I keep reminding myself that Alex's health, being a baby with Down Syndrome, could always be worse. He still has PDA, Patent Ductus Arteriosis. According to Wikipedia, "the Ductus Arteriosus is a blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta. It allows most of the blood from the right ventricle to bypass the fetus' fluid-filled non-functioning lungs." Patent means stuck, so PDA is the failure of this duct to close. It is fairly common in DS babies. It's also why Alex has been on oxygen for the last month or so.
DS babies can also be slow growers, particularly with PDA, because so much energy goes into breathing that there's not much energy left to grow. With supplemental oxygen, the baby's body is able to use its energy to grow. Phew! I'm glad I am able to get the explanation out onto the blog, to where I can now refer people who want to know what this is.
At the doctor's office yesterday, Alex's oxygen level was 96% on room air. That means that he now only needs to wear the oxygen cannula while he's asleep. Yay!!!
Mr Cutie Booty is getting a little cranky. I think he's hungry. I need to go attend to him. Take care for now!
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