July 8, 2006

Two steps forward, one step back What a big day. The doctor told us that they were going to clamp Michael's chest tube (which was in to drain the air pocket from his chest cavity). Then if Michael faired well, they may remove it tomorrow. The doctor said that once the tube was remove we should be able to hold Michael.

Well, shortly after the doctor left, Ruth (Michael's nurse) said that we could work it out to hold him today. So she clamped, and taped, and pinned the chest tube so that it wouldn't tug, and got Michael into our arms for the first time this week. What a thrill!!

Which was nice, because after lunch we learned that he didn't do so well with the chest tube clamped off. His pneumothorax returned slightly. This is when air escapes from the lungs and collects in the chest cavity around the lungs, making it harder to breathe. The doctor said that we would try again on Monday to see if Michael's lungs have healed enough.

And a momentous occaision on the bowel front. Michael pooped for the first time today without any stimulants. He has been getting breastmilk through a feeding tube for a few days, and seems to be digesting it rather well. And now he has something to show for it. :)