Kyle had his laser eye surgery Wednesday morning to treat his ROP. We hope that his vision will be as close to normal as possible and will not have to have to undergo further operations. To understand ROP better please see http://www.schepens.com/retinopathy_of_prematurity.htm
Kyle started to wake up Thursday evening and should be switched from the ventilator tube to CPAP later today. The doctors will also try to see if he can tolerate his feeds again. Hopefully he will be moved from Level 3 to the Annex with Christopher tonight. Kyle weighs about 2.2kg now. He is now one of the "giant babies" we remember seeing 10 weeks ago now that he has returned to an isolette in Level 3!
Since his last infection Christopher has been gaining weight steadily and last night weighed just over 2 kg! His breathing also has improved as he matures. The nurses remove his cap and CPAP for several minutes during handling times to clean him and test how he copes with breathing on his own. Oxygen from a face mask is positioned nearby during this period.
Earlier this week Christopher started being taken off CPAP for first an hour then two hours once per day and breathes with low-flow nasal cannula. This is a plastic tube that wraps over the ears and delivers oxygen directly into the nose through two small prongs. It is the final step on his way to breathing without mechanical assistance.
Additionally, Christopher can be held by Christine when he is on low-flow and is being introduced to breast feeding, a new experience for both mother and son. At this preemie age he has problems with breathing, sucking and swallowing at the same time. But he is improving every day.
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