New Lines

Luke's umbilical artery catheter was removed yesterday. This is where he received all his medication and supplemental nutrition. It's been replaced by a PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) in his arm for TPN and an IV in his foot for the antibiotics. A PICC line is a form of IV access that can be used for a prolonged period of time. Its placed in the arm and advanced through increasingly larger veins, toward the heart. TPN (total parenteral nutrition) is a nutritional formula that contains salts, glucose, amino acids, lipids and added vitamins. My breastmilk is also being fortified for added calories and fat. Luke has nearly reached his birth weight...he is a whopping 3 lbs 1 oz and we are hopeful that this slow, steady growth will continue. Since the umbilical line is out he is spending a little time on his belly. We are told that this position helps with respiration and digestion in preemies. During his 5 o'clock feeding I was amazed at how his little swallow reflex was stimulated once the milk reached his belly. He also sucks some on the pacifier when he is fussy but the whole suck, swallow, breathe phenomenon is still several weeks away...he'll continue the OG feedings until then. Dr. Nijar encouraged us again this morning explaining that since timely antibiotics were given once the infection was identified he does not expect to see any residual damage from the meningitis. Only time will tell but we believe God is good.