Hearts and Hospitals

Here's Ryan again, still under the Bili lights. They are hoping to have him off of the lights tomorrow so we can hold him more often. As he digests more milk and gains more body fat, it will be easier for his little body to process everything and he won't need the lights as much. At least he looks cozy!

We will try to get some better pictures of his face once he's done under the lights. He has tiny features and lots of blonde hair! The doctors gave us an update about his heart. He has an unusual set-up in there! Nothing that is detrimental to his health, but we will follow up with the cardiologist as he gets older so they will know more. The doctors said they have never seen his particular artery growth before, so they don't know how it will affect Ryan. 

Here's the medical info, as we understand it: The aorta is a candycane-shaped artery off the heart that takes blood to the rest of the body. Normally it curves to the left of the heart, but Ryan's curves to the right. There isn't an issue with this but there is a slight complication because of it. While checking his heart for a "PDA," which is a typical issue most preemies have, they found something unusual. There is an artery that is open while in-utero to divert blood away from the lungs since they are not needed. After birth this artery closes. It's still open with Ryan, which is called a PDA, but that isn't the problem as it will close on its own. The combination of the two issues has caused the PDA to branch off the aorta in a place the doctors have never seen before. Because of this, the PDA is in a position to constrict the esophagus and trachea when it closes. Even if this does happen, it won't be a problem until he starts eating solids. If it does become a problem, it can be surgically repaired- a very simple procedure.

This is not something we have to worry too much about and it can be easily repaired if need be. The good news is, though, that even though Ryan does have a "PDA," it does not need to be treated and will resolve itself on its own. So- that's that!

 Here are a few pictures of what the kids have been up to while Mom and Dad take turns visiting Ryan.

 We all hang out in the NICU family waiting area. They have a lot of books and toys for the kiddos. Jack and Callie wanted to play with the stroller quite a bit, but they also tried out the new and interesting toys.

Callie liked the little people chairs and tables. She gathered some play food and sat down to "eat" a meal. Then, apparently, thought it might be fun to stand on the chair. She better be careful...

Callie thought the mirrors were pretty funny. She loved to squish her face into them and laugh at herself. She was having a great time!

And, of course, there was a TV with the kids' PBS shows playing. That kept them occupied for a bit when they were growing tired of waiting in the limited space.