Clan Murph's Musings

Well, it looks like this little saga has a happy ending. I dropped Fiona off at school this morning and got to the hospital at 9:15. I walked into Cian's room right when the pediatrician was giving Blythe an update. It is always fun coming into the middle of a conversation and trying to decipher what is going on. The first good news was when I heard that his bilirubin level had dropped to 11.43. The next good news was that, while she might have wanted to have kept him til later this evening or tomorrow morning, she felt comfortable enough, with his levels dropping so much, to discharge Cian. As I write this, I am sitting on our couch holding my little boy. Alls well that ends well.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone that sent us email. Your words of love and support really helped Blythe and I get through this. We are incredibly fortunate to not only have a very strong, supportive family, but to also be blessed with such a loving, caring, supportive group of friends. We look forward to seeing all of you soon and introducing you to Cian in person. Thank you!

Hello,

Those of you receiving the babynews@clanmurphy.com email know that Cian was diagnosed this morning with severe jaundice or Hyperbilirubinemia, defined as a total serum bilirubin level above 5 mg per dL. 60% of newborns get jaundiced to a certain degree with it usually peaking around day 3 or 4 of life. Breast fed newborns, like Cian, are 3 to 6 times more likely to get jaundiced. Anytime the bilirubin level exceeds 12, they get concerned. His initial bilirubin level was 15.16.

The hospital pediatrician had him admitted in order to get his levels lower. She was concerned that his levels would continue to rise and stated that he was at risk for possible brain damage if the level passed 16. While I sat next to him this afternoon, as he lay in the Bili-lite bed, I read an article on Hyperbilirubinemia located at the American Academy of Family Physicians website. The article stated that bilirubin toxicity usually occurs when the levels exceed 20 and this was confirmed by the pediatric nurse this evening, but, as the bilirubin levels peak on day 3 or 4 of like and Cian is on day 2, their was the concern that he could begin to approach those levels. So, he began receiving the phototherapy at 2pm with Blythe breast feeding him every three hours. They also had us supplement with formula, which we were not thrilled about, but did to help his system breakdown and expel the toxins.

The results from his 5:30pm blood draw indicated that his bilirubin levels had risen to 15.54. As a result of this, they have switched him to a higher level Bili-lite bed that not only lights him from the top and sides, but also from underneath. He will remain on this overnight and they will run another blood test tomorrow. On a side note, one of the shittiest things I hate is watching my kids get their blood drawn. They had to stick him twice tonight because he clots fast. The lab technician was just doing her job, squeezing the crap out of his heel to get three vials of blood, but I so wanted to yank her off my kid and toss her from the room. I had the same feeling watching Fiona get her first immunizations. I know it is for their own good, but it still sucks watching your kids have pain inflicted upon them.

As you may imagine, this turn of events really put a damper on his supposed homecoming. Rationally, I know that most babies get jaundiced. Fiona had it to a certain degree, but it was very disheartening and frightening when the doctor brings up the potential of brain damage. The day turned very tense with both Blythe and Fiona becoming very distraught. Blythe, having not gotten a lot of sleep the night before and dealing with changing hormone levels, really had a hard time. Fiona clearly picked up on our fear and tension. It was really hard for me to remain centered and strong for Fiona and Blythe. Again, my rational mind tells me that this happens all the time, but, emotionally, I so wanted to break down and sob in fear that my little boy was in danger. With this internal struggle going on, I also had to try to focus on getting Fiona taken out of the picture and make sure that Blythe was getting the support she needed. Fortunately, my brother and his wife were able to swing by and pick Fiona up. She got to go with them and make chocolate chip cookies, which was a great distraction for her and allowed me to focus on Blythe and Cian. I went with Cian while they admitted him and then went back to check on Blythe. Blythe's mom and step-dad were moving down to San Jose today, but they were able to break away and come to the hospital to support us. My folks also dropped what they were doing and headed down to be there for us to lean on. They took over watching Fiona and really helped ease our stress.

While there is still fear and trepidation on my part, I have faith that everything will be alright. He is in good hands at O'Connor. Plus, he could be facing a whole lot of other problems, like other children in the Pediatric ward. Other than high bilirubin, he is in good condition. Blythe is at the hospital with him and I am at home with Fiona. We are trying to keep Fiona on a regular schedule as much as possible, so I will take her to school tomorrow morning and then head over to the hospital. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we get through this.

By the way, I would have posted more photos of Cian and fam, but it turns out the cable for the camera is at the hospital with Blythe. I will work on that tomorrow evening.

Here are some photos from my phone. Notice that Cian has incredibly long, freakish, orangutan like feet. Truly a little monkey.

Cian (KEY-IN) Thomas Murphy was born at 1:39pm. He weighed 8 lbs 9.5 oz, was 21 inches long, 14 inch head. Mom and baby are doing great resting right now. Fiona is incredibly excited to be a big sister and is very proud of her new baby brother. Will post pictures soon.