Yesterday Joshua had a wonderful day. He was smiley and playful for most of the day and early evening. As 7 or 8 pm rolled around he became very irritable and cranky. He spiked a fever and held on to it until just recently. They are not too sure what the deal is and why he is again running a fever. He is still on the antibiotic and they ran cultures again last night. There is talk that being on a Lasix drip can sometimes cause a fever. (Something that is still in debate.....but an idea at least.) I was here at the hospital much of the night sitting with him because he was so crabby he wouldn't sleep. We tried several things and nothing seemed to sooth him. Not even huge doses of drugs. UGH.
So now for for the good news......see anything different??
HE HAS BEEN EXTIBABTED!!!! No more ventilator....WHOOOHOOOO! :-)
After much discussion about how all this was going to be handled, they decided best plan was to get it out. The last few days he was creating so much mucus that he was making himself throw up. They are also not 100% sure that the reason the H-flu cultured positive again was because of the tube. So, they took it out!
After it was out he "talked" for quite a while and played with his hand that is now not restrained. He found his thumb, explored with his binky and got to run his blanket on his face all by himself. Now that he is extibated he sounds very sad when he cries. After not hearing that sound for a month it was rather heartbreaking. This all brings us closer to the day when I will have a chance to hold him again.....The hope is just a couple more days. I think they should let me at least hold him for a little bit on his "Half Birthday" this Friday if we are not there before then. He is statting in the mid 70's and looks very comfortable. (Hooray....just hit 81)
There is not a long term plan in place yet. Dr Jeffries said yesterday that the surgeons want him to grow weeks....possibly months if he can. They think that the stints should buy us that time. He did say maybe he can grow for a couple months AT HOME! That would sure be nice but I am not putting all my eggs in one basket.
I have had several questions about our friend Natalie who was here for her glenn. She is doing great and I saw a pair of very happy parents escorting her out to the floor earlier this afternoon! :) I don't know how realistic this is but I would LOVE to see them all be able to go home as a family this weekend. She is looking good....so maybe!
Cindy and Murray came up to see us yesterday. It was very nice to see them. Tammy and Glenn will be coming up for a visit tomorrow. They will be very happy to see the progress that he has made. (Geez sis....you may even get a smile!)
Love, Leah and Joshua
