Sydney was extubated and placed on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on 1/16/2008. She was exactly 8 weeks old, 34 weeks corrected age. The CPAP looks like scuba gear. It has two prongs that are placed in the nose. A hat with a strap is used to help keep the hoses in place. This is attached to the ventalator. The major difference with CPAP is that it does not breath for her, it only applies a small amount of pressure to help keep her lungs open.
With her extubated Sydney can now be heard when she cries. Her vocal cords are sore though from the tube. She sounds horse and scratchy as she lets us know that she is unhappy. With the CPAP in her nose, they move the feeding (OG) tube to her mouth. She will need this until the CPAP is removed and she starts bottle feeding.
On the same day that Sydney went on the CPAP she also got a crib. Syd's nurses have continued to ween her heat in the isolette down. Eventually they turned it off completely and monitored her body temperature. Once they felt comfortable with her ability to maintain her temperature they made the switch.
The crib makes it much easier to change and interact with her. She can use her own sheets, and decorate it with toys and pictures. Soon she will have a bouncy seat to sit in and look around. She likes stimulation a lot now. She listens to you when you speak and likes to have her head rubbed.
1 comment:
She is absolutely beautiful. Her progress is remarkable. Syd, keep up the good work. You'll be home in no time.
Cousin Carol
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