Stint on the Vent

Sunday, April 15, 2012  10:10 pm

As Keely's earlier update implied, Morgan has had a hell of a past two days.  Yesterday morning, her fever spiked, she returned to the C-PAP (to no avail), then was treated with Nitric Oxide with the grand finale of being intubated and placed on the ventilator this afternoon.  Whew!  That's a-whole-lot of big things to happen to such a little girl.  To understate all that has happened, this is a setback.

We are not exactly sure what has caused all of this. She has been treated by two different doctors with two different opinions. The doctor that sees Morgan most often will return to the hospital tomorrow and we are eager to hear his stance. During her intubation procedure, there was a collection of cultures that have been sent to the lab to help us figure it all out. As is the case with most cultures, we will not receive those results for three to four days.

As we were with her this evening, she seemed to be resting well.  There is some medicine involved that is allowing her to calm down and be still.  Otherwise, her arms would still be waving like she was standing on a pedestal in an orchestra pit on Broadway.  When she opened her eyes tonight, she would look deeply at me as if to say, "Thank you, I needed this rest."  The medicine and machine are taking over and allowing her, what seems to be, a much needed break.  She has found her eddy and we expect her to begin paddling, again, in time.  We are not sure how long she will need to recover from all of this, nor do we know how far of a setback this truly is.  We are just happy to see her resting peacefully for the moment. 

While I've mentioned medicine, machines and labs, I would be wrong to not mention the nurses who are the genuine assets of UAB's NICU.  There were times over the past two days that required multiple bodies, minds and hands to care for Morgan.  A loving individual was never far.  They lingered nearby in the hallway, waiting for their call to service.  Sitting back and watching them was so special.  Each time one of their hands touched Morgan's skin, they were poking and prodding her little body for the benefit of her health.  However their eyes and facial expressions were so loving that I their hearts were amazingly visible.  At times her room was so full of caring nurses that there was little room to maneuver.  I have told many people that I do not understand how these wonderful individuals are able to do their jobs day in and day out.  It requires a brilliant mind, but also an incredible heart for service.  We are so thankful that they care for our Morgan in every facet.  We are lucky to be where we are and we are grateful for those around us. 

Further, we extend our thanks to all of you.  Thank you for your prayers, calls, texts, etc.  We are surrounded by wonderful people who we could never repay.  Thank you for loving us and our precious little Miracle Morgan.

Seth and Elizabeth McCoin

PS, I don't think Morgan is going to be an accountant...she already hates April 15...