It's Been A Few Days

The internet has been down a lot at the hospital so I haven't had the chance to update in several days.  I will try to hit the highlights.

Maci had stopped taking a bottle, had to have a NG (feeding tube in her nose) but as of two mornings ago took it upon herself to remove it.  Her BFF Nurse, Sarah, decided to leave it out to see if she would take a bottle and here, two days later, NO TUBE.  Maci has been doing really well with eating. 
The docs say that kidney babies sometimes just do not want to eat....could be a yucky taste in their mouths from the medicine they use for dialysis, could be that the dialysis makes them nauseated....not entirely sure but we are back on track.

Maci has also not been gaining weight.  She's not losing a lot but she should be gaining.  The loss is believed to be from the dialysis taking off too much fluid so as of today, she is on a different percentage of dialysate (dialysis med) that we hope will take off less fluid and allow her to gain weight.  Her feedings are also up to 34 cc's of milk; that's just a bit more than an ounce. 

Next week the Nephrologist said they would begin increasing the volume of fluid going into her belly since she will be over 3 weeks from having her surgery from having her catheter inserted.  They wanted to give things time to heal before increasing the fluid.  He also mentioned giving her another short break from the dialysis again but didn't say how many hours.... 

Maci's blood pressure has been good.  She has only had her BP med twice in the last couple of weeks.  She is getting iron (by mouth) twice daily for anemia and she is still getting her shots 3 times a week to help with her hematocrit (it helps increase red blood cells).

Her labs have been so-so.  Her BUN which had been on the down fall has been up.  The Nephrologist said the increase was likely due to her getting rid of so much fluid and they hope to change that with the new dialysis med they started today.  Her Creatinine has still going down...up a little then back down...up a little then down.....you get the idea.  :) 

She continues to have wonderful nurses.  A few even take photos of her throughout the night so we can see her after a bath or doing something cute!  Those same nurses tend to spoil her, making her more rotten; just as good of a job than Rick and I were already doing!

Not having her home for the holidays is going to be difficult.  I will adapt just as I have every other day but it would be much more fun to show her off in person than in pictures.

Speaking of pictures....

 "Gangsta" Maci

Heeeeeeeeeeeeey 

Sweet Dreams

Rick and I continue to feel amazingly blessed by the concern, cards, prayers, calls, texts and friendships (old and new).  We continue to be overwhelmed by the love shown to us for our Maci Moo.  Thank you ALL!