First day post op.

So just updating everyone on Chris' progress today. First of all, he was extubated last night and has done extremely well off the ventilator. The top lobe of his right lung is slightly collapsed, so he has high pressure oxygen going through a nasal canulla to try to reinflate it. He is off the Melernone drip which is one of the main things that was keeping him in PICU. He is taking all his meds orally very well, and I even fed him three times today by bottle! He did so well. Our goal is to keep the feeding tube out and to not get any fluid in his pleaural caths. (He is doing this all well so far) He is awake quite abit and is very alert. He is still being medicated for pain and swelling, but very lightly. All he has right now is his IV, ART line and his pleaural caths. He still does have some external pacer wires, but hasn't used them since right after surgery. Even a couple of hours after surgery he was already doing all the work on his own, his own pacemaker didn't even have to kick in. He has cried quite a bit, which is always rough, but it is a much better sound than one might think. We are hopeful to be going to Peds early tomorrow. Other than that we are checking on him often. He is moving through recovery so well, he has impressed all the nurses and the cardiologist with how fast he moving along. We love you guys and thank you for your love support on prayers.

Visit with little man

Just got back from visiting Chris. He was quite out when we got there but woke up and opened his eyes and stretched his legs. He is on a few meds and of course has all his drainage tubes. He is expected to be in PICU for at least a day. He has to show that he doesn't have to use his ventilator before they'll move him to Peds. They will manage his pain and keep a close eye on him for the next day or so. That is when there will be complications if there is going to be any. Keep praying for little man. He is such a strong boy. I am so surprised with how much he has gone through, and yet he still smiles and has such a bashful and cheery personality.

Saw our baby boy!

Rob and I got to see Chris when he was wheeled in his little bed. He looked pretty bad, but a lot better than the last surgery. He was all pink due to the rerouting of his bloodflow. He will have pretty bad headaches because of the increased bloodflow to the upper body. We are now waiting for a phone call from the cardiac case manager so we can go see him. We are so thankful for all of your prayers. His left lung did collapse due to the vent being placed to far down, but it should resolve fairly quickly.

Off Bypass!!!

Within the length of time it took me to get online and update the blog, Chris has gone on bypass, had the repair done, and is now off bypass. The surgeon is working on closing his chest. I am so glad we wont have to see him with his chest open like last time. Rob and I are heading up to Peds as we speak, to see him as he goes by. We aren't allowed in the room until he is fully set up with all his drains, tubes, and vent. I know it is going to be hard but he is doing so well. They said he has been doing great. I am so greatful for everyone's fervent prayers. I know he is in the Lord's hands. We may not get a chance to update for a while, since we are going to be with him as soon as we are allowed to. Thank you everyone for everything.

1st update

Our case manager just updated us and they are doing great in surgery. They put his CVC line (central line) in his neck. And his art line in his left wrist. The surgeon has done the initial incision and has started looking at the scar tissue. They said that he is doing great. Keep praying.

Day 1 Emmanuel: Surgery

So... we've been here since 6:45 and the surgeon and anesthesiologist came to get Chris about 15 minutes ago. They explained how Chris' shunt will be removed and said that the surgery typically lasts about 5 hours. We will be getting an update on the progress in about an hour. I will let you know what the update is when they let us know. Keep little man in your prayers. He is a fighter but I know he needs our help. Please pray for the surgeon and mom and dad too. Pray very hard for us.

Hard days ahead.

Hello all. I don't write very many posts like this, but today, I have to. I am feeling very sad. I don't know why. I have know reason to be. I have the best husband. He makes me laugh so much and I can never stay mad at him when he gives me his puppy dog eyes. It sounds stupid but it's true. I have the best three boys any mom could ever have. They do drive me crazy from time to time. But they all bring so much joy and love into my heart. I can't even remember my life before all my boys. I have so much love and support from the best group of family and friends anyone could ask for. We have so much, and want for nothing. And I am thankful, everyday.

But today sadness has come over me. A feeling of deep sorrow. I am so scared for my little son. I love him more than words can ever express in any language on any planet in any universe. He is my precious angel, and I am not ready for what lies ahead. He is supposed to be in our family and he is supposed to be my son. He brings so much life to us. He brightens my heart every day. He will open his sleepy eyes, and the first thing he does is give me a huge bashful smile.

I need all your prayers now more than ever. I am thankful to have so many Christian friends and family. Please pray for him, please pray for us. I don't know if I have ever needed strength more than I do now. Please pray for the surgeons, and the perfusionist, and the anesthesiologist, all the nurses who will be caring for him. Pray like you have never prayed before. I believe in the power of prayer. I know our prayers are heard. I love you all. I hope that this image that has brought me some comfort today doesn't offend anyone. And if it does, I really don't care, its my blog.

Ere you left your room this morning, did you think to pray? Oh, how praying rests the weary, Prayer will change the night to day. So, when life seems dark and dreary, don't forget to pray.