Gianna's Progress

So sorry! The time gets away from me.

They did find a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) during Gianna’s heart scan. A PDA is a heart problem that is usually noted in the first few weeks or months after birth. All babies are born with a connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. While babies develop in the uterus, it was not necessary for blood to circulate through the lungs because oxygen was provided through the placenta. In some babies, however, the ductus arteriosus remains open after birth and becomes a problem. They found that Gianna’s PDA is small to moderate in size. The doctor started her on one round of Ibuprofen. They will continue this for three days. If they still detect the PDA after a few days, they will do another round. If this does not work, there is one more medication but it has increased side effects. If the PDA is still there, they would then consider surgery. The doctor and nurses who have listened to her heart in the past few days have not heard the murmur, so we are hoping that it is beginning to close! Please continue to pray for this to close! We know that this is common in preemies, and twice as likely to happen in girls than boys.

Ellery is still doing very well. Gianna and Easton are both off of the CPAP, but are on oxygen. If they continue to need this, they would consider putting them both back on the CPAP. This helps to build their stamina for breathing.

Thank you again for your continued support! We will update you as soon as we have more information.
Joelee