Finally, some good news. Ellen spent the day, and it was a good day for all. Benny is out of ICU, they have reduced his oxygen dependency, decreased his meds, he is smiling again, and seems so much better. The pulmonology team was in to discuss his case, and did say that it still remains a mystery, they just can not get a diagnosis, which they are somewhat embarrassed about. They have sent babies home who eventually just recover. They have determined that he does have a weak esophagus (a preemie thing), which is a cause of the pooling of the milk in the trachea. He then needs to "cough it up" and get it down the right pipe. They have Beth nursing him in a more upright position, and she can listen for the signs of the pooling. Then she is able to help him "cough it up" by keeping him upright and getting it down the esophagus. This will avoid them sucking it out, which can be irritating. They do feel that it is a pulmonary issue and are doing a 24 hour "milk scan" tomorrow. They will give him radioactive isotopes in Beth's breast milk in a bottle and follow the trail of the milk.
Tomorrow, we have Edna there in the AM, and Cathy in the afternoon. Cathy and I will be there Saturday, so Thursday and Friday are open. It no longer seems critical that she has a "chest pounder" there, but I know it would still be helpful. If anyone talks to Beth, perhaps Fred can go over and hang out for a bit. Beth continues to manage the case well, and is on her game.
Hey, when this is all resolved, we can all say we were members of "The Chest Pounders Club". There is reason for optimism...thanks Charlie.
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