Posted Apr 9, 2008 7:21pm

On April 8, 2008, McKenzie was extubated for a day and a half, been given food, and was finally sleeping well.

McKenzie is still off the ventialtor and doing well. Her main veinous line was removed today as well and not replaced. That is a very good thing because it means she is getting a LOT less medicine. She is almost off all of her heart medicines and her blood pressure is doing well. Her heart rate is still a little fast, but no different than when she is on the heart medicine. She is off her antibotics (meaning her lung infection from the breathing tube is gone). She is still learning how to breathe normally on her own, but progressing every day. (Her respiration rate is still fairly high, even when sleeping, but it is lowering with each day that she is off the vent.)

It is possible that she will be moved out of the PICU and back to the NICU by the end of the week. That will be a big step, meaning she doesn't need as much constant care. She will go from a room with two children and one nurse to a room with 5 or 6 babies and 3 or so nurses. Once in the NICU, the nurses will train us on what we need to do when we bring her home and home will be the next major step. We don't expect to have her home quickly, but at least it appears closer. I can't wait for Phin to meet his baby sister! Hopefully, it will go smoothly.
Mel

1 Message(s)

Posted Apr 9, 2008 8:01pm

by Charlene Dehn

Hi to all
Wow Phin has grown but I guess thats what happens when a year goes by. You can even see McKenzie's growth in just a few weeks. Just wait in a few years she'll be talking back to you and telling you "NO" just like our wonderfully independent 3 year old Morgan! Keep the updates coming and we look forward to visiting sometime this summer. Say hi to Jackie dog for us too!
The Dehn's (Char, Bill, Mo, Lo, and Sammy)