Baby T's Story, Chapter 7- Smiley Guy

Sunday 2/26/12

Typically when babies Baby T's age are intubated, they need sedation

 so that they do not compromise (pull-on) their tube.

Verced is given and it can make them a bit loopy.

We’re lucky as T rarely requires any sedation. The doctors are impressed by his demeanor

and that despite his returning awareness, he is handling his tube well.

Baby T is gaining strength! Smiles have been more frequent now and we even get to see that classic T tongue action. He likes licking the tape on his tube. More tongue dexterity is a good sign!

Unfortunately, more facial control also means that he can cry.

His cry breaks everyone’s heart as it is soundless (his breathing tube prevents sound)

but involves his facial features and sometimes tears as well.

Seeing our guy emerging from lifeless to a more vigorous state is so encouraging.

As compliant as he is, there are still times where he

genuinely is upset and we're limited in our ability to comfort him.

CPT brings on coughs and tears.

Doctors checking his breathing or PT doing his exercises cause him to smile.

Lifting his bum to put on a fresh diaper often stimulates him to poo more

(making a messy situations which makes all of us laugh).

Tests results or analysis can bring us to extreme sorrow or intense relief.
Experiencing such constant varying emotion is tiring for all of us.

His recovery seems painfully slow, although
we're just relieved that he is moving in one direction.

The doctors give the orders that Baby T can go NPO the next morning

and then will be prepped to go through some CPAP tests

to see how he handles being off of the vent.

He also seems to be getting over his pneumonia as his secretions
have decreased and the fever has disappeared.

Another uneventful night and T rests well. 

IB Dad stays close this night so that he can be there early for the big day.

IB Dad and I are full of anxiety about tomorrow.

Click to Continue reading Baby T's Story, Chapter 8.