Thursday, March 12, 2009

TESTS AND A DECISION!

Witt is continuing to improve! His oxygen is now turned all the way down to 1/4 and his saturation is 99-100!!! What this indicates is that his lungs are getting better. Tomorrow holds several things. The first is a blood test to measure the carbon dioxide levels. This number should be in the 40's and Witt's so far has been in the 70's. The doctor is just hoping it will be in the 60's...even high 60's. God sure could grab some attention, attention that He already is worthy of regardless, by having that number come back significantly lower! That's my prayer...a low number and high praise! The praise will be here no matter the test results! The second is a lung x-ray. It has been several days since Witt has had the tube and not aspirating. Hopefully this too will show significant change. If these do show change it would be a pretty good indicator that the aspirating was contributing significantly if not the only cause to the remaining lung disease. The final major thing that will take place tomorrow is that Melanie and Austan will meet with the surgeon who would put the feeding tube in should they choose to do this. The procedure itself is relatively simple but once again it would involve Witt being completely sedated and intubated. Witt would go from the surgery to the PICU and remain intubated for 24 hours then they would try to get him off. This is a scary decision for Melanie and Austan to make. Please pray that God reveal His decision to them however He deems!! Melanie is concerned about the timing since Witt's lungs are still an issue. Witt could go home with the feeding tube in his nose and come back in a few weeks but the attending doctor strongly recommends he get it now. The doctors would like a decision as soon as possible. I would like God's decision in His perfect timing!!!

5 comments:

Mindy said...

A big day, indeed. Thank you for making these specific things known. I like to pray for specifics when I know them. Prayers are being sent for all involved. ~Mindy

Kathleen said...

I preface this by saying I have no medical training, but I have noticed that many of the Trisomy 18 babies that survive for a period of time have had nasal feeding tubes for quite some period of time. This may have more to do with their lack of a "survival expectation", I don't know, but might be something to consider.

Immeasurably More Mama said...

Praying right now!

Marjie Murff said...

Praying for God's perfect will to be made evident to Melanie and Austan, and for a sense of peace to come to all the family!
The Murff Family

Katie and Justin Cox said...

Trust that gut Melanie! You've been doing SUCH a great job! You are a great advocate for that lil guy! It inspires me so much!