Day 2 - PICU, Children's Hospital

Today's happenings with Elsie:

Chris and I consented to start a PIC line (central line) at the recommendation of the intensivist this morning at about 1:30 a.m. The doctor originally ordered a second IV to be placed in case the first one in her arm went bad. This can sometimes happen. However, the attempts to start a second IV in her feet was unsuccessful. As you can imagine, baby veins are itty bitty! The central line was inserted into her groin area. This line is good for administering medications and taking blood for labs. Elsie tolerated the procedure well, and the doc was able to get it in on the first try.

Later she received a catheter placement. She was not having many wet diapers, so this has helped her a lot.

We've noticed a few times on the monitor that she has tried initiating some of her own breaths beyond what the vent is giving her. It comes and goes because she is so sleepy with all the sedation that has been given to her. It is easier for her to let the vent do the work for her.

Chris and I left at about 3:00 a.m. and headed to my sister's house where we crashed until 8:00 a.m. I think we both slept very soundly after being so exhausted from yesterday's events!

After returning this morning, the doctor came in to talk to us about a clinical research study that Elsie was eligible for. Since she has Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure and is on the ventilator, we were given information about this trial as well as the possible side effects and benefits. After visiting with the doctor and nurse and reading the paperwork given to us, we consented to the study. RSV has been treated the same in the last several years, so they have been wanting to find something that would provide better, quicker results. This low-risk study has been proven to give generally positive results. If anything, Elsie will be able to get off the ventilator earlier. It deals with a synthetic surfactant - a substance which is found in the lungs - called Lucinactant. Since Elsie was not born premature, she poses minimal risks receiving it now. She will get one dose now and if they see improvements they will give a second dose in 12-24 hours and be done. Our hope is to help with the advancements in medicine, and if it means getting her better faster then we are on board! Elsie tolerated this medication dose well this afternoon and didn't even wake up during the process.

Overall, things are looking as good as can be expected at this point.