Jordan's Journey: Week 10

Sooooooo I have a ton of news! I'll try to be concise (yea right, who am I kidding?) Last week I told you about Jordan's recovery. It was rough...to say the least. His vent settings were on 90-100% for a few days and his pressures were really high. They also put him on nitric oxide (inhaled) to help with the pulmonary hypertension. As you can imagine, we had a lot going on. Joey and I were faced with some tough decisions. I knew parenting would be tough, but I didn't realize we would have to make these types of decisions this soon. So naturally we weighed our pros and cons and prayed for guidance. 

After consulting with various doctors, we made a decision. Moving forward, Jordan has made leaps and bounds. They were able to wean his o2 as low as 34%. For a few days he hovered around 35-45%. Each day, his CO2 levels were perfect (their words not mine) so they began weaning the pressure on his vent. They only weaned by one but each day I would tell them that's enough for me! We celebrate every step forward! Day after day we would see signs of progression. I think the doctor even got a little excited :). 

Jordan hadn't been weighed since the day before surgery because he's been so touchy and they wanted him to rest. Friday night they weighed him and said that he gained 500 grams!!..which would put him right at 4 lbs!! They nurses didn't quite believe the gain because he was still a little puffy from surgery... of course I said it was right. My baby hadn't been weighed in 10 days so it was possible! The next day they weighed him and the scale showed about the same, give or take a few grams. Yesterday they started him on a dose of lasix to help with the fluid retention. So last night he lost a little but weighed in at 3 lbs 11 oz! I am ONE HAPPY MAMA! Can you believe it?! I mean I can! But can you?! From 1 lb 1 oz to 3 lb 11oz in 2 months!!! We are so proud. But the excitement doesn't end there ...... 

Last night I called to check on Jordan around midnight. The nurse said "Well, he's done something." I'm like omg what has he done. She proceeds to tell me that he decided to turn his head and self extubate (for like the 100th time). However, this time they tried him off the vent!....and he's still off!!!!! After 71 long days, my baby is off the vent!!! Go King go!! He currently has a nasal cannula (prongs in his nose) and since this morning, they have been able to decrease his o2 needs. I can't even tell you how excited I am! So we are patiently waiting and praying that he's able to stay off. He had to do things in his own time, when he was ready. I guess he's had enough! 

Last thing...I got to do kangaroo care today. I haven't mentioned it, but I haven't been able to hold him since early March due to fear of extubation and surgery. So today is a breathe of fresh air. He needed to be held and mommy needed to hold him. 

Our hearts are full. Please continue to pray that he maintains his breathing without ventilation support. As always, thank you for the thoughts and prayers. 

With love, 

Joey, NaToya and Jordan Sanders