March 30, 2006
We've been so busy lately, we're finally getting a chance to update. Zach finished his round of antibiotics which took care of the staph infection. Unfortunately when they took another culture of his trach aspirate they found an infection called Serratia which is "water bug" that grows in warm damp places. Babies who have been intubated for a long period of time are prone to develop this bug so he started another round of a different antibiotic. The discussion of steroids continues as Zach has not made significant improvements on his ventilator settings. If the doctors decide to use steroids it will not be until after he finishes this round of antibiotics.We met with a pulmonologist this week who said that Zach's little lungs are in poor shape. In his career he has only seen 2 or 3 cases like Zach's. He discussed the possibility that even if Zach is able to make some improvements with his lungs there is still a good chance that he may require a tracheostomy and to come home on a ventilator. In that case he would stay on the ventilator until his lungs grew healthy enough to breath on his own.
Zachary's feeds are up to 60cc/3hrs. The doctors want him to get more calories with the same fluid volume so they are mixing a powder formula to his feeds. He is still tolerating the feeds well. They are giving him another type of diuretics to help him get rid of extra fluid. His current weight is 7lbs. 6oz. He looks great and there finally doesn't seem to be too much extra fluid in his head.
He has been more alert recently than we have seen him before. We have had more opportunities to hold him which has been nice. He is a sweet boy with a very strong will.
As a quick update on Tieryn, the MRI results came back and didn't seem to be much different from the last one. Both Greg and Tieryn met with the doctor on Wednesday and had a long discussion about the best method for treatment. She is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday morning. Her doctor will attempt to remove the uterus and placenta, however if the placenta is still attached to the bladder he may have to leave that part behind to avoid bleeding or damage to the bladder. We're hoping he can remove it all. If not, some sort of follow-up treatment will be required.
As usual there are many unknowns in our family. We're thankful for the answers that have come and know in time more of our questions will be answered. Thanks for keeping up with us.
Love,
Greg, T, Hailey, Clayton and Zachary
posted by Tieryn at
6:43 PM
2 Comments:
T-
Do you or Greg dress him or do the nurses and you just bring a change of clothes for him? He sure looks great in these pictures it is hard to believe he is sick. It seems like he is still in need of our prayers, he sure is a sweet baby and we just wish we could all hold him close and tell him how much we love him. Thanks for the updates and we hope and pray your surgery will be a success with no complications and problems will be minimal.
These updates are wonderful! I told Greg tonight at the Sock Hop that I hate asking you guys how Zach is doing, because I am sure you get tired of repeating yourself. We think about little Zach all the time! He does look precious dressed in his cute outfits We are glad to read all the positive things and continue to keep him (and your whole family) in our prayers for everything that he is battling! He is quite a fighter. I hope your surgery goes smoothly as well, T.
Take care.
Love,
Julie Ritter
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