The Journey of James Weston

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 Morning :  Overnight, James had a calm evening. He did really well overall and sustained his FIO2 levels around 60 (which isn’t great, but it’s what James needs right now). James did gain some weight last night and is now 2300g or 5 pounds 1 ounce!  He’s a growing baby boy!!  However, his CO2 came back very high at 81.  This is concerning due to adding too much stress on his lungs. The only ways to release is to breathe out and urinate, but mainly exhale. This will just take time, and after 70 days, we know what patience feels like.  After speaking with the doctor, he’s suggesting we see how James does during the next several days. If he doesn’t make improvements, James will be assigned to inhale with a NICU version of a nebulizer to breathe in a steroid. Depending on tat progress, we can try a final round of DART, the previous steroid that James was on twice.  After that, we will see the progress James is having.  If James st...

Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Update :  James woke up this morning to a busy day.  It started with him getting his bi-weekly ROP test (eye exam). The results came back slightly improved, but mostly the same as last month (Stage 1, Zone 2) which is good.  He also got a new neobar that’s slightly larger (and pink) which is helping with his face not get irritated.  It seems to be a much better fit!  And pink is the new blue, so it’s all good.  🤷‍♂️  James also had a need for a  Blood transfusion. He got 35 MLs. After 4 hours of steady blood flow and his poor little hand having the IV in it, James was able to do skin to skin with Mom for 3 hours.  James weighed in last night at 2220g or 4 pounds 14 ounces.  He’s maintaining his feed at 42 MLs and is having steady bowel movements. Overall, James had a solid day and is recovering smoothly from the NIV the other day.  P.S. You can email James your love and support as often as you’d like: ...

Monday, March 8, 2021 Update : James had a pretty steady day recovering from yesterday. He rested most of the day, which is good. He weighed in last night at 2160g or 4 pounds 12 ounces, with his feed at 42 ML.  He is pacing to weigh in right around 5 pounds for his 10 week birthday on Thursday. James will be 36 weeks this week and approaching his due date of April 8. He is 15.3 inches long!  His most recent blood gas was 71 CO2 this morning and the X-ray came back showing atelectasis (white spots on the lungs) on his left side which means it’s not inflating. So, similar to a balloon releasing its air, James needs to be in a position to inflate that area. James has been lying on his right side most of today to allow more air into his left side.  For now, we are rooting James on to get more air into the left lung.  We will continue to monitor this area and during the next several days (maybe 1-2 weeks) we will see if James can have another attempt at the NIV or CPAP. ...

Sunday, March 7th, 2021 Update (6:45am): James gained more weight last night and is now at 2150 grams (4lb 11oz)! After 3/4 Thursday's recent ECHO we found that his PDA has closed!! He has had a slight increase in CO2 retention found during his blood gases, so because of that they had increased the rate to 25 on the ventilator. This will help dispell more of the CO2.  Hoping that the extubation will happen this morning! We are ready! James has been resting since yesterday morning.  UPDATE: At 8am this morning, James was EXTUBATED ! He is now on NIV which is a little different than CPAP. NIV provides ventilation support without having a tube down his throat. Please see diagrams below photos. They also gave him a larger OG tube to release air in his belly. No one likes gas pains! James had his first audible cry! Day 67! Sounded just like a baby lamb. He definitely put up a fight during the transition. Took about an hour to get him settled. He is now laying on his stomach b...

Saturday, March 6, 2021 This morning James had another bath and now he is resting up for the big test...  Update:  Last night weighed in at 2080 grams (4lb 9oz). Up to 42 MLs for feeds. More updates to come later... For now, check yesterday's post for recently added photos and video. Cute NICU onesie from Maria and Ashlee (H3Bs)! He is going to love to fish! 🎣 Update: So it has been delayed due to several sick babies recently admitted into the NICU. One in particular is very critical. They may push Jimmy's extubation to tomorrow morning. They want to make sure they have the staff to focus their attention where needed.  Unfortunately this is going to be a very rough night. He is currently on 62% oxygen support which has increased from 50% from this morning. His leak is still ranging between 50-80%. He continues to desat constantly because of the leak.  Photos after his bath this morning... Falling asleep sitting up... James hasn't moved since then... just sleeping AN...