Karen and I arrived this a.m. to learn that Ben was moving back to the CICU. He was in a step-down unit yesterday. Turns out that overnight Ben had some decreases in his heart rate which caused a decrease in his oxygen saturation. They want to keep a closer eye on him so back to his original room in the CICU.
They also have made him NPO once again. He did not tolerate the feeding too well. An x-ray of his abdomen today showed early signs of NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis). This is a bowel condition seen more commonly in premature infants. Ben is susceptible to it because of the poor perfusion (blood flow) to his bowel due to his bad heart. The treatment will be bowel rest, nasal-gastric tube suctioning and antibiotics.
The unofficial result of his repeat echocardiogram from 5/1 was essentially unchanged. He continues to have not quite normal heart function. Therefore, it is looking more and more likely that a transplant will be the way to go.
Thanks for all thoughts and prayers. Despite everything, he looks great, and we will just keep hanging out in his room. He seems to enjoy listening/watching the Cardinals games.
They also have made him NPO once again. He did not tolerate the feeding too well. An x-ray of his abdomen today showed early signs of NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis). This is a bowel condition seen more commonly in premature infants. Ben is susceptible to it because of the poor perfusion (blood flow) to his bowel due to his bad heart. The treatment will be bowel rest, nasal-gastric tube suctioning and antibiotics.
The unofficial result of his repeat echocardiogram from 5/1 was essentially unchanged. He continues to have not quite normal heart function. Therefore, it is looking more and more likely that a transplant will be the way to go.
Thanks for all thoughts and prayers. Despite everything, he looks great, and we will just keep hanging out in his room. He seems to enjoy listening/watching the Cardinals games.
We're eagerly watching for your updates and adjusting our prayers accordingly. We hope you are all coping well emotionally, savoring each blessed moment with that precious little gift from above. We're praying for continued strength for Benjamin...what an amazing little boy! May his new healthy heart arrive soon! The Lewis Family
ReplyDeleteKaren and Greg:
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know we have been following Ben's status through your and Laura's blogs. I love the name. It was one of my choices for baby Hof. We are thinking about you all the time and praying for little Ben. Good luck with everything. We wish we could be there to meet him.
Joe, Donna, and Nate
Ben is so cute!!! We just wanted to let you know that everyone at St. Lukes L&D is thinking about you guys. Your blog is great.
ReplyDeleteBen is in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen & Greg, Your little guy is so sweet! The kids & grandma have been keeping us updated--we are at an internet cafe and were able to finally catch up with the blog. Ben and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Hope his condition will continue to improve and he will be ready for his new heart soon. Can't wait to meet little Ben!
ReplyDeleteTed & Sharon