The Roller Coaster

Grandpa Bill and I last left the girls last night and all was well - in fact, they had all been moved to the "lower" risk section of the ICU. We both left feeling good and confident in the strength of these three girls and the slow but steady progress they have made to date. 

What a difference a day makes....

Unfortunately, Emily had a significant set-back today - she was experiencing quite a few apneic (slow breathing) and bradycardic (slow heart rate) episodes today which were linked to her oxygen levels dropping to unsafe levels. Despite some solid efforts on the part of the doctor's, nurses and respiratory therapists to get her stabilized using the C-Pap machine (helps give air pressure to her lungs), they needed to resort to intubating her (putting a breathing tube into her lungs). Once they did this, she became very settled and her breathing problems resolved quickly. In addition to the breathing tube, they also took precautions with respect to infections. They have taken a number of blood samples and also some fluid from her spine to check for more serious infections. At this time the greatest risk is meningitis (an infection in the brain). We're hoping that this is not the case however, if it is, the doctor's feel that they caught this before it got really serious. So.... today has not been a terrific day to say the least. What gives us hope and fortitude is knowing that these girls are strong and have shown us that they have some pluck - I'm sure they get that from me! 

Because Emily and Heather have been mimicking each other's symptoms for days, the doctors have decided to go ahead and check Heather for any infections as well. She too will have the same blood work and spinal fluid check as Emily and both girls will be put on antibiotics. Emily has been started already on these and will likely remain on treatment for up to 3 weeks. Heather will be put on antibiotics as a precaution for now and then decisions as to how long she will remain on the medication will be determined once the blood cultures are back. That takes up to 48 hours so we're in for some nail-biting over the next days.

On a positive note...well, Caitlyn is showing signs of increased activity today and was more than eager to suck on her soother when given the opportunity. She definitely has her own issues to deal with - she is a bit slow to gain weight and I guess there is still the risk that she too might sucumb to similar ails as Emily and Heather. As a precaution, the medical team has decided to go ahead and investigate her (Caitlyn) as well for any infection. She was just getting her spine poke when Grandpa Bill and I left for the night tonight at 10pm.  For now, we look for the positives and take the set-backs in stride. These are all fairly common for pre-mature babies; however, when they are yours, it makes it all the more difficult to accept that in your heart. 

Anyway, after many tears and hugs, we all plod forward. Grandpa Bill and Grandma Pat will likely (reluctantly) make their way home tomorrow barring foul weather. In typical Calgary fashion we are experiencing a Spring snow storm. My friend Jen also left today after a week of helping us out which we were all very grateful for and have few words to express our appreciation. 

So...we sit and wait, hold vigil, pray, cry, and chat sweet nothings into the ears of these very sweet girls. I left the hospital this evening at 6 pm feeling very helpless however, returned home to a very vibrant and energy-filled 2 year old. Jennifer is a bright light in the storm. She is full of love and cuddles and is so good for our soul(s). Looking at her makes me realise that we have to have faith as I recall just 2 years ago we were feeling equally vulnerable and helpless as we watched Jennifer struggle through her pre-mature trials. 

Thank you to all again for your your support and well-wishes - we are truly blessed and feel thankful for all that we have in family, friends and love.

- Jan