Lots of new info

Hello everyone!! Have lots of info for ya today.

Thursday, Hayden had to have his ET tube replaced. He had several Apnea spells (quit breathing) Wednesday night and Thursday morning.. Because he quit breathing so much, Doctors removed the nasal prongs and put him back on the ET tube. We have attributed this to his retrieval of Lisa and Dustin’s stubbornness =) They are going to wait a few days and try all over again!! This is just a tiny setback.

An ultrasound of Hayden’s head Friday concluded that Hayden does have Hydrocephalus, a condition in which there is too much spinal corn fluid in the ventricles. This occurs when the natural system for draining and absorbing extra fluid does not work right. The ventricles enlarge to accommodate the extra fluid and then press on different parts of the brain, causing a number of different symptoms. This condition was caused by Hayden’s brain bleeding. Doctors are preparing a medical plan, which may consist of transferring him to Clear Lake Regional’s NICU (who has the best neo Drs.) when he is 4 pounds.

Treatment will start with antibiotics (which will probably not work). Next, Doctors will “tap” (insert a needle) Hayden’s head twice a week to releive the pressure and fluid. Current treatment also includes surgically inserting a shunt system. This system diverts the flow of fluid from the brain ventricles to another area of the body where it can be absorbed as part of the normal circulatory process.
A shunt is a flexible but sturdy plastic tube. A shunt system consists of the shunt, a catheter, and a valve. One end of the catheter is placed within a ventricle inside the brain or in the CSF outside the spinal cord. The other end of the catheter is commonly placed within the abdominal cavity, but may also be placed at other sites in the body such as a chamber of the heart or areas around the lung where the fluid can drain and be absorbed. A valve located along the catheter maintains one-way flow and regulates the rate of fluid flow. This will most likely happen in June.

On a positive note, Hayden is up from 1.6 to 6 CC of milk/formula!!! He is growing SO MUCH and keeps packing on the ounces!! He is cute as ever (of course) and loves his Granny Grump! He held her hand for a long time Friday!!!

Thanks for keeping updated everyone!!