Echocardiogram and windows

I LOVE THIS PICTURE SO VERY MUCH!!!

 

Austin is doing well!  He had an echocardiogram on Thursday January 26, 2011.  The doctors concern was possible pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure around the lungs).  They check this by an echo-- if the right side of his heart is over working they will intervene via medicine (Viagra - actually)...  The echo went well.  He was very calm and collect and let them do what they needed with out giving much of a fuss.  What the saw on the echo was good.  His heart is good and all the valves are closed, etc.  Doctors do expect to see some degree of pulmonary hypertension because he has CLD, but to what severity is the question.  (Back up.... the reason they decided to do the echo was because Austins progression has plateaued... he's just kind of "stuck" so to say)    The number of a normal, healthy, full term baby's heart is 20%.  Austin's is slightly elevated to 36%.  The doctors are impressed by this number.  It is not high enough to require any treatment (Viagra)!  All he needs is growth and nutrition.  Another words... same course we've been on!  YAY!!!!!   

Austin also had another eye exam on Weds, Jan. 25, 2011.  It is still showing that his eyes are maturing well.  Minor abnormalities.... nothing to require treatment/surgery at this time. 

Austin is up to 45 ml's (1 1/2oz) per feeding - every three hours!  He is now fortified with Neo Sure and doing well with it... they have stopped his once daily prune juice as he is stooling well .... he actually has the worst diaper rash ever... breaks my heart.....  ;(         He is still getting potassium 3 times a day, diurel once a day,  and his daily multivitamin.  He is still on a Cpap with a peep of 5 and btwn 25%- 30%.  He is still windowing and is up to 3 hours twice a day at 1.5L flow, and 28%-30% O2.    

He loves his bouncy seat and his baby lamb that plays soothing sounds.  I need to go buy him a good mobile with flashy lights, music and movement.  The nurses and I have come to the conclusion he is just so bored! LOL  Poor buddy!  He has been doing the same routine over and over and over again for 12 1/2 weeks now!!!  I'd be bored too!  He is finally at the age to be able to handle a little more stimulation!  TARGET here we come!!!!!!!   

I hope everyone is reading this with a smile from ear to ear!  I am smiling as I write this today!  He is doing so wonderful! I love him soooooo!  I put together a picture album today with all his pictures from birth to the present... very crazy!  He has come so far!  My older son Drew has shown more emotions lately concerning Austin and when will he be coming home.  I wish I had an exact date to give him so that we could do some kind of count down... that would be fun.... I just tell him... soon.  I am honest with him.  I tell him the few steps he needs to conquer and I estimate it to be in March.  He's okay with it, but would much rather have him here NOW!  :o)

Thank you all again for all your love and support!  Your prayers mean the world to me and my family! 

MANY BLESSINGS!!!!

xoxo