Daniel's Heart

-Daniel has had a pretty big, eventful day today for a little guy.
-The phototherapy lights has been turned off - Daniel is no longer jaundice!
-The Neonatalogist thought she heard a heart murmur and called in the Cardiologist. The Cardiologist confirmed the Neonatalogist's findings - Daniel does have a heart murmur. This is very common in preemies. The official diagnosis is Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). PDA is a heart defect common in preemies. Everyone is born with a large artery in their heart (Ductus Arteriosus) that normally closes on it's own right after birth. However some babies, especially preemies need a medicine to close the ductus. Daniel will receive 3 doses of a medication to close the ductus. If the medication does not work the ductus will be closed with surgery. (We are praying that the medicine does work.)
-Daniel's vent settings having been turned down and he is currently at 12% oxygen. The doctor said that if Daniel continues to adjust well to lowering the vent settings then he will be off the vent by Tuesday.