Blood transfusion #2

Little Reid had a rough night last night with 8 episodes of apnea. The doctors increased the level of his CPAP (air pressure in his lungs) today to 5 which seems to be helping out. The number of episodes seems to have decreased with the change.

His EKG was done this morning and the doctors are awaiting the official word. The tech said that the artery was not 100% closed yet, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he will undergo another treatment of NeoProfen. We will find out more this evening.

On top of all of this, his hematocrit levels are down to 34 and will require his second blood transfusion. This drop can be attributed to two things: 1) he is growing and the blood is further distrubted; 2) the number of blood gas tests deplete the amount of blood he has in his body. His bone marrow is not mature yet and he is not capable of quickly replacing his lost blood. Next Tuesday, he will be placed on iron supplements and a drug called Procrit that will help with his anemia. The doctor mentioned that premies don't do too well on this drug during their first week; hence the delay.

This blog entry may seem doom and gloom, but it is not as bad as it sounds. These are all common issues that premature babies face and it is only a matter of time before ge outgrows them. He has had a couple rough days, so we are looking for some improvement over the weekend. I know that mom is dying to hold him again...

Grow Baby Reid, grow!!!!