We got some good news from one of Jack’s doctors. Jack’s head circumference is actually smaller than last week, which is a good sign. This is a sign that his hemorrhage is not getting any worse. He has an ultrasound Friday and we’ll find out if this is the case.
We have known that he has a PDA in his heart, which basically reroutes the blood flow from his heart and bypasses his lungs. This makes it harder for him to get enough oxygen. For the past few days he has been on a medication to close this and all signs point to that it is working. It is less detectable when listening and an EKG shows that it is getting narrower. We are hoping that it completely closes off in the next day or two.
He has also been suffering from small seizures resulting from the hemorrhage. He is on a drug called Phenobarbital to reduce the severity. It seems to be working as his twitching as greatly diminished. We found out tonight that the dosage is very small. We thought he was on the highest dosage so we are very happy.
Jack has also been continually treated by phototherapy lights to reduce the amount of biliruben in his body. This is why he is wearing the cool shades in the photographs. His levels are still a bit high, but with any luck he will be able to stop receiving the therapy any day now.
All and all, he has come very far in the last week.
Jack had many visitors today including for the first time his great grandmother Nana Wilhelm, Tina and her granddaughter Tori. Grandma Linda and Grandma Josie, Grandpa Paul, Grandpa Bob and Grandpa Ray were also there as always.
We want to thank everybody that has been supporting Jack and us in the past week. The emails, calls, food, cards, visits and prayers have been greatly appreciated and have definitely helped us in this difficult time.
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