Roid Rage

Clara had a pretty good weekend, but her lungs were still not where they needed to be developmentally this morning. We knew this was likely and talked with several doctors over the weekend, including doctors from outside our practice group about what course of action to take. All of them told us the same thing; if it were their child they would give her low doses of steroids to reduce the inflammation in her lungs. Clara received her first dose of dexamethasone today and will continue receiving small doses for the next 72 hours. The doctors will re-evaluate her at 48 and 72 hours to assess the impact of the steroids and determine if any further treatment is required. We hope to avoid additional exposure to steroids, antibiotics, or a ventilator by beginning the treatments now, before her breathing gets worse.

There are developmental risks associated with administering steroids to babies. Steroids can weaken the immune system and increase the chances for impaired neurological development.  Those risks are less likely with smaller doses of steroids administered over short periods of time, which is why we are giving her a small amount for only three days. This was not an easy decision, but we believe it was the best decision in light of her current circumstances. We hope and pray it works. And who knows, maybe the steroids will finally help a McGarvey become a star athlete. Although if she has our coordination, we'll have to find a sport that only requires strength. Great, Clara's doomed to become a weightlifter.

While Clara is stealing the headlines, Wilson is doing everything he can to become a "normal" baby. He hasn't had any help breathing for over four days, is doing a good job maintaining his body temperature, and continues gaining weight. Today he tried nursing with Chris and it was very successful (for this stage of his life). Preemies typically do not develop the ability to suck, swallow and breathe at the same time until around the time they are 34 weeks gestationally. Wilson will not reach that marker until this Thursday, but was able to suck, swallow and breathe for a short time today. Chris even had to burp him when he finished.Wilson will still receive most of his nutrition from a feeding tube, but this was a big first step.  

This is the first time we've held him like a baby. The other times have been kangaroo care - skin-to-skin.