Nate
Showing posts with label NICU Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NICU Family. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A Glimpse Into the Duke Nurseries
This story aired last night on NBC Nightly News. It was filmed on Monday (I just missed being on camera again...). Dr. Goldstein is one of the many looking after Gwyneth. The shots of the mothers with their babies are from the NICU.
Nate
Nate
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Quick NICU Family Update
I finally saw Nalin's family for the first time in about 10 days last night. He continues to hang on, but the doctor's still don't know what to do to help him. Please, continue to pray with me for a miracle for him, and that God will give his family peace during this time.
Joe and Kendra's boys seem to continue to do well. I can't imagine having to go to work every day and only being able to visit evenings and weekends...I'm sure it's rough and I know they'd appreciate your continued prayer.
Thanks.
Nate
Joe and Kendra's boys seem to continue to do well. I can't imagine having to go to work every day and only being able to visit evenings and weekends...I'm sure it's rough and I know they'd appreciate your continued prayer.
Thanks.
Nate
Monday, February 11, 2008
MRSA
We found out today that MRSA (you can pronounce it as "mersa" if you want to) has been discovered on Gwyneth's nose. They are very sure that she is not infected, but that it is simply on her body. MRSA is one of the hospital bugs that floats around...often known as "staph".
This is nothing to panic about....it's very common among hospital patients, even in the NICU, and as long as Gwyneth's not infected, it shouldn't be an issue...neither Tricia or I are concerned at this point, although we are praying that it will not infect her little body.
There are a thousand ways she could have been given this bug. She has been moved to contact isolation again for at least a few days, which just means that she is in a different room and we have to wear a gown and gloves like we do with Tricia. She's also being given some antibiotics that should deal with it just in case she is/does get infected.
Please, pray with us that she'll be cleared of any infection when they retest her next Monday.
Here's my new favorite picture of all time:
Tricia had another good day. She seems to me to be getting a little stronger every day, and her emotions and attitude has been beyond anything I would have to offer if our roles were reversed. The bug in her blood turns out to be something rather minor (compared to something like MRSA), and should be gone in a few days with some new meds.
I haven't heard anything more about the NICU families that I asked prayer for Here.
A little Q&A:
> Gwyneth has received several blood transfusions, as most micro-preemies do. She gives a lot of blood for labs and tests, and even just a few drops for her can cause Anemia, so the transfusions are very necessary.
> I don't have anywhere near enough time to screen comments on this blog. That's a whole extra step in the process, and I'd rather deal with a few idiot posts every now and then to keep my life simple and this blog fun and interactive.
FYI, and I say this with a smile...if you've received a forward with a pug-licking screen-saver that you know I'll love, heard a George Strait song on the radio that you know was written for us, read a story about some little girl who was held by God that you know I need to read, etc., I can promise you that I've received at least a hundred emails and read twice as many comments that have already notified me of all of these things and more. Thanks! (it'll be fun to see who doesn't read this post and tells me about one of those things yet again...). :)
Thank you.
Nate
PS. By my guesstimation, we should reach 1 Million hits (written with my best Dr. Evil impression) right on Valentine's Day, which would be pretty cool, especially if you imagine that 1 million people (or about 20,000 people several times) love Tricia and Gwyneth. If I had half a penny for every hit, I'd have half a million pennies...which would be pretty useless because you can't buy anything with half a penny. Speaking of which...did you know that it now costs us about 5c to mint one new penny...that's kind dumb.
This is nothing to panic about....it's very common among hospital patients, even in the NICU, and as long as Gwyneth's not infected, it shouldn't be an issue...neither Tricia or I are concerned at this point, although we are praying that it will not infect her little body.
There are a thousand ways she could have been given this bug. She has been moved to contact isolation again for at least a few days, which just means that she is in a different room and we have to wear a gown and gloves like we do with Tricia. She's also being given some antibiotics that should deal with it just in case she is/does get infected.
Please, pray with us that she'll be cleared of any infection when they retest her next Monday.
Here's my new favorite picture of all time:
Tricia had another good day. She seems to me to be getting a little stronger every day, and her emotions and attitude has been beyond anything I would have to offer if our roles were reversed. The bug in her blood turns out to be something rather minor (compared to something like MRSA), and should be gone in a few days with some new meds.
I haven't heard anything more about the NICU families that I asked prayer for Here.
A little Q&A:
> Gwyneth has received several blood transfusions, as most micro-preemies do. She gives a lot of blood for labs and tests, and even just a few drops for her can cause Anemia, so the transfusions are very necessary.
> I don't have anywhere near enough time to screen comments on this blog. That's a whole extra step in the process, and I'd rather deal with a few idiot posts every now and then to keep my life simple and this blog fun and interactive.
FYI, and I say this with a smile...if you've received a forward with a pug-licking screen-saver that you know I'll love, heard a George Strait song on the radio that you know was written for us, read a story about some little girl who was held by God that you know I need to read, etc., I can promise you that I've received at least a hundred emails and read twice as many comments that have already notified me of all of these things and more. Thanks! (it'll be fun to see who doesn't read this post and tells me about one of those things yet again...). :)
Thank you.
Nate
PS. By my guesstimation, we should reach 1 Million hits (written with my best Dr. Evil impression) right on Valentine's Day, which would be pretty cool, especially if you imagine that 1 million people (or about 20,000 people several times) love Tricia and Gwyneth. If I had half a penny for every hit, I'd have half a million pennies...which would be pretty useless because you can't buy anything with half a penny. Speaking of which...did you know that it now costs us about 5c to mint one new penny...that's kind dumb.
Friday, February 8, 2008
BJ, Tonya and Nalin
Although Gwyneth has had another good day, it seems to have been a rough day for many others in the NICU today...
My Dad spoke with and prayed with two different families who's babies were having very bad days. Unfortunately, one of those babies did not make it through the end of the day. You can read more about His thoughts about today Here.
Then, tonight around 9pm, as I was entering the NICU to check on Gwyneth, I stopped in the waiting room to talk with my friend BJ, who I mentioned previously Here. His little boy, Nalin has had a very bad week. I won't mention any specifics as I have not asked permission to do so (although I do have permission to mention their names and ask for prayer), but Nalin basically needs a miracle to make it through the next few days as the doctors have told his parents there is nothing else they can do for him.
Talking with BJ and Tonya over the past several weeks, I am certain that they share my faith in God. BJ told me tonight that he knows that God is in control and that, if Nalin does not make it out of the NICU, he will see him again one day.
My heart is very heavy tonight. After talking with BJ, I walked into the scrub room and began crying them...I'm crying for them even right now. I prayed by Gwyneth's incubator tonight for Nalin and his parents, and Tricia prayed with me for them just a while ago.
Thanks.
Nate
My Dad spoke with and prayed with two different families who's babies were having very bad days. Unfortunately, one of those babies did not make it through the end of the day. You can read more about His thoughts about today Here.
Then, tonight around 9pm, as I was entering the NICU to check on Gwyneth, I stopped in the waiting room to talk with my friend BJ, who I mentioned previously Here. His little boy, Nalin has had a very bad week. I won't mention any specifics as I have not asked permission to do so (although I do have permission to mention their names and ask for prayer), but Nalin basically needs a miracle to make it through the next few days as the doctors have told his parents there is nothing else they can do for him.
Talking with BJ and Tonya over the past several weeks, I am certain that they share my faith in God. BJ told me tonight that he knows that God is in control and that, if Nalin does not make it out of the NICU, he will see him again one day.
My heart is very heavy tonight. After talking with BJ, I walked into the scrub room and began crying them...I'm crying for them even right now. I prayed by Gwyneth's incubator tonight for Nalin and his parents, and Tricia prayed with me for them just a while ago.
Thanks.
Nate
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Q&A (With a Helpful Comment)
I don't have enough time to answer every question, and I encourage you to take a few minutes to do some research on your own, but here are the answers to a few questions asked recently:
> I've seen Joe & Kendra a few times, and they tell me that they and their boys are all doing well. I know they'll appreciate your continued prayer.
> I'm talking to some people about the jewelry. I got tons of email about this, and if you emailed me, I promise to get back with you as soon as I can...
> Gwyneth is weighed at least twice a day. She was 1lb 6oz at birth, and like most newborns, she lost a little in the following days. She is at 1lb 5oz right now, and will not gain much until they can really begin feeding her, which will hopefully be in the next few days.
> They do swaddle Gwyneth most of the time, but they also allow her to move around and kick and stretch to help her growth and strength.
> At least in the US, whenever a set of new lungs becomes available, at least two listed patients are called, and the lungs are usually given to the patient that is the best match. The lungs and donor are given an extremely thorough evaluation to determine if they are indeed healthy. Lungs are good for transplant up to 6 hours once they are taken from the donor, but donors are often kept "alive" (although brain dead) for several hours until recipients can be found for their organs.. Of course, the sooner the better, and the surgery usually takes place within 24 hours of the death of a donor.
> Make sure that you are reading the info that I am giving you very carefully. I said that the average life expectancy post double lung transplant is about 8 years. Some patients die in surgery, and some patients like 16+ years. There is no way to tell what the next day holds for anybody living with any kind of transplant. Tricia is young and healthy, so the stats say that she should well exceed 8 years, but again, that's not a given. Some patients are candidates for a second and even third transplant, but many choose not to...lung transplant surgery is the equivalent to your body as being in a severe car accident...extreme trauma.
> Most transplant patients do die because of the diminished health of their new organs or because of rejection or infection. Without a cure for CF, or some miraculous advances in medicine and technology, Tricia will not be alive in 20 years.
> You can find out a whole lot more than I could ever tell you about organ donation/transplantation at UNOS.ORG
> Gwyneth's pug is a Webkinz that was given to us for Christmas. She won't have many stuffed toys as she grows up (for her mother's health), but this one is safe with her for now.
> I appreciate all of the comments about how scary the NICU, etc. must be, but to be honest, the past 7 years with Tricia has prepared me well for the present situation. They haven't done much to Gwyneth that I haven't seen done to Tricia, and I've finally convinced the nurses in the NICU to stop being so apprehensive when explaining things to me...I've told many of them that they'll have to do a lot more than stick and prick to scare me (and yes, I realize that there will probably be complications of some kind that will be scary...I'm still human).
> Tricia has only been able to speak with her voice when she is sitting in a certain position the past few days. This is not due to anything the nurses have done...there is probably simply a leak in the vent tubes that is allowing some air to pass through her vocal cords. Most of the time still, I am having to lip read.
> I am doing very well. The good news makes things much easier. Outside of spending a night with Tricia every now and then, I get some very deep sleep at the hotel every night. My appetite is just as healthy (or unhealthy depending on how you look at it) as always.
> Both of our families are doing well, also. Tricia's mom has been up here for several weeks, and her dad and my parents bounce back and forth when they can. Siblings and cousins and grandparents, etc. have all been to visit and they are just as pleased as the rest of us with the progress of the girls.
> My email is down temporarily, so if you're trying to email me, give me a few days to respond
Nate
(A recent comment from My Dad)
One of the dynamics of blogging is that new people are coming into the story and have missed much of what has been posted earlier. Consequently many questions get repeated.
Nathan has done a great job of cataloging his posts by topic (see "labels" over there on the right side of your screen). He's been incredibly comprehensive. And it's in those earlier posts that most of the questions are answered, ie. breast milk; stuffed animals, etc.
So let me encourage newcomers especially to back track. Not only will it give you a bigger picture (and it's a wonderful picture at that), but chances are you'll find the answers to the questions we've all been asking.
> I've seen Joe & Kendra a few times, and they tell me that they and their boys are all doing well. I know they'll appreciate your continued prayer.
> I'm talking to some people about the jewelry. I got tons of email about this, and if you emailed me, I promise to get back with you as soon as I can...
> Gwyneth is weighed at least twice a day. She was 1lb 6oz at birth, and like most newborns, she lost a little in the following days. She is at 1lb 5oz right now, and will not gain much until they can really begin feeding her, which will hopefully be in the next few days.
> They do swaddle Gwyneth most of the time, but they also allow her to move around and kick and stretch to help her growth and strength.
> At least in the US, whenever a set of new lungs becomes available, at least two listed patients are called, and the lungs are usually given to the patient that is the best match. The lungs and donor are given an extremely thorough evaluation to determine if they are indeed healthy. Lungs are good for transplant up to 6 hours once they are taken from the donor, but donors are often kept "alive" (although brain dead) for several hours until recipients can be found for their organs.. Of course, the sooner the better, and the surgery usually takes place within 24 hours of the death of a donor.
> Make sure that you are reading the info that I am giving you very carefully. I said that the average life expectancy post double lung transplant is about 8 years. Some patients die in surgery, and some patients like 16+ years. There is no way to tell what the next day holds for anybody living with any kind of transplant. Tricia is young and healthy, so the stats say that she should well exceed 8 years, but again, that's not a given. Some patients are candidates for a second and even third transplant, but many choose not to...lung transplant surgery is the equivalent to your body as being in a severe car accident...extreme trauma.
> Most transplant patients do die because of the diminished health of their new organs or because of rejection or infection. Without a cure for CF, or some miraculous advances in medicine and technology, Tricia will not be alive in 20 years.
> You can find out a whole lot more than I could ever tell you about organ donation/transplantation at UNOS.ORG
> Gwyneth's pug is a Webkinz that was given to us for Christmas. She won't have many stuffed toys as she grows up (for her mother's health), but this one is safe with her for now.
> I appreciate all of the comments about how scary the NICU, etc. must be, but to be honest, the past 7 years with Tricia has prepared me well for the present situation. They haven't done much to Gwyneth that I haven't seen done to Tricia, and I've finally convinced the nurses in the NICU to stop being so apprehensive when explaining things to me...I've told many of them that they'll have to do a lot more than stick and prick to scare me (and yes, I realize that there will probably be complications of some kind that will be scary...I'm still human).
> Tricia has only been able to speak with her voice when she is sitting in a certain position the past few days. This is not due to anything the nurses have done...there is probably simply a leak in the vent tubes that is allowing some air to pass through her vocal cords. Most of the time still, I am having to lip read.
> I am doing very well. The good news makes things much easier. Outside of spending a night with Tricia every now and then, I get some very deep sleep at the hotel every night. My appetite is just as healthy (or unhealthy depending on how you look at it) as always.
> Both of our families are doing well, also. Tricia's mom has been up here for several weeks, and her dad and my parents bounce back and forth when they can. Siblings and cousins and grandparents, etc. have all been to visit and they are just as pleased as the rest of us with the progress of the girls.
> My email is down temporarily, so if you're trying to email me, give me a few days to respond
Nate
(A recent comment from My Dad)
One of the dynamics of blogging is that new people are coming into the story and have missed much of what has been posted earlier. Consequently many questions get repeated.
Nathan has done a great job of cataloging his posts by topic (see "labels" over there on the right side of your screen). He's been incredibly comprehensive. And it's in those earlier posts that most of the questions are answered, ie. breast milk; stuffed animals, etc.
So let me encourage newcomers especially to back track. Not only will it give you a bigger picture (and it's a wonderful picture at that), but chances are you'll find the answers to the questions we've all been asking.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
A Few Things
I prayed with Tricia and talked with her about being at peace, and she is doing much better. She seems to calm down when she knows I'm close by.
Gwyneth is doing well. New pic line in today with no problems, and they'll be extubating and placing her on a CPAP Machine. Please, pray that she can "remember" to breathe and will not have to be intubated again. This all means great progress!
Tricia's sister, Megan flew in last night with little Leah, and her husband, Al, and boy, Josh are driving down today...they'll be here for the week! And, my mother is driving up today from home!
Thank you for your concern for Meka the pug. I go home mid-day every day to walk and play and feed her. She is actually in heat right now (parents can thank me later for the conversation starter with their kids), which means I'm getting some good practice with diapers. :)
Thank you for the suggestions for housing. For lots of reasons that I won't take the time to explain, our current housing arrangement is wonderful. As long as God provides for us to stay there, we will stay.
Also, nicknames are completely unoffensive to us. I'm sure we'll have a bunch of different names for Gwyneth in the years to come. Just don't call her ugly. :)
To clarify...I'm completely comfortable with feeding Gwyneth whatever the doctors think is best. Guys will probably understand my previous comment about the milk bank better than the ladies...
If you Facebook, here IS a group to pray for Tricia and Gwyneth.
And, Kim & Matt are taking their boy home TODAY after just one week in NICU!!!! Congrats!!!
Nate
Gwyneth is doing well. New pic line in today with no problems, and they'll be extubating and placing her on a CPAP Machine. Please, pray that she can "remember" to breathe and will not have to be intubated again. This all means great progress!
Tricia's sister, Megan flew in last night with little Leah, and her husband, Al, and boy, Josh are driving down today...they'll be here for the week! And, my mother is driving up today from home!
Thank you for your concern for Meka the pug. I go home mid-day every day to walk and play and feed her. She is actually in heat right now (parents can thank me later for the conversation starter with their kids), which means I'm getting some good practice with diapers. :)
Thank you for the suggestions for housing. For lots of reasons that I won't take the time to explain, our current housing arrangement is wonderful. As long as God provides for us to stay there, we will stay.
Also, nicknames are completely unoffensive to us. I'm sure we'll have a bunch of different names for Gwyneth in the years to come. Just don't call her ugly. :)
To clarify...I'm completely comfortable with feeding Gwyneth whatever the doctors think is best. Guys will probably understand my previous comment about the milk bank better than the ladies...
If you Facebook, here IS a group to pray for Tricia and Gwyneth.
And, Kim & Matt are taking their boy home TODAY after just one week in NICU!!!! Congrats!!!
Nate
Sunday, January 13, 2008
NICU Family Prayer
New family to pray for. BJ & Tonya have a preemie (can't remember age) named Nalin. Nalin is doing well, and Tonya is able to spend lots of time with him, but BJ is only able to spend a few nights and weekends as he has a job to maintain and they have two children back home. I met them last night while I was shooting my Video (you'll see them in the NICU waiting room at the very end), and we talked all the way to the parking garage. I gave them the web address, and they may check in later today.
Also, Kim & Matt (who I mentioned briefly before) are sick at home and are unable to visit their baby, David. I'm sure that has to be rough, and I'm praying that they get well today. Grandma is hanging out in the meantime. Kim and family have been with the blog since before we met.
And, Joe and Kendra (who you've been praying for in This Post) will be attending a service tomorrow to remember their daughter, so please, pray that it will be a day of grace and love. Their boys continue to do well. I also gave them the address today, and they may check in.
Thanks!
Nate
Also, Kim & Matt (who I mentioned briefly before) are sick at home and are unable to visit their baby, David. I'm sure that has to be rough, and I'm praying that they get well today. Grandma is hanging out in the meantime. Kim and family have been with the blog since before we met.
And, Joe and Kendra (who you've been praying for in This Post) will be attending a service tomorrow to remember their daughter, so please, pray that it will be a day of grace and love. Their boys continue to do well. I also gave them the address today, and they may check in.
Thanks!
Nate