NICU Warrior part 1
Baer was immediately admitted to the NICU at St. David’s North Medical Center. Keith followed the tiny incubator while Mallory was sewn up and in recovery to make sure our baby boy was not alone.
Fast action was taken to place a chest tube and hook him up to a ventilator. An EKG was also performed with other imaging to track his known medical complexities. One of the VSD’s had already closed and even though his aortic arch was still narrowed, his heart was beating strong. One might even argue too strong, as his blood pressure was very high. His testes were undescended, but this was not concerning at the moment as he was still considered preterm. A quick inspection was performed and confirmed his feet were positionally clubbed. There was also a strange scar on his abdomen. His initial blood work showed electrolyte imbalances, high BUN, and high creatinine. Because there would be a need for ongoing blood work and close monitoring Baer also had a UAC/UVC placed.
Now came a crash course into parenting in the NICU. We weren’t able to hold our baby because of the UAC/UVC, but we were allowed to help with diaper changes, which we looked forward to each time! Similarly because he was on a ventilator and then a nasal cannula in addition to the UAC/UVC, breast feeding was out of the question. But, with wildly imbalanced electrolytes, breast milk was the best so the pump became Mallory’s best friend. Most importantly, we learned to listen to every single detail and take notes at every check in and morning and nightly rounds with the neonatologists.
We learned quickly what the changing electrolytes, high blood pressure, and creeping creatinine meant that Baer’s “small and bright” kidneys just weren’t functioning. Baer’s doctors at St.David’s started the initial conversation with Dell Children’s Nephrology department and then introduced us to the future need for dialysis and eventual transplant.
After five days of highs, like getting off the ventilator and onto a cannula, and lows, like aggressively spiking potassium, the very difficult call was made that he was going to need more on going specialized care and the transport team was called to take Baer to Dell Children’s Hospital.
We became fast friends with our nurses and doctors and are eternally grateful for their guidance and help during the unknown of the first 5 days of Baer’s life. (Looking at you Lana, Gabby, Annmarie, and Dr.Su among many others!)
