You wouldn't know it by looking at this sweet innocent face, but the past 24 hours have been rough for Chloe. It started out when she screamed from midnight to 3:00 a.m. or so. I feel bad for my neighbors, but really, they're not too quiet themselves. I don't know what she was so upset about, but I've been pretty tired all day, despite a long nap. 
This morning the doctor was concerned that her respiratory rate was too fast and shallow, indicating that she wasn't expanding the lower sections of her lungs. So he decided to put her on high flow air. The amount of oxygen is the same, but it's mixed with room air at a higher flow to help open her lungs. I think it has helped, and her lungs sound better tonight than they have all week.
The air goes through a warmer and adds moisture to help loosen up the mucous in her lungs. Plus they can put the albuteral treatments directly into the tube, which is good because she really doesn't like the nebulizer blowing in her face. The problem is that she is attached to this huge thing, making it harder to get around in this small space. They also put the chest leads back on to monitor her respiratory rate, so there are lots more wires in general.
Then she had another episode of respiratory distress tonight that scared us. Her heart rate has been hovering around 180, which is already pretty fast. But after an albuterol treamment (which raises her heart rate) it shot up to 200. In case you're wondering, that's FAST! Her respiratory rate also went up to 100. Can you imagine breathing that fast? That's enough to wear anyone out. This picture was taken this morning when things were going pretty good. Apparently the oxygen tube that attaches to the wall had gotten loose, so the air pressure was way too low. The respiratory therapist (who usually just works with adults) didn't know how to use this machine (which is usually just used in the NICU); so she lowered the air flow and gave her a regular nubilizer treatment. She must have bumped the oxygen tube in the process. Luckily Dave figured it out and fixed it. I'm sure glad it happened while he was still here! She's sleeping calmly now, so I really should get some sleep while I can.
7 comments:
praying for sweet Chloe.
I could be reading a fast-paced adventure novel to get to sleep tonight (0115 hrs). It couldn't be any more riveting than this blog, nor more personal. You know how Judy loves books and films about smart people who figure things out--Dave's the man.
We so appreciate your "keeping us all up to date."
How scary! what a tumultuous journey. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers constantly - especially little Chloe. And thank you for taking the time to keep us updated when you are so exhausted.
Oh, man! That is so rough! We still pray for you and the kids have been adding Chloe to the blessings on the food too!
Scary. Glad Dave was able to fix it. We're still praying. I've got my mom and dad praying as well.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! I hope things start getting better with your sweet little Chloe.
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