This was the most challenging of days. Not only did Titus undergo a load of tests yesterday making for a rather stressful first day of life but there are a LOT of people assessing and monitoring him. Machines are constantly beeping and people are in and out, making noise each time they enter. Some of the doctors and nurses are mindful and will be quiet when talking or let him continue resting if he is in a peaceful sleep. BUT others are not as courteous and will talk loudly without second thought or uncover him and put a cold stethoscope on his chest. As parents we tried our best to walk the fine line of letting them do their job while also making sure Titus has the most calm and nurturing environment under these circumstances but it is so hard!
They also took away breastfeeding later in the day...making for one sad mommy. They said he was too vigorous a feeder (!) and they were concerned about his high Ox SATS and his respiratory rate. They continued monitoring and then became very concerned about a high level of lactate that was also detected. They immediately wanted to put him on an IV medication and in a plastic box to regulate his Ox/Nitrogen intake...this would ultimately open up his blood vessels and allow more blood flow to his tissues. The concern was that if they continued to allow milk into his gut, blood would be diverted from his other tissues and would be focused on the gut to break down food instead. This would result in a very serious condition called Gastroenterocolitis, or inflammation of the gut. We were devastated when we heard the plan since that meant that we could no longer feed or even hold him BUT something just didn't seem right to us about immediately putting him on the gas and medicine on the second day of life when his little body is still adjusting to life outside the womb. We asked about other options and for a second opinion and thank the Lord that we did,....they were able to repeat his blood work and when it came back his lactate levels had dropped. We agreed to another lab a few hours later and they were even lower! Doctors concluded on day 3 that his high SATs and respiratory rate are probably more of a function of his large size as opposed to a problem related to him nursing.
At the end of the day we were exhausted....emotions had ran high and we were going on only 2-3 hours of sleep since Saturday evening. We called a good friend from church to join us in prayer and lift our spirits to make it through the rest of the week. It was unreal how much it helped us to be able to get some rest...we are so thankful for our friends and family that we can reach out to in these times.
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