Welcome to our site about our son Brodie Dick who will join our family on August 8, 2011 at 8:00. At 22 weeks we went in to find out if we were having a boy or a girl and we found out that we were having a boy but that he may have a birth defect. After an agonizing week we found out that our son had CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia). CDH occurs when the diaphragm fails to fully form, allowing the abdominal organs into the chest cavity and preventing lung growth. CDH occurs in 1 of every 2500 births and a baby with CDH is born every 10 minutes. 50% of babies diagnosed with CDH do not survive. The cause is not known. This will be a journal of our journey and will allow our family and friends to keep up to date on what is happening with us and our son Brodie. Thanks for your prayers and support!


Saturday, October 1, 2011

Slow Steady Day

Brodie was steady most of the day yesterday and did not change much. He started the day on 78% oxygen and he is ended the day on 78% oxygen. The good news is that he seems to be a little more stable but the bad news is that we need to get him at least into the 60's so that they will start to wake him up. Yesterday morning's meeting was really good. All of the top doctors for neonatology were there and they all put in their ideas and came to a consensus for his future care. We don't know how things are going to turn out but one thing we are sure of is that he is getting the best possible care. Most of the top neonatal doctors are involved in his care and are invested fully in Brodie and will see him through until he leaves the hospital. They are increasing his flolan and lasix. If the increase in lasix doesn't decrease his fluid retention they will start him on a steroid. We hope that he can start to shed some of the fluid because it not only makes it harder on his lungs and heart to function, it is getting more difficult to see him so swollen. Overnight and this morning he has stayed the same except for one major episode he had in the middle of the night. His heart rate went down into the 40's, they had to bag him and were about to start chest compressions. Luckily his heart rate came back up and he had no other issues. Hopefully they can start to wean his oxygen today and we can get him moving in the right direction. Thanks for all your support and prayers. Sorry we didn't post yesterday we are exhausted and our brains are fried. We hope everybody has a great weekend.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank God for stability! We are still praying for his complete & total healing! Everything in God's time & I have my faith & trust in God's restoration for Brodie. ALL GLORY BE TO GOD THE ALMIGHTY!

Anonymous said...

The similarities between Brodie and my daughter still amaze me. I read this blog every day and it nearly mirrors Tori and her days in the NICU. She went through 3 rounds of stedoids and I am a firm believer they had a huge part in turning her around to go in the right direction. They did wonders for her lungs! Each time she got one her lungs got stronger and stronger. Again, different scenerios between our kiddo's but it was definatly a bright light of hope for us.
Love and light to you, LaVona, Bradie and Brodie

Lindsey said...

I am glad that the meeting went well! It sounds as though Brodie has amazing parents that do not give up, just like his parents and certainly all of us. We won't give up on him. Do not apologize about not posting! As much as we want to know what is going on, we know how much is on your plate. You are all in my prayers. Keep fighting, Brodie.

Fran said...

Continuing to give thanks to the LORD for Brodie's amazing stabalization yesterday--I remember a story about a tortise and a hare and slow and steady was the way for the tortise to win that race! On my way to church--will continue to ask the Ladies Sunday School class to pray for Brodie's healing and your family's energy level to be refreshed. My G-d will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
xxoo Fran

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers. I have a 14 month old cdh survivor. I know how stressful it can be. Stay strong and know that there are many people praying for y'all.

Take care
Christie Hensley
Katy, tx