Elliott Update

Chronological Age: 12 days
Gestational Age: 30 weeks, 2 days
Current weight: 2 lbs, 15 ounces
Current length: 16 inches

Elliott continues to do amazingly well considering his gestational age.  As of this weekend, he is officially a "feeder grower."  He has been off all respiratory support -- no CPAP, no cannula, no oxygen of any kind -- since Saturday.  He has only had one spit up of consequence since coming off the CPAP and is tolerating his feeds well.  He is currently receiving 27 CCs of breast milk every 3 hours.  That just under a ounce per feed or a little over 7 ounces a day.  He no longer has an IV or any other form of nutrition.  He is still receiving caffeine, some sodium chloride for electrolytes, and some vitamins.  Everyone, including the medical staff, seems completely surprised by how well he is doing.  I think the four days of labor bought us important time for steroids for his lungs and magnesium for his brain.

We learned he did suffer a grade I brain hemorrhage, but unlike the hemorrhages suffered by Truman, grade I bleeds generally resolve themselves with no long-term consequences.  His next head scan is on May 30 to see if the hemorrhage has resolved itself or worsened.

We are a bit concerned at this point about bradycardia episodes that he began having over the weekend.  Generally they only last a couple of seconds, and he is able to maintain his oxygen levels and recover on his own.  But, the nurses have had to stimulate him a few times to get  his heart rate back up on episodes over the last couple of days.  While these are common, we really hope he outgrows them soon so that they don't delay his homecoming.

We are also looking forward to his gaining some weight.  At this point, he seems to be stuck between 2 lbs, 14 ounces and 2 lbs, 15 ounces.