Jumpin' Jack Flash - Gus Gets New Gas!

When we arrived to see Gus today his doctor and nurse practitioner followed us over to his isolette to see our reaction to him being off the ventilator. An hour before we arrived they had removed his ventilator tube and put him on a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) bubble oxygen feed. This is a big deal - the first time in his life that Gus no longer needs a tube down his throat to help him breathe. The next 48 hours are critical as he receives three more steroid and caffeine treatments to strengthen his lungs and keep him off the ventilator.

Here is Gus with the CPAP oxygen feed on. Little prongs go about .25 inch into his nose and provide continuous pressure into his nasal cavity. The little bandage around his chin is just a gauze pad taped in place to keep his mouth closed so the oxygen doesn't escape. He has had the respirator tube in his mouth so long he isn't sure what to do with the freedom of having his mouth clear. Gus was really sensitive from all the changes so we didn't get to touch him much.

This is a time for strong prayer for Gus' success off the ventilator. Today has also been very trying for Jill and me as these changes and the concern we have for Gus is at a high point right now. The roller coaster just got the better of us...

Blessings,
Gregg, Jill and Gus