Today was a much more relaxed and peaceful day for Eli. No major procedures or operations, just lots of fluids, peeing, and general merriment. The docs are slowly backing off his morphine drip and replacing it with another drug (don't remember the name) that still addresses the pain, but doesn't affect his respiratory drive like morphine does. The reason is because as soon as his chest is closed up they will begin to ween him off the ventilator machine, in fact today they already started turning the machine down and is doing a lot of the breathing on his own (or at least initiating each breath). All good news.
During evening rounds, the docs said that they want his fluid level to be -100 by 6am tomorrow, which means they want to see 100 cc more fluid coming out than going in to know for sure that his body can effectively drain itself. This morning he was at +30 and at about 6pm he was at -30, so he's making good progress. If he can meet this goal then they will almost certainly close his chest tomorrow.
Adrienne and I spent a little more time with him today as well. The swelling around his eyes has gone down quite a bit so he is able to open them and look around a bit more. We stayed close so he could see us. It was sure nice to see him being more active and looking around and starting to be a baby again after his surgery. We can't wait until he is IV and tube free and snuggled in our arms at home. However the nurse said that once they close his chest and remove the breathing tube that we can hold him again, which will probably be in just a couple days! Can't wait! As our friend Holly said, even though we can't hold him right now Jesus can and is comforting and loving him. That's all we need to know: Eli is being taken care of by his Creator, you can't ask for better care than that.
Please pray tomorrow that the docs will decide to close his chest and that the operation would go smoothly without complications. The nurse said it should only take about an hour, most of that time will be transferring him from the NICU to the OR and getting all of his wires untangled. We'll keep you posted on when things will happen.
Continued thanks for everyone's prayer support, we couldn't have done it without you, plus Jesus loves it when his people talk to him so I'm glad to be a part of that effort as well.
Good night.
Auntie Megs is all teary reading this. Can't wait for you guys to hold your baby boy in your arms...and this auntie (though I'm sure it's a ways off) can't wait to kiss and hold him too! :) Love you guys so.
ReplyDeleteRyan and Adrienne,
ReplyDeleteThank you so so much for these updates, and for allowing us the privilege to pray and watch what God does... it strengthens our faith like I'm sure it does yours. We rejoice in this good day, what a gift! Praying you through each step of the way.
One of the silver linings of this is to see your hearts, and the tender love you express for your children, both gifts from God. We continue to pray for Caleb too, as this must be very confusing for him... Praying that this weekend brings you moments of your wee son Eli in your arms again! Take care of each other...
I just left you a lovely comment, but I don't think it worked! Hopefully this one goes through. We were out of town for a funeral and weren't aware of everything that was going on with Eli. We are so sorry you guys have had to go through so much, but what better parents who know the Lord and are receiving strength and peace from Him!? We are praising God with you that Eli has come so far, and will pray for him and you all as you move forward. Let us know if we can help you in any way. We look forward to hearing more good news about sweet Eli tomorrow. Love you, Keith and Kelly
ReplyDeleteAuntie Katie totally ditto's Auntie Megs comment...including the crying part! Love you guys sooooo much! We're still praying...
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