9-3-06

Helena is off the ventilator! Our doctor removed Helena's ventilator at about 10:30 this morning and she is doing really well. She is breathing on her own with the help of a nasal canula and 30% oxygen. The doctor told us that the next 48 hours are especially crucial after an infant is removed from a vent. It is not unheard of to have to put infants back on the vent, but so far so good. Tomorrow they will try to feed Helena a really easy to digest type of formula. If she tolerates that, then they will try some breast milk. The doctors are also weaning her off on a lot of her medications. Every day she has less and less connections to machines. The nurse also reported that she could go home within a week if she continues on the schedule that she has layed out for us. But who knows? We are thankful for her progress thus far. She is a tough little girl wrapped up in a seven pound package. Much tougher than I am, that is for sure! Tonight I am working at the hospital from 12-8 am and I will be able to see Helena throughout the night. Tonight is a holiday, the ER should be an interesting place? God bless......Aaron