Monday, June 11, 2012

A New Day - New Updates!

Amber's 6 AM Status update:

Thankfully Harrison made it through the night without any more trauma. His heart rate has come down, he's off the blood pressure medication and seems to still be responding well to the nitric oxide they are feeding through the ventilator. He will get an ECHO today to check on his heart and the unclosed valve they suspect caused bleeding in the lungs. And we will be on pins and needles as they scan all the babies' brains for bleeds, likely to have results tomorrow. Man, this NICU journey can be hard and daunting at times. Mike and I are a great team, though, and feel so encouraged by the outpouring of support.
 
Sunday was really rough and it was awful to be HERE and not THERE! Especially the hours when Harrison was hanging on minute by minute. Twice I just crawled into bed, curled up in a ball and cried and prayed. I couldn't go to sleep even with a sleeping pill.
I tried to pack my bag in case I need to leave suddenly but could not keep my mind focused. So mainly I walked around like a zombie all day and prayed as much as I could.
 
This morning's update made my heart rest a bit easier. I did some research on the nitric oxide and found it encouraging. Today may well be another long day......but I am reminded of the scripture.....
 
"In quietness and confidence shall be your strength."
Isaiah 30:15

Updated at 12:30 pm

 Latest news: Harrison is still stable today. He continues to be hooked up to a million things but he IS responding! Kailey and Logan had their head untrasounds and NO brain bleeds.

Guess they'll do Trystan's next. ALL good news!! Praise God!

Updated at 1:30 pm
Amber's latest:

As of this morning, Harrison is still responding to the nitric oxide, which they hope to wean away by tomorrow and lower his vent settings. He is no longer on blood pressure meds but still has chest tube, three IVs, a PICC line, PDA in his heart and brain bleed. Waiting on tests results for the latter two today or tomorrow. Meanwhile, Kailey and Logan have tested NEGATIVE for brain bleeds and Trystan gets her head scan today. Girls are all nearing their birth weights and will soon start packing on the pounds, they are doing great. Spending another day at the NICU. At least I can breathe a little better.
He's also getting another blood transfusion today. Doc says his lungs are so delicate and he's not following any text book patterns. His lungs are comparable to those of a 24 weeker even though he was born at 30 weeks.


In about 2.5 seconds, Kailey managed to wriggle halfway off the bed upside down onto her head. Still sound asleep. Our quads, even Harrison on his morphine, are now notorious for being super active wriggle worms.



Mike with Trystan. He looks tired but happy.

Evening Update:

Harrison's brain bleed is NOT worse and seems to be improving!
NO brain bleeds for any of the girls!!!

Praise God for this good report!



14 comments:

Aloha Acres said...

Praying with you.

Unknown said...

Dear friend,
I am thinking of and praying in earnest for you. I pray that you and the whole family would feel God's arms wrapped around you and for healing for Harrison!

Bernice said...

My prayers continue for little Harrison, and for all of you as you go thru this difficult time, may God give you strength.
Thanks for keeping us updated, you dont know how much it is appreciated.
Take care

Sweet Tea said...

What an honest, raw, post. I understand and I ache along beside you. Praying today shows improvement and renewed strength in Harrison, and that the girls get great test results.

Vee said...

Sometimes, curling into a ball and praying is the way to go. We are pleased to read that Harrison is doing so much better and will continue to pray for him and for all. Take care... Sending love...

Pondside said...

I'm just about to leave for a week's work on the mainland but hoped to see something before signing off. Please know that I'll pray for Amber, Mike and babes as I sail over.
With you in prayer....

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

Praying for all.

Heather Cox said...

Continued Prayers for those sweet babies, especially baby Harrison. Hugs.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

All I can say is... Lots and lots of gentle hugs, all round....

Debbie said...

i am so grateful for these updates...it is just wonderful that you have such strong faith. these pictures are beautiful!!

sending big hugs and best wishes to everyone. another day gone and another day closer!! xo

Kelly said...

I'm so relieved to hear that things are improving for little Harrison. His sisters are going to need him around to protect them when they get older!! Glad that all the babies are doing well.

Lynne said...

All the news is so encouraging.
Life is so precious. May God bless and guide the doctors and nurses as they help the babies develop and grow!
I hope that you get some sleep, Linda.
~Lynne
w/L.

Changes in the wind said...

Hold my breath to the end of the post....Such a battle to live for these little ones. Can you even imagine how much worse it would have been if Amber wouldn't have been able to carry them to the target date.

Carla said...

Harrison took lessons from momma on how to hang tough. Glad to hear the girls scans came back clear.
Now you hang in there... LD doesn't need to be picking you up off the floor young lady.
Hugs