Can you believe Eli came into the world just over a month ago, already? Today marks one month since his first surgery, when he was only 2 days old.
After having to be re-intubated, Dr. MacDonald warned us that this week would be a long, difficult week because we wouldn't see any changes. All of Eli's changes would be happening on the inside. His lungs would be strengthening, his heart would be healing, and so on. However, we're not going to see any changes, so it's going to feel like we're stuck for a short bit. Tanya and I had already realized this ourselves, so we've sort of hunkered down to prepared to see... nothing.
Luckily, Dr. MacDonald was wrong! This week, Eli made some of the biggest visible changes yet! Sure, he's still intubated, but he's lost so much fluid and has become so much smaller! His head is finally larger than his chest again. We can see ribs when he breathes deeply. He has little arms and legs. His legs even fold in now, so he looks like a baby when he's sleeping, rather than being spread eagle because he was so bloated. He looks like a little baby! Before, many of the nurses would stop in and comment on how cute he was. Yesterday, the custodial staff was in there looking at him, making the same comments. We're awfully proud of our handsome "little man."
They've also taken out all catheters! Both of the last two chest tubes and the bladder catheter are gone. He's using a diaper, just like a real baby. And we don't have to change it, they do! The only tubes still in him are IVs in each wrist, and the IVC (IV line, direct to heart) in his belly button. The number one concern on his care sheet right now is the IVC, and the fact that it's been in there 30 days. Typical longetivity for that line is about 10 days. Being in there an entire month now, it's a very serious threat for infection. They would have removed it already, but they're having trouble getting a good "central line" for Eli. He's a hard poke. The doctors are starting to chatter about the possibility of putting in a Broviac line. It's a little invasive, and requires a quick trip to the OR, but it's a lot safer and affords better care for Eli.
Update: The IVC was removed late last night, and they were able to establish a couple other IVs. The Broviac may still be in his future, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
For today, we're very excited about his progress. Here's the little guy.
Discharged
8 years ago
4 comments:
We rejoice with you for the improvements you can see in Eli. He is a fighter and is working hard to be in your arms!
We thank God for this month of time (as hard as it is been) for us to lean on God, to be helpless but not hopeless, and to see how God will use our "little man Eli" to do great things for His glory.
Thanks for hanging tough, which doesn't mean you are always strong. It means you always crawl back into the lap of the Father who you know is ultimately in control!
Love you four!!!
Bonnie and Tony
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! It won't be long and Eli will try to be rolling over and out of his bed... then he'll really be getting the attention of the staff!
By the way, I loved the mini conversation on Amy's blog. After reading her most recent post, its a good thing that Paige doesn't prefer Kaitlyn... I hear she's a potty mouth :) Oh how I wish I was there to enjoy those fun stories and include the crazy things about my own children!
I love you guys and miss you too.
Seriously, I'm just not sure he could get any cuter! We are so thankful for the improvements this week, what a blessing from the Lord! We hold you all in prayer and continue to ask the Lord for complete healing! Love on that little man for us!
He is such a beautiful little boy! We're so happy he is doing so well. Don't worry about the possibility of a broviac, the complication rate and infection rate are miniscule. It is the preferred central venous access route once you can't use the umbilicus anymore. Love you guys. Continuing to pray.
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