We cleared another big hurdle today.....Christian underwent surgery to repair the hernia defect.
They first removed the ET tube that he's had and replaced it with a bigger one as he had a fairly big air leak. Hopefully, this will only help in his recovery as he will not be "losing" air around the tube. He did not like this procedure and his oxygen levels dropped during this. They increased his oxygen and gave him some time to recover before starting the repair surgery.
The surgery was more complex than they anticipated. The diaphragm "hole" was much larger than expected and the organs that had ascended into the chest were small intestine, stomache, liver and spleen. They was also an area of very "sick" lung tissue that needed to be removed as well as a mass of "extra" intestine that they removed (they called it some kind of a gastrointestinal duplication cyst). The surgeon told us that when they saw what he looked like after they opened him up they were unsure of how they were going to proceed and it was a very risky procedure. However, he was very happy with the outcome and Christian remained stable the whole time. Leave it to my kid to "freak out" during intubation but have his chest cut open and be fine.
They also told us that they do see a decent portion of healthy left lung so this is very encouraging. Obviously, we don't know for sure or how much for awhile but this gives us hope. We knew there was some aeration on that side already but hopefully he'll continue to suprise and delight us during recovery.
They have already started weaning his oxygen and are checking his blood gas regularly to ensure he is "put back" as he should be and is functioning ok.
We may even be a in a regular room with a window, carpet and a recliner in a couple of days! If Christian will tolerate the movement he could be held soon as well. They will start giving him small amounts of milk in the next week. Inititally, it will be thru tube feedings either thru his mouth or his nose.
We are so relieved, however, we still have a long road and are not in the clear yet. We will continue to take it day by day....or in smaller doses if we have to!
I will update on his recovery process.
For now, I will be grateful that my little fighter proved himself once again (Aunt Rachel suggested we rename him "Tiger") and we are one step closer to getting him home.
Mike, Aubrey, Owen and Christian
SO glad to hear that the surgery went well today! He is definitely a little trooper and God has His hand on Christian! His being stable through the surgery was something that was on my heart and prayers today, and it's so exciting to hear that he did so well. =)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to updates and pictures as things get even better and better... new room, time to hold him... what a reminder to me of how precious life is. Thank you for sharing so much of your life, you all remain in my prayers!
Heather(Hiatt) Sutter
Wow...what a day! I'm so happy for you all. I know you have a long road ahead yet but this was such a big hurdle to get past. I pray to see pictures of you holding him soon. Minute by minute...hang in there!
ReplyDeleteAnother step in the right direction. I am so thankful to hear that things went well today! Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to hearing more!
ReplyDeleteGlad the day went as good as it did. Sounds like I will have my hands full when I have your tough boys over for a sleep over. can't wait for it :)
ReplyDeleteHugs to you all,
Love T
Praising God! Each of you continue in our thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteSo excited to read about this great news!! Hope to read about more continued successes as he seems to be such a little fighter as you said. Again, we're here if you need anything! Sending continuous thoughts and prayers your way!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update aub! Been thinking of you all, & so glad the surgery went well, what a amazing little guy you have! (& his amazing mom!!)
ReplyDeletesending lots of love to you always Bethy