CT results

The preliminary reading of Ethan's CT scan shows everything is 'normal' considering what he has been through. No congenital malformations. No major damage from all of his escapades. Just a lot of inflammation in the upper right lobe and secretions causing blockages in the small and medium sized passageways. Basically, this is BPD (brochopulmonary dysplasia). The secretions keep the air from getting to parts of the lung. The blood still goes there hoping to get new o2 and get rid of co2. Since there is no air there to complete the exchange his co2 levels remain high. I'm not sure why there is a problem with co2 and less of a problem with the o2. I suppose maybe they are able to give him supplemental o2, so that helps, but he's only been getting 35-40%, which is not a ton.

So, since all indicators are pointing to BPD and not some other obscure thing, Dr. Nordine has formed a three pronged attack to fight it.

1. Give him scheduled albuterol (actually a variant of albuterol that has less possibility of causing irritability) to lessen constriction and help open passageways.
   
2. Physically tap his back to help manually break up the secretions. This will help his pulmonary toilet. (NO, I did not make that up. That is actually the technical term for the little villi in the lungs that help you cough stuff up!)
3. Begin a second course of steroids to decrease the inflammation and hopefully get him off the vent. He is full term now, so there is little concern now of long term risks. Last time he had a very, very low dose of the steroid. This time they will do a more 'normal' dosage.

By the way, the big meeting of the doctors basically concluded that they would check CBC and C Reactive Protein blood tests to check for additional infections. I assume that these were normal since Dr. Nordine didn't mention it this morning. I forgot to ask. Then do a course of steroids to combat the BPD. So, that's what we're doing. Oh, and Ethan is doing fine after his extra restful nap. He woke up and was back to himself about 8pm.

Hopefully this will knock us down off the plateau and get Ethan moving towards home!!! We're going to take 3 month pictures soon. Thanks Jenni for making house... well nicu... calls. The nurses were excited to get Ethan spiffed up for pics! I just realized I should pick out some clothes. :)