Deanna Linz~TV Host and Pageant Coach

Wanted to give an update on Carter. I included definitions as far as what some things are. Thank goodness for Google! This explains things better than I can.



Carter has had a few quiet days, thank goodness after Saturday. Nothing really has changed except minor changes to his vent. We spoke with the third year fellow last night and he did say to us that in his three years as a fellow he has never seen lungs as sick as Carter. I also blatantly asked him if this can be resolved and he did say yes but he will need to get the advice of others. I am taking this as positive but we know that Carter has really sick lungs. Pulmonary Blebs are uncommon in preemies and being on a vent for 47 days is also damaging to the lungs. They try to be informative and keep us in the reality of it all at the same time. At least they are not giving up hope.



The also spoke with us that there is a POSIBILITY and I say that is more of a … “hey we will keep an eye on it”….that Carter may have NEC.



What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis?

A gastrointestinal disease that mostly affects premature infants, NEC involves infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the bowel (intestine) or part of the bowel. Although it affects only one in 2,000 to 4,000 births, or between 1% and 5% of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, NEC is the most common and serious gastrointestinal disorder among hospitalized preterm infants.

Today he is having a head Ultrasound. His platelets are low and have been consistently so they are checking for where they may be going or if he is just not producing enough of them. He has had multiple transfusions. Because he has IVH, they are just doing the ultrasound to rule out possibilities so at this time there is a not a point of concern. We will get results today.



(INTRAVENTRICULAR HEMORRHAGE Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a generic term that refers to bleeding that begins in the germinal matrix of the brain’s ventricles. This condition most commonly affects premature babies. IVH is graded into four categories from mildest to most severe: subependymal haemorrhage or Grade I IVH, intraventricular hemorrhage or Grade II IVH, ventricular dilatation also called ventriculomegaly or Grade III IVH, and intraparenchymal hemorrhage due to rupture of the blood into the brain from within the ventricles or Grade IV IVH.)



They did an x-ray this morning but the doctors have not reviewed them yet. They had a new admit and rounds. By noon, we should know if there are any changes and if anything will change from a medical perspective today. I am just waiting.



It does feel like everyday there is something and Carter is our little “Rocky” as far as continuing to push through. We are very proud of our little man.



Weight 2 pounds, 5 oz and 14 inches