Elijah has been a very unhappy guy since he got out of the cath lab. His narrowed airway has caused some issues, as I absolutely knew it would. He came out "very croupy," so his nurse gave him an epi neb and that helped immensely. They administered some medication to help him sleep because he was so panicky. I was able to go in and see him around 4:30 and he was just waking up. He seemed very uncomfortable, kept asking to get up and refused to keep his leg straight, which he needs to do because his cath insertion site is in his groin area. Dan and I did our best to keep him calm, but he got into Panic Mode and started the croupy breathing and his sats dipped. I finally just laid down on the bed with him and wrapped my left arm around him so he couldn't see the nurses and that calmed him down a bit. One of us has to be lying on the bed with him in order for him to remain calm....which is just fine with me! Snuggle time with my boy! Dan is lying with him right now and Elijah has dozed a bit. Nurses are out of the room, so there is CALM right now. This morning was very traumatic for him...honestly, it was terrible. I don't even want to think about it. I'll store that away in the Thoughts To Avoid part of my brain.
The results from Elijah's lung scan this morning were awesome! His lungs look great, way better than Dr. G expected. Bloodflow-wise, he basically has the lungs of a healthy person. This is seriously a miracle, considering all of the crazy arteries and super unique bloodflow going on in and around his heart.
Now for cath results! Dr. G ballooned Elijah's stent that is inside his right pulmonary artery and he also ballooned a portion of his left pulmonary artery. No other work was needed. Overall, Dr. G said things were a little bit worse off than he expected. The pressures in his heart have increased quite a bit in the last 15 months, which means Open Heart Surgery #3 is on the horizon. Like, within 6 months! Ahhhhh! Neither Dan nor I were expecting this. We knew it was a possibility that it would need to happen in 2011, but we didn't imagine it would be during or before summer. Dr. G wants to talk to Dr. M (E's surgeon) before giving us a set timeline, so I'm sure we'll know specifics soon. He made it sound like he really should have the surgery any time from now until six months from now.
I have to let all of this sink in a bit. Today has been a lot. The good news is that I think we might get to go home tonight! The earliest we'd be able to leave would be 9:00. And I have a feeling another epi neb will be in store before that happens, too.
Thank you for all of the prayers today! We appreciate them more than you know!
5 comments:
Yay for snuggle time! At least some good comes from these traumatic events:0/
Sounds like they were able to get some good info from this cath. Praying for a quick recovery from this one & for ease going through this next phase... also for strength & peace for all of you! (((<3 hugs <3)))
So thankful that you have gotten past the ugly and panic-filled moments and that his lungs look good! Sorry to hear that OHS #3 is on the horizon...try not to think too much about that until you have a firm date, ok? And when you do know, remember how far you have come and how many people are loving, supporting and praying for your beautiful family:)
Megan,
my heart goes out to you and Dan at this time. I know exactly what you are feeling. Relief that he has gotten through this, but the surgery is a blow to the gut. I pray for you and Dan strength and peace. Take one minute at a time. Elijah is a strong boy and God has big plans for him. We are sending love and prayers! I pray for Elijah a peaceful night.
Love,
Kayla Poret
Praying for a peaceful uneventful night & for all involved in the decisions being made.
Sending oue love and blessings your way!!!
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