We had a bit of a wake up call today. Dylan has been making progress every day, although his stay in the Cardiac ICU is turning into a longer one that we had expected. Some reasons for that:
*he required so much fluid the first couple of days it is hard for his body to get rid of all of it
*the fluid has soaked into his lungs and is being very persistent about staying there, which of course makes it harder for him to breathe
*he ran a fever the last couple of nights, which may have been caused by an infection (they're looking at the cultures every day to see if there is one) and they had to increase his morphine to help him relax
*the fever caused his blood pressure to drop which required more fluids
*when babies are on morphine for 5-7 days, their bodies become dependent on it, which means that instead of turning it off all at once we now have to do it slowly to avoid a bad reaction which will take days
So we are now looking at a hospital stay of closer to 2 weeks rather than the 1 week we were planning on.
The good news is that he is making progress. They get an x-ray of his lungs every morning to see how wet they look. Hopefully that fluid will finally start to go back into his veins soon so that his body can get rid of it. And yes, they have tried all kinds of medications to help his body do these things. He's been on about 10 different medications all at the same time.
Today he got a bath in his bed with the help of a special water proof sheet and a little vacuum to suck up the water. Yes, he slept through a lot of it. That's what morphine will do to you.
Having some clean hair and washing all of those adhesive marks and surgical sterilizer off has got to feel good!
Hopefully tonight the fever will stay away and he will be able to rest peacefully.
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He looks a lot more comfortable with his hair cleaned. That vacuum sounds pretty neat too. You're doing good Dylan!
ReplyDeleteThat last picture is priceless. He is so adorable. Hope the fluid continues to come off and that you can soon go home. We continue to pray for you.
ReplyDeleteOh Sweet Baby Boy (and your family too)-
ReplyDeleteHow we love you and wish we could take this away for you. Keep being strong! You are so handsome and such a miracle. We are praying for angels to attend you and help you and your family to be brave!
All our love-
the Adams
These pictures are heartbreaking. He looks so little to have so many tubes. BUT, I am so glad he is getting what he needs to have a fulfilling and long life. You are a strong family! Hugs and kisses to you all!
ReplyDeleteHey! Dylan must be feeling great after that bath! Please tell me how we can help here at home....does your Mom need anything? Will she be able to stay through the time that Dylan will need to be in the hospital. Justin has my cell number...please call if there is ANYTHING I can do!!!! Marianne
ReplyDeleteHe is so sweet...we will say extra prayers that he will get the rest his little body needs and that the fluids will absorb quickly. We are sick at our home...otherwise I would be visiting! Thinking of you all!
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