Hello everyone,
I went up and met with his Attending Pediatrician today to see if we can get off the plateau we seem to be resting on. We have scheduled a "Care Conference" with his team (the Osborn Team) including the cardiologist, the Gastroenterologist and Social Worker. This will be held Thursday afternoon. We'll all collectively know more about Carter's future progress at this time.
Thy have increased his feeds to the maximum of 30 calories and 25 ml/hour to help him gain weight. They are maintaining the diuretics to keep fluid away from his heart and lungs. (Yes, these two items do compete against each other.)
He possibly has an infection which they will know the results of tomorrow and will treat accordingly. His O2 saturation level still varies when the heart shunts and they are working to keep that in line. Too much O2 and fluid builds up and not enough O2 other damage can occur. The cardiologist wants his O2 sats to be between 80-85%.
They are working on his electrolytes to compensate for the diuretics work (again a competing treatment.)
Each Wednesday, the cardiology team meets to discuss the coming week heart patients schedule. They usually operate on the children they discuss each Wednesday. We should know shortly what the cardiology team is looking for in order to have a successful surgery for Carter. We know it is a matter of when and not if. To us, it seems that sooner is better than later since the heart surgery would fix many of the problems Carter is facing. However, later is better from a success standpoint so it is a balancing act.
We obviously want a successful outcome and want Carter to come home. Sadly, to get him home may require several more weeks of him at Primary Children's Medical Center. If we can stabilize him enough, maybe we can bring him home until they are ready to operate which would be the best of both worlds.
We're holding up good and visit Carter each day. Since they raised his O2 levels, he is more alert and attentive when awake but he still tires easily and sleeps a lot.
We should know more Thursday and will post something that evening or Friday morning.
Thank you for your love, support and prayers.
Love,
Alan & Kristi
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1 comment:
Wow Alan,
I have just read your postings for May. I don't know how you can keep track of all the details but it is amazing what we can do when we really have to.
Karin and I are wishing the best for Carter and that he will get his heart surgery as soon as possible.
You and Kristi are also in our thoughts during this time of stress and concern for you.
My stress over our big move has certainly been put into perspective. We get our new house on Thursday and the family will make that 300 mile move North at the end of May.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love from Canada,
Bruce and Karin
Sumbler
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