On the Road to Recovery
We were able to see Sam last night after he got settled in the CICU. Although he was wired for everything and tubes were going in and coming out, he really looked great! There were a couple things about his appearance that made us a little uneasy:
First he was really puffy, making him look BIG. Apparently, after such a traumatic event, the body just naturally wants to hold on to all the fluids that he was given during the surgery. We’re told this is common and the swelling should start to go down in a day or two. In the mean time, he’ll look like a little Sumo wrestler.
Second, his chest is still open. We were warned before the surgery that this was a possibility, as this too is common with this kind of procedure, in case they need to go back in for some reason. Although we were warned, it still takes a lot of getting used to.
Some things we were really happy to see were that Sam’s little feet were warm! Usually, because of his circulation, they were always a little clammy, but now they’re nice and toasty. Also, his oxygen level is around 99 – 100%! Awesome! We were so happy.
As it turns out, it was a good thing Sam’s chest was still open, as we did have a little scare last night. We were home for about twenty minutes when we got a call from the hospital telling us that they had to go back in. Sam’s chest started bleeding again, so they had to go in to find out what was causing it. We loaded back up in the van and headed back to the hospital as quickly as possible… it was a painfully long trip. By the time we got there, though, Sam was fine again. It turned out that some clotting was blocking the drainage tube from his chest. Once they cleared this out, everything went back to normal.
As of this morning, Sam is doing great. There is minimal draining from his chest, and the incision site looks good. All his vitals are where they should be, and he’s been opening his eyes. We’re headed to the hospital now to go see him. I’ll update this when we get home with more news.
Update: We just got home and Sam is doing great. So great, in fact, that they need to keep him sedated; as soon as he heard Laura’s voice he started wiggling and trying to move around. Since his chest is still open, they need to sedate him to keep him still. We couldn’t talk directly to him or touch him because the “stimuli” would cause him to move too much. We see this as a good sign; the kid’s got spunk! Also, they said they could close his chest as early as tomorrow, but it will more likely be Monday.
God is Great!! That is awesome news. We will be praying for a speedy recovery for your little guy and praying for Max as well as I’m sure he is missing snuggling his bro.
So relieved to hear that all is going well! We appreciate the updates. Sam is in our prayers. Love, Sue and Wit
Glad to hear Sam is doing well. We will continue to keep Sam and Max in our prayers. I passed your email on to a friend of mine who is a minister. She added Sam and Max to the prayer list at her church. She also will continue to pray for the boys. Take care. Love, Rose, John and JC
We are just now reading this & of course I am in tears. I cannot imagine what y’all are going through right now. Y’all are amazing parents with an amazingly-strong little man!! We are SO happy to hear that he is responding to voices & stimuli…that IS great news.
We will continue to pray & think about y’all. Please please please let us know if we can help in any way. Thank you so much for the updates…
Beth & Read
Wonderful news that Sam is on the road to recovery, George! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Be strong! From Jane Good (and many of your new team mates)
Thanks for sending along the fantastic news!! I am so thrilled for you all. What a relief it must be to have the worst over with. I will pass the word to family and will continue to keep Sam in my prayers. Hopefully he’ll be home and playing with Max before we know it! Love to all. Aunt Nancy
So glad to hear all went will. You all have been in our thoughts and prayers. Take care and will be in touch soon……..
Hey George. You and your family (especially Sam) have been on my mind, in my heart, and in my prayers all the way through this. I am SO happy to hear Sam is doing well. I cannot begin to imagine the roller coaster you have all been on. You are are all amazing. Godspeed! Deborah
HI.. been following the progress and the family. I am An old Friend of Colleens now living in Florida and I just want you to know that your family has been in my prayers for a long time and that you are all very special and deserve the very best! Lots of Love from Florida.
Terranova’s