Ben is doing OK. We spoke with the doctors today and were able to find out a few things. The lab work for the chromosome tests came back normal, so thus far they haven't been able to tie any of Ben's problems to genetics. With the help of a diuretic his breathing appears to be improving some, but it is still fast at times (more often than we want). His Jaundice is improving again as well and will probably be out from under the lights again tomorrow. The improvements in breathing and jaundice will both help with how tired he has been, so that is good. The cardiologist says he doesn't need heart surgery right now, but may at some point in the future. It is not life threatening at this point and they want to see how much can be repaired by his body on it's own or possibly with the help of drugs before they go to surgery. Their main goal at this point is to get him to gain some weight. Gaining weight may help the holes in the heart close up, and if he does need surgery they would prefer he gain some weight before that happens as well. Ben also got examined by the physical therapists today and they will be working with us on how we can help him gain some muscle and strength.
After our visit there today, Melissa feels better now about Ben being at Primary Children's. We both feel he is still in need of special care and he is getting it there. We will try to keep everyone posted on his progress and if necessary, but hopefully not, any setbacks.
Logan is doing well. Not quite sure how much all of this is affecting him yet. He has been spending a lot of time with his grandparents Kim & Kaylene, which he really seems to be enjoying. Unfortunately, because it's RSV season Logan can't come visit Ben. And we are hoping Ben comes home before RSV season ends (usually in April). Logan came to Ogden Regional with us last Sunday, so he could at least be a part of it. Him and I played in the Ronald McDonald Room while Melissa visited with Ben. Primary Children's has certian days when they do activities for siblings, so hopefully we can get him down there to be involved in that. Also, Grandpa Larry will be here later next week for a couple of days, so he should enjoy that as well.
Anyhow, I need to get back to work, so until later, bye, & thank you.
Ben has really improved lately. He is off all of his heart medications. He has also started eating better. He is still breathing fast, but it doesn't seem to be a problem for him, it won't keep him from coming home. What is keeping him in the hospital is that he isn't taking full feeds (where he finishes his bottle every time without any being fed through the tube). Until he can do that for a couple of days he has to stay there so that they can make sure he isn't going to get dehydrated or lose too much weight. Lately he has been taking over half the amount in his bottles by mouth, so he is getting really close to full feeds.
