7 Nov - IV Day

Today was a tough day for all of us, but especially Tyler and Becca.  We went to visit them for our noon Kangaroo Care and were faced with a tough decision.  Both of our little bundles of joy were needing new IV's nearly every 12 hours.  The medical staff had decided that it would be best to replace their IV's with PICC Lines, however it would be ultimately Nicky and my decision because there are some risks involved (potential infections, blood clots.....).  After prayer and additional consultations, we decided to go ahead with the procedures.  A PICC Line is a a deeper sort of IV/cathater that gets the fluid into their bigger veins, more central in their bodies and can last, if needed for a very long time.  This would reduce the number of pokes they are getting, to avoid introduing a new IV a couple times a day.  Because of their age and jaundice, their little veins haven't been lasting as long as they would like.  The procedure is done by specially trained nurses (Jennifer in this case - also a friend of ours, praise God) under sterile conditions and normally takes 30-45 minutes. 

Nicky and I left for church and anxiously awaited a phone call the see how the procedure went.  Unfortunately, we got news we weren't hoping for.  Jennifer attempted the PICC line with Tyler twice and neither time could his little veins take the cathater.  She decided not to try anymore since the reason for the new method in the first place was the reduce his trauma.  Thankfully, the current IV in his scalp is continuing to do well. 

A few hours later, we got a call that it hadn't gone as planned for little Becca either.  They got the line in, but then checked for proper placement with and x-ray and realized it was not place where they wanted it, so they had to partially pull it out until it was in a less optimal location.  Both Tyler and Becca are going to continue to need IV's or PICC Lines for another six days to assist in supplying them some additional fat and nutrients.  If they continue to do well, by day 12 or 13, they can be removed.

After church and dinner with some great friends (Steve and Dana), Nicky and I made a late night run to the hospital to see our little troopers and pray with them.  We got a great update from their nurse (Courtney) who told us that she had been praying over Tyler and his IV and that it would last for the next six days.  We feel so blessed to have them under such good care and feel very confident about their progress. Tyler's weight is 2lbs 14oz and Becca is 2lbs 13oz as of today.

We continue to be overwhelmed with support.  Our kitchen had been trashed, from the few moments we have been home, just with enough time to eat and run.  We came home tonight with a spotless kitchen (thank you Cindy) and fresh food in our refridgerator (thank you Erin and Mr. Oiler).  We are truly blessed to be surrounded by so many loving and caring people. 

Thank you and good night!  Love, Tim & Nicky.

Shoulda had a V8 (Becca)