become strong in the New Year! Peace and love to all of you…
Friday, December 15, 2006 at 10:29 am
Just want you all to know I’m right there celebrating with you on Nolan’s recent progress. We are blessed indeed, in this celebratory season.
Friday, December 15, 2006 at 10:48 am
We are so excited to his this great news! Thanks so much for sharing! The prayers from Roxboro are continuing!
Friday, December 15, 2006 at 10:51 am
Ah, volume! Now there’s something I can really relate to and channel energy towards! We’ll have his inner black diva singing Chaka Khan and Arethra in no time! Cha-cha-change…change my tube… we have a while to work on the lyrics…
or would you rather have him learn flamenco? that can sound a lot like a baby wailing…
peter y paco
Friday, December 15, 2006 at 10:56 am
Oh happy day!! WOW!!! Off the Vent?! Off the morphine?! Eye improvement?! Weight gain?! One less tube in the throat and pacifier access?! Nolan in Dolby Sound?! Carolina blue dinner jacket?! This is so wonderful and my heart is just swelling thinking about how strong my littlest pal is. What a trooper…
Big love,
KK
Friday, December 15, 2006 at 10:56 am
Dear Ones, We are celebrating like crazy down here in South Alabama. Can’t wait to see pictures of the little bean, even if he is wearing Carolina blue. I think I will include a Tide shirt in his Christmas box!
Love and hugs, Margaret
Friday, December 15, 2006 at 11:03 am
eeeeeeeeeee!!!
Friday, December 15, 2006 at 1:03 pm
Heading into this season of gifts and celebrating, I can’t think of any better gift or reason to celebrate than this news! Here’s to Nolan venting his pent up frustration with some gusty, lung expanding, healthy cries (hopefully followed immediately by happy giggles at the sight, sound, feel and smell of Mama and Papa soothing the savage beast).
Friday, December 15, 2006 at 2:57 pm
What wonderful and exciting birthday news. You Go,Nolan!
Keep up the good work with your lungs and that pacifier. Sorry the new routine is distressing but I am thrilled about your progress. Love, Cathy
Friday, December 15, 2006 at 3:40 pm
Yay for the good news! Keep on plugging, Nolan et familia!
Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 1:37 am
Nolan,
I am SO PROUD of you! Keep growing, precious boy. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Much love to you all!
Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 1:15 pm
Sweeet baby bean - I don’t much like change either - but your world of admirers applauds your growth and courage. Can’t wait to see the pics Aunt Maria took of you. All love from DC! xxx
Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 4:10 pm
Dear Nolan, Your Auntie is soooo missing seeing you. Uncle Shannon is so excited to see you so soon. I hope that this week is balanced and healthy for all!
amy
Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 9:01 am
Yeay Nolan! We are so proud of you!