Baby Jack was extubated at 12:18PM today; the third attempt in five weeks. After the tube was removed, a mask was secured to his tiny little head that provides supplemental oxygen. For the first few hours he was clearly uncomfortable but his vitals were stable and promising.
At about 6:00PM Jack grew tired and started to struggle. He had a number of "bradys"(a pause in breathing that lasts longer than 20 seconds, causing bradycardia or a drop in the blood oxygen level). What breath he has is pretty shallow and his medical team is working with him now to apply techniques for viability. Preliminary x-ray results are not encouraging and there is the possibility that Jack will need to be intubated again. This would be very detrimental to him.
If you're reading this, please pray with us that God will give our boy the strength he needs to breathe on his own. A decision will be made very soon as to whether or not he will need to be re-intubated. We will post an update here as soon as we're able. Thank you, dear friends.
UPDATE 10:00AM 12/29/18
When Lisa and I left the hospital yesterday the doctor told us to expect a phone call in the middle of the night informing us that Jack would need to be intubated again. I am very thankful to report that the call never came. While Jack is far from out of the woods, he is still extubated and holding steady at this hour.
Jack has Atelectasis, or collapsed lung, on both sides. Various therapies are being applied to treat the condition but he will continue to be in respiratory distress until his lungs open up. He’s putting up a good fight and we’re grateful that the Lord continues to give him strength. Thank you to all who have been praying.
Psalm 103:2-5 - Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.