Day 17 - Start to a new work week...

As we begin another work week at the hospital I am amazed at how things have changed since last Sunday night.

It was around 10:15pm on Sunday, November 26, and I just sat down to begin pumping. Oscar was snuggled up in his bed sleeping. I turned on the pump and Oscar began having an episode. He went into bradycardia (heart rate slower than 60 bpm) and his saturation rates were dropping as well. Soon the rapid response team came into the room along with the crash cart. As I held Oscar’s body trying to stimulate him to breathe, he lay there like a lifeless rag doll. His heart rate stayed below 60bpm for 4-5 minutes. 

The doctor showed up and asked if we were going to do chest compressions. I said, “Yes of course.” Originally, after Oscar’s birth we did not want compressions because we did not want our newborn son’s body to be to maimed with broken ribs. A nurse came over to do compressions a ventilator was wheeled back into the room and before the nurse started Oscar slowly started having heavy, labored breathing. His heart rate began to rise and saturation level improved too. As Oscar stabilized I stepped in the hallway to call Brian to have him come up. 

I walked back into the room and I was very surprised Oscar was not on oxygen of any kind not even a nose cannula. The doctor said to me we’re not going to do any oxygen for him. I looked at the doctor because I thought he was joking but he was serious. By that time Oscar was continuing to have labored breathing, but was continuing to stabilize. I looked at the nurses in the room to confirm we really weren’t providing oxygen intervention and it was true. The next day the new attending NICU doctor prescribed Oscar Caffeine Citrate to help with his episodes. That medicine has been a lifesaver this past week and helped Oscar tremendously. 

After Oscar’s scary episode on Sunday. We got a visit Monday, November 27, around 5pm, from the Pediatric Cardiologist and MFM  Doctor. Brian and I were both surprised to see them and they simply asked us, “What were we doing? Was this for us or was it for Oscar?” I sat there looking at the two of them with tears in my eyes wanting to scream. I thought to myself what does my son, Oscar,  have to do to prove to you that he is compatible with life and belongs here. They came I think wanting to console and help, but what they said truly hurt.  I couldn’t understand what they wanted from Oscar he been breathing room air on his own for almost 24+ hours was getting food through an NG tube and taking 2 medications at that time. He wasn’t intubated nor was he on IV’s and if he was, so what, he deserves interventions and care like any other baby Trisomy or not. 

Since last Sunday Oscar keeps getting stronger and improving in different areas each day. It seems we usually have a few really positive things in our day and one or two “bummer” spots as well. Overall, the  Lord keep showing his mighty power and it makes me think of the song my mom, Oscar’s Nana, was singing to Oscar the other day. 

My God is so big 

so strong and so mighty 

There’s nothing my God cannot do. 

Looking ahead I’m going to try and remember that song because our God is so big, strong, and mighty. There truly is nothing our God cannot do. 

Prayer Request:

• Please continue to pray for Oscar’s liver function. His blood labs seem to change drastically each time they are taken. Also that they would find what is causing the liver function to be poor.
• To think the best in what people say. The hospital can be a dark place and my heart becoming bitter or angry is not good for me, my family, and most importantly Oscar. I need to forgive and let go even when I feel my son has been wronged. I need to be an advocate for Oscar, but I need to be a light for the Lord as well.
• Oscar would keep growing big and strong he gained  a whole ounce yesterday.
• Theodore would be content throughout his entire day from the moment he rises till he goes to bed. Help Theodore feel safe, secure, and deeply loved.

Praise:

• Tentative results came back from yesterday’s MRI and they seem good, we will find out more later.
• For the wonderful nursing care we receive here at Toledo NICU and the love that is shown to us and our sons.

We hope you have a fabulous start to your work week. Thank you for being on this journey with us.