Hyrum Update - Tuesday PM

Hyrum is stable, and seems to be slowly progressing still. There is a little less concern about his liver, as it looks like a normal sick liver. They said that his blood pressure is doing better and better, and they have lowered the amount of Dopamine to "8". The newest thing is that they have inserted a PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) Line. The line was inserted in a vein in his head and runs down right next to his heart. It's used, as I understand, similar to an IV, but can be more permanent and is sometimes used when giving treatment to cancer patients. Usually PICC lines stay in a patients body for 14 days or so. The PICC line will help feed Hyrum.This picture shows what a PICC line generally looks like, but Hyrum's was inserted through a vein in his head, like I said. The nurses said that having a PICC line inserted in NICU babies is actually quite common. Yesterday, they sent out lung secretions and drawn blood to be tested for viruses at a central testing site in Murray, as they are now not as concerned about the cultures that have grown on the placenta. One of those viral tests have come back negative, but still no word on any of the others.

It was fun this afternoon to spend some time with Hyrum. He held Laurie's finger, then mine as he napped. It was cute to see him interact minimally with us. It was also cute to see his brow furrow, or him to make sucking motions. As you understand, Hyrum has been sedated most of his life, so this is exciting for us.

Hyrum's Bilirubin count has decreased a little and his color is better.

The other newest thing is that Hyrum is current under Droplet Precautions. That means that anyone interacts closely with him has to wear a gown with full sleeves, a mask, and gloves. The purpose is to protect us from any virus that Hyrum may have, because it's undcertain how dangerous it could be. Pregnant staff are not allowed near Hyrum, as another precaution, to keep their kids safe. Then, we are asked to put on hand sanitizer as we leave as well.

Every time we're near Hyrum, we feel of the love of each of you, and your kindness in keeping him and us in our prayers. We feel that we've been watched over, and we find strength from all of you.