High Blood pressure and more tests

I went home yesterday for a quick trip to see my boys in Twin Falls. I miss them so much. I returned back to Boise today to avoid the snow storms that are coming this weekend. I plan on staying here until Jackson goes home. I need to be here to nurse him, he's still learning. I'm not sure how I'm going to handle this emotionally, being away from my family for so long. David will hopefully bring them to see me on the weekends if the weather is good. James is having a hard time having me gone. He starts to cry when I tell him I'm leaving to go back. It brakes my heart, I sure miss them. I miss holding my little Bryan and singing to him at night. I have to keep reminding myself, this is only temporary and I will be home soon. I wanted to spend Christmas with my family, but it looks I will be here in Boise with Jackson.

Jackson has been having high blood pressure again. The systolic pressure is reading too high, as high as 114. They did an ecogram on his heart and the results were normal. They did an x-ray on his kidneys, and I will know the results tomorrow. The doctor consulted with a specialist from Portland to determine why Jackson is having high blood pressure. He ordered lab work for Renin Assey level and for Jackson to be on the medication Spironelactone (a diuretic). The doctors are trying to determine if there is something going on with his kidneys.

I know Jackson is going to be fine. He has received priesthood blessings that have given me much comfort. I know the Lord is watching over him and Jackson will grow up and live a normal life. I'm so thankful for him, he's such a sweetie. He is doing so much better today. I was actually able to hold him while his oxygen levels stayed normal. I need to post more pictures, I keep forgetting to bring my camera with me to the hospital.

5lbs 10 oz

Jackson is still having a hard day. He's had several Brady's (heart rate drops), and his O2 has been dropping. I've been very worried about him. The doctors are doing more tests to see what is going on. I hope and pray that he will do better soon.

Back on the cannula

Jackson has had a rough week since Sunday. He's been having high blood pressure and constant dessating. When I was holding him during his feedings he's grunting and groaning and having lots of refluxing. Poor little guy, he's been so restless and acting very uncomfortable. The doctors are trying to figure out what is going on. He had a chest x-ray done, some blood work and a urine test. So far clinically he's fine. I was told by one of the doctors that he may not being feeling so well because of the vaccinations he received on Sunday. His oxygen levels where dropping to low numbers and his heart rate was dropping, so he was put back on the cannula this morning.

I was also told today by one of the doctors that Jackson still had a long ways to go before he goes home and that he wouldn't be coming home for Christmas.

Jackson's brothers are excited for him to come home soon

Today Marks 60 Days in the NICU

David,

The doctor informed us today that Jackson will receive his third blood transfusion. His red blood cell count is low and he has been de-sating a lot the last couple of days. His lungs are mature so they will not put him back on oxygen. The doctor has also increased his caffeine dose due to his increase in body weight.

I will travel to Boise tomorrow morning and spend the weekend.

Heart and Eye Concerns

Marilyn:

I talked to the Doctor today and she informed me that the valve in Jackson's heart is slightly opened, which may be causing his heart murmur. The doctors will consult with a cardiologist and do another echo gram to determine what needs to be done. This may clear up on his own by 3 to 6 months, or he may need medication or surgery. Jackson is doing well clinically, so hopefully this will not become an issue.

Jackson had his eye exam today. He has ROP, zone 2 level 2. This means his risk has increased. We will continue to pray that his eyes and heart will develop normally. I feel like everything will be fine. He is in the Lords hands.

Jackson weighs 5 lbs 3 oz today!

I miss my boys and look forward to seeing them tomorrow evening.