February 2nd

If you've been keeping up with Casen's changing diagnosis, get ready for another switch! I mentioned before that they identified a bacteria in his blood that they assumed to be Group B Strep. The preliminary blood culture actually showed "non-typeable Beta-hemolytic Strep". As you would guess, this means there are several different types of Strep infections. Group B Strep is one of the more common Strep infections in newborns; however, his final blood culture identified Group A Strep (GAS). GAS is the same bacteria that causes strep throat. It can also be found as normal flora in certain places on the body, but has the potential to cause more serious infections. The antibiotic Casen is on will treat GAS as well, so there is no need to adjust his medication. Some people can actually be unaffected carriers of GAS, so they've recommended that Bryan, Collins, & myself take a 5-day course of antibiotics just in case. The infectious disease doctors want Casen to complete a full 10 days of IV antibiotics, so it looks like we will be here for another 4-5 days at least.

Casen's doctors decided this morning that he was stable enough for his breathing tube to come out. They removed the tube successfully & Case is breathing well on his own - praise God! While the tube was in place, Case was unable to make any sounds. As they've weaned him off of his sedative in the past couple of days, he's been more restless & uncomfortable with the tube. Several times Case would "scream" without making a sound - how sad! :( Now Case has his voice back & we love hearing all of his little noises... even the screams! Once the tube came out, we were able to hold him for the first time in 5 days. WOW - what a great feeling!

Yay! No more breathing tube!!

They had to watch Casen for 6 hours after extubation before allowing him to eat. He made it through like a champ & was rewarded with 2 oz of breast milk for his hungry tummy! If he keeps up the good work, we may be able to breast feed some time tomorrow. We also may be able to trade our room in the PICU for a regular pediatric room as early as tomorrow.

Collins continues to do well & can't wait for her brother to come home!