Pulmonary A-whata?

Pulmonary Edema and Respirtory Acidosis. (Now say that five times fast). That's the latest on little Kaylan...So what is it and what does it mean? Well, a Pulmonologist came to see her on Monday (that's a pediactric lung doctor). They ordered a chest x-ray to see if they could see why she was still needing the oxygen. The x-ray came back showing that the lungs looked a little "hazy" or "wet" as he called it. When he examined her, he still heard Kaylan's heart murmer and said he suspected that blood was flowing from left to right and spilling into the lungs a little bit causing them to be "wet" or "hazy" -- better known as pulmonary edema. He ordered an EKG (heart sonogram) for Kaylan to see if his suspicions were correct about the murmer/PDA. The EKG was reviewed by a cardiologist who said that she still has a large to moderate PDA (open duct in the heart that should be closed by now). Soooo....now, they have started Kaylan on three medications - 1) a diuretic that will make her pee and poop a lot and get rid of some of the fluid in her body and on her lungs. 2) Prevacid for Acid Reflux (FINALLY - I've been begging for this one) and 3) a steriod inhalent called Flovent to help with inflamation of her lungs (it's very similar to an asthma medication) - it comes in an inhaler. They put a little mask over nose and mouth and puff the inhaler in her mouth and into her lungs. This will help with the respirtory acidosis whereby she's not getting rid of all the CO2 in her lungs when she breathes out.

With these three changes we're REALLY hoping we will start to see some big improvements in feeding AND breathing. The downside is the diuretic will make her lose weight. Additionally, this PDA and heart murmer is not good either. She'll continue to be followed by a cardiologist and could eventually need surgery if the valve does not close up. But we'll cross that bridge if and when we get there.

She's currently 5 lbs 14 oz.....soooo close to that 6 lb mark. Dylan had a dr appt last Friday and he's 9 lbs 10 oz!! Whoa! He's a biggin'.

Some lyrics from one of my favorite worship song are heavy on my mind today: "I believe You're my Healer. I believe You are all I need.....You hold my world in Your hands"

Here's a few new pics of both kiddies.