Small is Good

This is a picture of Olivia celebrating.  We learned today the final report from her echo.  Her pda valve looked better than expected.  The doctors described it as small.  A resident and the attending, at different times, called the valve small.  So, being a good lawyer, I asked, is this a term of art?  What does small mean?  I wonder why they always smile the same smile when you ask lawyer questions.

Small is good.  The valve is not closed, but they are hopeful that it has made significant progress.  Most important, there is a small amount of shunt, which is the amount of blood the pda valve sends back to the lungs and heart.  The valve used to be huge--another official doctor term--but now it is small.

Olivia, we hope, has thus taken a very big step.  They increased her feedings to 2 mL of breast milk six times a day.  And she got her first dose of caffeine (to help keep her from forgetting to breath) in preparation for removing her breathing tube tomorrow.  With her small valve, Olivia now will get the chance to prove herself and handle increased breathing and eating responsibilities.  It is now time for her to put on her game face and get to work.  f she can be successful on cpap and with more food, she can prove that her small valve is no problem and can be allowed to finish closing in the next few weeks.  We're very proud.  How fast they grow up.

To celebrate, Lucas and mom enjoyed some kangaroo care.  Lucas said he was keeping mom's skin warm for his little sister, who hopefully will be able to enjoy some time with mom in the coming days.