Tummy Time

Thursday January 16, 2014


Marcello Cristian

There were fluctuations in Marcello’s heart rate today and this could be due to the medications that he is currently on. A slight murmur was also heard in his heart by Dr. Wareham, but this was not too concerning to him at the moment. The process of weaning him from fentanyl also began today and they will continue to monitor him over night to ensure that he does not require additional pain medication.

Nancy (his Ostomy Nurse) stopped by this afternoon to change his dressing and ostomy bag. While she was here, Dr. Kokoska stopped by to inspect this incision. Dr. Kokoska was pleased with how the incision was looking, although it has opened a little it is not infected and appears to now have some muscle growth.

This evening Marcello did seem a bit agitated so Mommy was only allowed to do his temperature. The nurses took care of his weighing (of which he was 1 lb 8 oz) and his linen change. Later in the evening he was given a dose of morphine as he still appeared agitated to the nursing staff and this did help to steady his heart fluctuations and calm him down.

Manuel's Tummy Time

Manuel was removed from Jet ventilation this morning and placed on conventional ventilation. He will continue to be monitored to ensure that his lungs do not over-inflate because of the negative air pressure provided by the use of the conventional. However, after a few adjustments to the conventional settings, Manuel settled down this afternoon and is doing remarkably well on the conventional ventilator. Manuel's x-ray readings also came back this afternoon and they showed that everything was still looking good with him.
 
This evening when we returned to the NICU we were surprised to see Manuel on his tummy. We were told that because he is now on the conventional ventilator and he has not had to have any surgery, then he could now be placed on his tummy to give the back of his little head a break from being laid on.

We continue to give thanks to God for having placed his healing hands on Marcello and Manuel. There is still a long road ahead of us, but we know that with God, anything is possible. We will continue to place our faith in God and pray that he continues to give health to Marcello and Manuel.