Henry has been put back on NEC watch and sent back to the PICU. He began having blood in his stools again Saturday afternoon and after a few more overnight and a suspect x-ray, the team upstairs felt it would be best to monitor him in the ICU.
The PICU team isn't sure. There was an x-ray from Friday or Saturday that was highly suspect for pneumatosis (air in the intestinal walls). Pneumatosis is often indicative in newborns of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), which is when intestinal tissue dies. Part of the reason for all of our uncertainty is that all of his other vital signs and labs are really good and he is not showing any outward signs of NEC, only a suspect (but not fully conclusive) set of x-rays. And, of course, the blood in his stools.
So at this point, he is back on bowel rest, which is standard for infants at risk of having NEC.The ICU team is waiting on administering antibiotics, as they feel there is still time to do so if he shows any other clear signs of NEC, and we don't want to render them ineffective by using them when they aren't needed. For today, he will continue receiving his regular medications through the feeding tube, so he his only getting fluids through his IV.
Thinking of you all, wishing and hoping for the best. You've had a long road but it will all be worth it ... eventually! We know what you are going through. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of another set back. At least you are still at the hospital so the Dr's can take care of Henry. Be sure that you are taking care of yourselves also. You will need to be rested when you do finally get to go home. Our prayers are with all of you.Love YA!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of the return to the PICU. Hope it is a short stay. Here's to a short bowel rest for your boy.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course I noticed the Jayhawk sweatshirt Jason!!!