Wednesday, January 7, 2009

They call it PDA... Patent Ductus Arteriosus... click picture below for an enlarged image.


This is a normal in a fetus, but closes after birth. Nate's has not closed despite 3 rounds of medication and this is preventing him from establishing a normal blood flow, which is not allowing him to receive as much oxygen rich blood as he could if it were closed. So sometime this week, Nate will have heart surgery to close this PDA. From what I have been told, it is a common surgery in preemies and not a difficult surgery. The good thing is that after the PDA is closed, hopefully they can start to try to wean Nate off of the ventilator. When he is off the ventilator, they can start to try to get him to feed. We still have a couple of months in the NICU, but he is making progress.

Oh and he is now 2 pounds 4 ounces!

Leeann

5 comments:

  1. One of our friends had a baby where they didn't catch the problem until the wee one was almost a year old. After the surgery, the baby was much healthier and more vibrant.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Im so sorry to here that he will need surgery, but this may be what he needs to progress and grow big and strong. He is in my prayers, as well as you both are, I think about your family every day, and pray for the best, love you

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hugs and prayers to you all there, he sounds like he is doing well and hopefully the surgery will help everything else along that much faster. We're all looking forward to his great escape, peace and love you you all. Kat and Luciano

    ReplyDelete
  4. My cousin's baby had the same surgery and it turned out fine. We will be keeping Nate and you both in our thoughts and prays. I just think it is amazing that you are able to hold him. Thanks for keeping us updated and we are thinking of you always, Patty, Jack, Emily and Leah

    ReplyDelete
  5. He is just beautiful, my prayers are with you and your family. Chris Sanchez

    ReplyDelete