Well, Colin was doing better for a couple of days, but yesterday started getting very congested again and breathing very heavily. Last night, we got a call from the doctor saying he now isn’t convinced that what Colin has is pneumonia. Rather, he thinks it might be bronchiolitis (a lung infection caused by a virus, similar to the cold virus — it’s fairly innocuous in most people, but can be very serious for babies with underlying lung problems like Colin).
So last night Colin started receiving nebulizer treatments (10 minutes a shot, 6 times a day) and today the doctor also recommended starting him on steroids (different than the steroids he was on to get him off the ventilator; these are similar to what they would give someone with asthma). Fortunately, these can be administered orally, so they were able remove Colin’s IV.
I was very happy that we were able to take the IV out, because it was the 6th one he had in 7 days. It was no longer working either — this morning I had to hold Colin’s foot at a particular angle so his last dose of antibiotics would go in — and I was very relieved that we wouldn’t need to poke him again.
Otherwise, he is still growing — 4 pounds 14 ounces this evening — and when we are able to give him the bottle or nurse him he generally does medium well. Tonight he took 20 ml by bottle for John (out of 40 ml). When he takes a partial feed by bottle, we then give him the rest through his feeding tube.
Veronica has been very fussy lately, and today spent the bulk of the day crying. She needs to be held (all day and all night) to settle down — and that hasn’t been foolproof either. I suspect she’s not feeling well, but I don’t have any real evidence other than the crying. Yesterday she was spitting up a lot, but today she hasn’t done that as much.
So, I hope whatever is bothering her — whether it’s physical or emotional — passes soon. Otherwise we’re going to be two VERY tired parents tomorrow.
We are thinking about you all, and hoping you all get some rest tonight. Prayers for those two beautiful babies, Ethan, and the tired parents!!
ReplyDeleteCyndi and all the boys
I have to say reading about your tiredness makes me remember those early days with Connor. I'm glad those infant days are behind us. Being tired all the time and working and going to school was exhausting. Granted I didn't have twins but just remembering those tired days makes me tired now. ha ha
ReplyDeleteWe've been sort of lazy getting rid of the bottle with Connor but Chris just decided it was time and that was that. He hasn't had a bottle since Friday morning. Connor's doing OK but I think naps might be over because of it. Bummer but I'd rather have him off the bottle. He's drier too which is our next push to get him toilet trained.
He goes on the potty but doesn't want to wear underwear. He still wants his diapers. Maybe we might switch to pull ups instead??? Bad news with that is that they don't make BIO pull ups.
What did you do with Ethan?
Logan was forced by daycare in MN to be potty trained and it was tough for everyone. They don't do that here. I like that but I'm thinking Connor needs some more encouragement.
Fun stuff to look forward to with Colin and Veronica. It goes so fast.
Thinking about you all the time.
XOXO
Jennifer
Prayers for health and rest for the Fiegel 5!
ReplyDeleteXOXOXO for the kids!
I have been reading for a while and just wanted to say I'm thinking about Colin and sending him positive vibes for fighting the pneumonia/bronchiolitis. I know it must be so hard for you to ride this rollercoaster with him. I remember the exhaustion and sincerely wish you an occasional good night's sleep with Veronica at home. I look forward to reading soon that they both are well and all of you are resting up.
ReplyDelete