Max comes to visit every afternoon and today we got to hang out in the Sibling Play Area for the first time! He had a blast! What a wonderful space and opportunity for him and us!
Austin continues to be stable. Today was much of the same...had to go up a little bit on his sedation and consecutively increase his epi (the last presser) to keep his blood pressure up! He did not have any replacements today meaning his TPN covered all his nutrition and he's still "pooping" well. At times when he's awake today, he breathes over the ventilator so that is good news in preparation for coming off the vent.
Surgery is scheduled for 12:30pm tomorrow to put in the Broviac (long term IV access). His nurse this afternoon said since he's already on the vent, it should only take about 30 minutes or so. Dr. Valusek (surgeon) and Dr. Kiragu (Intensivist - ICU doctor) then plan to taper his sedatives and start him on other pain medication overnight tomorrow night. Hopefully, they will discontinue the ventilator on Thursday. The thought is once he's off the sedatives, he will no longer need the epi.
We know Austin will do things his way, so please continue praying for a smooth few days! Again, we are so appreciative of all the messages, phone calls and people offering to help! Right now we have been blessed with full access to the Ronald McDonald House for food and a room each night. Many of you are asking how to help and I truly wish I could tell you exactly what we need, but at this time our needs are being met. We predict (and have been told) that once Austin is awake and much less critical, Brian and I will begin shuffling life between kids (one here and one with Max). This will present challenges. We are grateful and know our support team (you) will be there to help!
I will update tomorrow after surgery. Good night!
Love,
Tara and Brian
Max and Austin
Austin continues to be stable. Today was much of the same...had to go up a little bit on his sedation and consecutively increase his epi (the last presser) to keep his blood pressure up! He did not have any replacements today meaning his TPN covered all his nutrition and he's still "pooping" well. At times when he's awake today, he breathes over the ventilator so that is good news in preparation for coming off the vent.
Surgery is scheduled for 12:30pm tomorrow to put in the Broviac (long term IV access). His nurse this afternoon said since he's already on the vent, it should only take about 30 minutes or so. Dr. Valusek (surgeon) and Dr. Kiragu (Intensivist - ICU doctor) then plan to taper his sedatives and start him on other pain medication overnight tomorrow night. Hopefully, they will discontinue the ventilator on Thursday. The thought is once he's off the sedatives, he will no longer need the epi.
We know Austin will do things his way, so please continue praying for a smooth few days! Again, we are so appreciative of all the messages, phone calls and people offering to help! Right now we have been blessed with full access to the Ronald McDonald House for food and a room each night. Many of you are asking how to help and I truly wish I could tell you exactly what we need, but at this time our needs are being met. We predict (and have been told) that once Austin is awake and much less critical, Brian and I will begin shuffling life between kids (one here and one with Max). This will present challenges. We are grateful and know our support team (you) will be there to help!
I will update tomorrow after surgery. Good night!
Love,
Tara and Brian
Max and Austin
Sending good wishes for a successful surgery and continued positive progress!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you all!!
ReplyDeletePrayers for a smooth surgical procedure and continued progress after that. Thank God for Ronald McDonald House.
ReplyDeleteThat is why Ronald McDonald House is there so glad you are using it. It's a wonderful thing. Prayers to all of you!
ReplyDelete