Today proved to be a busy day for Mr. Jake (and scary one for us). After getting the results of his morning blood draw, the docs decided he needed a transfusion. They described the cause as preemie apnea and explained that since he is growing faster than a full-term baby, his body isn't making red blood cells fast enough, and that a transfusion would give him the boost he needed. Authorizing the use of a stranger's blood was a scary prospect for Eric and me, but with no time for Eric to donate (the turnaround is about a week) and reassurance from the doctors that the blood is heavily screened and the lesser of two evils, we gave the OK. I was able to hold him as the blood was pumped into him over a two-hour period, and could literally watch him go from pale with blueish nailbeds to a healthy pink.Hopefully this will be the only transfusion he needs and will be a significant step in the right direction. Additionally, the docs started some meds for reflux. Between the transfusion and meds, we're hoping to resolve the apnea and brady episodes.
In the meantime, please keep up the prayers and consider giving blood if you can...not for Jake, but for anyone who might need it. (I asked the nurse if she had any information on Jake's donor, and she laughed. Guess they reserve the detailed descriptions for dating services and sperm banks.)
Anyway, that's the latest from the preemiecoaster. Here's hoping the ride is almost over.
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