Trials Off Si Pap Start Today

Elias got a nice bath this morning and he seemed to enjoy it for the most part. His nurse had him disconnected from the Si Pap while he had his bath. He tolerated those few minutes beautifully. So she asked the doctors if we could try him on the collar (for humidity only, no pressures or oxygen). They approved and are going to give him a 30 minute trial later today. It truly is amazing how much the tracheostomy helped him. We are feeling a little better about our decision on this. After his bath they weighed him as well. He has lost some weight, he is back under 6 lbs (5 lbs 9 oz). He had weighed as much as 6 lbs 5 oz, early last week. Not 100% sure why he lost the weight. She weighed him on two scales to be certain. It is possible the diuretic he is on for fluid retention could be contributing and this is a more accurate weight. Although it looked as though his edema had subsided physically, his urine output had decreased dramatically. Putting him on the diuretic helped immediately so it's possible he was still retaining fluids without looking "puffy."

Overall, Elias seems to be doing wonderfully. He was giving a lot of smiles yesterday and resting comfortably in between cares. He is becoming more active and alert. Physical Therapy came in yesterday for a session. She worked on stretching his muscles, primarily legs, arms, and hands. She also gave him a massage which he apparently really enjoyed!! Occupational Therapy is suppose to come in today and make a new left hand splint. If you remember he was becoming quite the escape artist. They will also start working with him soon on neck muscle control, sitting up, and when he is able tummy time. They will also work on teaching him to nipple even though he will not be fed through a bottle, at least for now. All of this will continue even after he comes home. We will update you later on how Elias did on his trial.