Friday, July 24

Bryce is Breathing!



Sorry for the delayed report but I wanted to get a good idea of how Bryce was going to do before trying to spread the word. And so far, Bryce is doing amazingly well!

They extubated him at 12:40 p.m. and he had a blood gas test at 2:40 p.m. that confirmed what we thought we could see - Bryce is doing great. His C02 level was a little high but still within the acceptable range. They think that the C02 is just not being blown off as well because he is breathing on his own, hence smaller, shallower inhales and exhales.

Amazingly Bryce didn't even get that fussy when they took the tube out, maybe because he was so ready for that thing to be out of him, and he never really desatted afterward either. He's been taking little breaths all on his own for almost four hours now and is on a little more oxygen (35%) but high-satting most of the time.

We're still waiting for an xray at 4:40 p.m. to check how well his lungs are expanding but anticipating that they must be okay since everything else looks so good.

We are so excited but so scared to leave yet since we know first hand how quickly things can change around here!

The plan all week had been to go home tonight for our second once weekly visit but I simply can't promise that at this point. We'll see how things go.

Thank you all a million times over again for all your thoughts, prayers and comments - they are working wonders!

These pictures are of his new CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) set up. It includes a nasal canula that blows a constant pressure of air (with a set % of oxygen) into his nasal passageway. This allows Bryce to not have to work too hard to pull in a full breath of air all the way to his lungs from the air around him. It basically lessens the distance he needs to inhale the air. Additionally, it is currently set to give him 20 "puffs" per minute, to stimulate breaths if he forgets. He is currently breathing 63 breaths per minute though, which means he's doing a great job all by himself!

Isn't he adorable?!

20 comments :

  1. Wow. I'm on my way over to see the REST of my grandchild's face. Best looking kid in the NICU, I always said so.
    xx G2

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  2. He is so adorable!! I love his little hands. I'm glad he is doing so well so far with his CPAP. I will keep praying that he continues in this positive direction and grows bigger and stronger each day.

    Lisa

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  3. This is the greatest news! Way to go Bryce! Ace in the hole baby! I knew he could do it! You must be so proud of your son. Keep up the good lovin' mommy and daddy! I'm so proud of all of you! All my love.


    Baby Bryce,

    I'm so proud of you, honey! You're doing a fabulous job at showing those docs what you're made of! Keep up the good work, sweetie! I love you!

    Jen

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  4. What great news. I am so proud of little Bryce and he is quite a handsome little man. Love those little cheeks of his. God is good! Try to get some rest!

    Hugs and Prayers,
    Weslea and Brian

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  5. Bryce,Mommy,and Daddy,my heart over flows with gratitude to God for the miracle of this baby boy.And the fact that he was born to such loving family.If anyone has any doubts about miracles they should read this blog.Bryce is truely one.I know that love and prayers can make things happen.I will go to bed tonight with a prayer of thanksgiving to God.And to Baby Bryce for a job well done.Keep up the good work little man.Rest well all of you.God bless.Hugs and prayers.
    Granny Spriggs

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  6. We're so proud for you guys! What a blessing! We can't wait to see even more of his handsome little face as time goes by.

    Bristelle and Joel

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  7. Yay Bryce!!! You are a handsome little man! Keep up the good work and you'll be on your way outta there in no time.

    -Tami

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  8. How amazing, he is just beyond precious!! SWay to go little man, keep up the good work!! :)

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  9. Bryce,
    Super job. We are so proud. You are such a handsome fellow. We can't wait to see you again. I sm so happy you are breathing on your own.

    We love you.

    Gene, Lolo, Andrea Timothy

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  10. Go Bryce Go!!!!! Tiare told me the good news last night and I am just in shock. I have always known what a strong little man he is. I can't wait to be back at work to take care of this CPAP baby! Hopefully I will be there tomorrow if I get to work extra, if not I will see you Sunday. I have presents for Bryce I bought today. I love you little Bryce-
    Love your favorite nurse,
    Lisa

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  11. He IS adorable! Yeah Bryce!!

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  12. That is such great news! Go Baby Bryce! He is starting to look a lot like his daddy. We hope things continue to go well. Hope to see you guys soon on your next visit, Logan has been asking about you.

    Lauren, Jeremy, and Logan

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  13. Mommy,Daddy,And Bryce.not to worry.Next time will be better.Maybe he just needs more of the magic mommy's milk.Even Superman had secret stuff to make him grow strong,kypton something or other.Get all rested up for the next time,all of you.The day will be here before you know it.And maybe the next time will be the charmed time.He has done so good against all odds.I'm rooting for Bryce.Better days are coming.God bless.
    Hugs and prayers.
    Granny Spriggs

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  14. Hi, I found your site through the Yahoo group. Try not to get discouraged about the reintubation. My son Morgan was born at 24 weeks, 4 days and was on the ventilator for 8 weeks and had two failed extubation attempts before he came off for good. They did give him dexamethasone (a steroid) to help him come off and that did the trick. There was only one week between a failed attempt and the final extubation, so a week can make a huge difference.

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  15. My oldest son weighed 1 lb 8 oz, took the longest to come off vent from his "graduating preemie class," has a VP shunt, but he's with us. He's a very bright 8th grader, speaks 3 languages, and loves to flirt (oh boy!!!)!!! Hang in there, Bryce will soon catch up with my son!!! My prayers are with Bryce and your family. Xiomara

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  16. Sorry Bryce is back on the vent, but the fact that he made it 26 hrs on cpap is awesome! It is crazy how different Dell's cpap machine is versus the one Blake was on at St. David's. So glad to see him gaining weight and I know a lot is fluid but girl his skin looks so fantastic! I hope that book is helping. We say a prayer every night for you all. All our best.

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  17. I see that he made it 26 hours before he went back to the vent!!! That is such an amazing accomplishment. He worked really hard and needs a it of a break. Now that Bryce has practice, he should be a pro on his next attempt.

    -Tami

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  18. Hang in there, Mommy and Daddy! Twenty-six hours is a real accomplishment. Bill uses a CPAP at night. It took him a while to get used to it, too. I am hoping to be able to visit some time this week.

    Aunt Pat

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  19. I so enjoy the updates on Bryce's story. I admire your and Caleb's strength and my prayers are with you daily.
    Jeanette Newton (Sharon's mom)

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  20. We are praying for you! Thanks for sharing your story!! God's Blessings to you and little Bryce. You are amazing!
    Heidi and Scott McClelland

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