Ethan got extubated around 2:30! They put him straight to nasal CPAP. The picture looks almost as bad as being on the breathing tube, but its not. It is nasal cannula on steroids. It blows air in a rythmic pattern in his nose. It gives a little extra support to help the transition to breathing on his own. Since Ethan has been intubated so long they want to give him a 24 hour transition time on the nasal CPAP then he will go to high flow nasal cannula if all goes well. So right now we are trying to keep him comfortable and make sure he can tolerate being off the vent. I asked the doc if he could put a scope down and make sure his vocal chords are moving. He said nope, we will just watch and see how he does. Oooookay!
Ethan's voice is very quiet and raspy, which is normal after being intubated. And he doesn't exactly like the new CPAP set up. When he gets irritated he has this quiet, sad cry. I am so grateful, and nervous, and excited, and scared at the same time! Time will tell if his airway can tolerate breathing on his own. They will also be doing blood gases every few hours to make sure he is oxygenating well enough. Starting tomorrow they will be taking his antibiotics away one by one to see if his fever goes away. The other good news is that his fever has only been around 100 degrees today.
Thanks for the love & support-
Greg & Heidi
6 comments:
He may seem to dislike CPAP, but he would agree it is worth it. I am sure it is great to have the break from that tube. With adults they seem to dislike it at first, but then they enjoy how much it helps and relax. Hang in there guys. It is clear you are in excellent hands. Of course, we know you have always been sustained by excellent hands that we don't "see". Sending love and continued prayers!
I am so grateful to hear all of the good news. It sounds like he is making progress and that is wonderful! Thanks again for the constant updates.
Yeah for c-pap. I had that sad no sound cry. Jax vocal cords were paralized for a long time after 4 months on the vent. Go baby go
Oh, I am thrilled, but nervous with you. PRAYING for Ethan to tolerate the exubation and breath on his own. I'd love to see him off of it for good. Come on Ethan.. you can do it!
WOO HOO!
What wonderful news!!! Oh how I love to see that little Paci in his mouth!! He is just too darn cute! Love you guys!
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