Low Flow

Today is a huge milestone for Jacob.  He is now off high flow oxygen and simply on low flow oxygen.

He will look the almost the same in pictures so it will be hard to explain and notice the difference but I'll try.

Since he came off the ventilator (which has a breathing tube that mechanically pushes breaths), he has been on a Vapotherm breathing machine that  distributes humidified and heated oxygen mixed with air at a high flow rate into the nose.  Jacob has been taking his own breaths, but the high flow has helped keep his airways open.  Now he is on a very low flow of pure oxygen (still through the nose) and he is keeping his airways open on his own.  The flow is only 0.04 liters per minute (the decimal is in the right place, that is not a typo!).  For reference, he was as high as 7.0 liters per minute high flow vapotherm several weeks ago)

The low flow, along with not having any spells where he drops his heart rate, means he is considered stable now and can do more things, most importantly we can hold him a lot more!  He could also move to a less intensive area of the NICU but I'm not pushing for it since I actually like our spot.  We are now in a "big boys corner" - his two neighbors are also very early preemie boys who have been there awhile and have gone through a similar journey.  I would rather stick with them and their families we have gotten to know, rather than be next to new babies every few days. 

For about 6 weeks now, we have been prepared for the idea that Jacob would come home on oxygen.  His doctor said it's over a 95% chance.  Even last week his primary nurse said he will go home on oxygen.  So today I asked his respiratory therapist what flow rate the home oxygen systems can handle.  I was stunned silent by the answer.  She said the home systems do not go as low as the flow he is on now, they are only for babies that need higher flows.  He is on such a low flow rate now he should wean off at the hospital, and it pretty much looks like he will not have to go home on oxygen!  Of course it is not for sure, he has to keep up the good work, but it certainly seems favorable.
Today I am overwhelmed with joy and praising God, for great is His faithfulness to Jacob and our family.  Thank you all for keeping Jacob in your prayers.

Jacob on low flow oxygen!