Monday, 2/28

As Gilda Radner used to say, "It's always something". That's sure been holding true for our little buddy the past week. He continues to be on the right track in terms of his infection and respiratory status, but now we have a new hurdle. On the right side of his neck he had an infiltration from his PICC line that created a massive blister that has now burst and spread. So he has about a 1-1/2 to 2" wound there. I don't really understand all of the mechanics of it but basically there was a fluid build up there that has caused this to happen. It is in a painful spot. They are putting "silvidene" on it, a cream frequently used on burn patients, to help it heal. Plastic surgery was coming by to look at it today but I wasn't able to stay to hear their assessment because we are having another snow storm. Basically they will make a recommendation on how to treat it. Worst case scenario would be surgery (a skin graft) but speculation about that is very premature. Right now they are just changing the bandage every four hours and hopefully it will heal. He is at risk for "contractures" (a thickening of the tissue that makes movement more difficult) so as his swelling goes down they will be working with him to make sure that that area doesn't get too stiff and tight. It's all very complicated. Speaking of his swelling, it has gone down the tiniest bit. The good news is he's been a peeing machine so hopefully that will continue to go down. To give you an indication of how swollen he is, his weight is now 1710 g. That's up 500 grams from last week and almost double what he weighed when he was born. Throughout all of this he has continued to be the sweetest, bravest little thing. He is definitely an amazing little boy.