...and one step back

In the two steps forward, one step back nature of preemies, Tiegan took a step back tonight. He started to swell around his shoulder and chest on the side where the PCVC line through which his nutrients were being delivered was located. Simultaneously, his belly got bigger and more "loopy" (meaning the ridges of his intestines show through the stomach). Blood tests showed elevated white cells of the bacteria-fighting variety, suggesting an infection. It's likely either the PCVC (not common, but an ever-present risk and higher the longer the line is in) or an infection in his belly. We're hoping the former. In the meantime, the PCVC line has been removed and he's getting his nutrients through an IV again. Problem is, that only delivers about 50% of what's needed, so isn't a good option for more than a few days. The hope is that the antibiotics will take care of the infection in the next couple of days so that they can put another PCVC in.

Blood tests also showed low hemoglobin, likely the result of all of the blood that's been drawn for tests over the past couple of days. To take care of that, he's getting a transfusion, which should help him feel better.

We will talk to the surgeons first thing tomorrow and get a better sense of likely next steps.