5.18.2011

wednesday afternoon update

It appears Pierce has taken even more steps backwards in terms of ventilator settings today. The guess right now is that this is a result a two-fold problem: 1) they weaned on his steroids yesterday which has resulted in more inflammation and 2)the vent tube was too high and wasn't inflating the lungs properly causing a portion of his right lung to collapse. In addition, they are guessing that Pierce is experiencing some withdrawal from the pain medicine (Fentanyl) that he was on for so long. He doesn't seem to be experiencing bad withdrawals, he just seems more irritable than normal. Just to be safe, they are going to start him on methadone to help ease any withdrawal symptoms. Right now the goal is to get the closed portion of his right lung to open back up, which will hopefully help him be able to come down on the vent settings. I'm sure those of you who follow this blog have been able to get some sense of the series of ups and downs that the NICU life brings. And it appears that today we are experiencing one of those "downs," although we are widely aware that it could be much, much worse.

Please pray for us today. Pray that Pierce's lung will fully inflate and that he will be able to be weaned off the vent. Pray that he won't experience any serious withdrawal from the pain medicine. And pray that Nik and I will be reminded of God's sovereignty admist the chaos.

Much love,
Lindsay, Nik and Pierce

5 comments:

  1. God IS sovereign and will carry you through...no matter what His plan may be. Praying for strength, courage, and peace during this emotional roller coaster time for you all.

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  2. Pierce is a fighter and we are praying for all of you. Most people I talk to look at this blog at least twice a day. Cay you come to BBQ at Jim N Nick's tomorrow with Nik?

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  3. I know you don't know me but I came across your blog about a week ago and I can't stop checking it. I have to check the update everyday and I continue to pray for you and your little boy!

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  4. Hey Nik and Lindsey. We have been keeping up to date here and are praying for you and pierce everyday. Pierce will one day be a great man of God. He will do fantastic things for His kingdom. I know he has reached so many with this blog. I have been spreading the word about your blog and getting people to pray for you all! I miss you guys and I can't wait till you bring Pierce home in a couple of months so we can meet him!
    Love to you all
    Loren and Anita.

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  5. I came across this blog link on a friend's facebook page a few weeks ago and have been faithfully checking in a praying ever since. My youngest son was a 33 weeker so I've had a small taste of life in a NICU. My son's first 'playmate' was a little guy about Pierce's size. (Their incubators were next to each other.) I admired the peace and quiet strength of his parents and I 'see' it in you, too. God bless you and strengthen you during this time.

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