Surgery Part II Day #36

Another day on the floor here and Henry is continuing to get stronger and stronger. Henry decided to entertain everyone last night by deSATing to the low 70s for a period of time. The nurse noticed he was pulling/struggling while inhaling and decided to check him out. After a good suctioning by the RT to help relieve some lung congestion, they also gave him some extra help with O2. A chest Xray this AM determined some effusion, collection of fluid, in the upper left lung (Henry's trouble spot). The providers decided to restart breathing treatments to help, and it seems to have helped a little today with the congestion. Henry's mood was a little off today and he had a little nausea, a little less of an appetite and irritability and we think either it is fatigue from the rough night or a little bit of the withdraw peeking through. He got a little extra Ativan to ease him through and we hope a more restful evening will help him have a better day tomorrow.


An Ear, Nose and Throat physician visited Henry this AM upon request of his hospital OT. She expressed concern about vocal cord damage/paralysis. They did a laryngoscopy, while Julie was holding him, which consisted of a tube going down his nose to check things out. They found that Henry's vocal cords are swollen, but just fine- which was a big relief! His speech should return to normal in the next few months. The OT advised thickening liquids just to be on the safe side to avoid aspiration for a few months. And luckily the formula to do this is sweet- maybe a bonus for Henry:)


The music therapist visited Henry again this afternoon and he enjoyed her company again. We also visited the play room and took a musical play table back to his room. Within minutes Henry was pulling up to the table from a sitting position in order to circle around the table... this boy is really trying to move despite fatigue. Makes me think we're in for a fun time with him once he gets his strength back:) Our job as mommas is to continue to find things that comfort/motivate/support him during this journey... a skill that we hope to continue getting better at even out of the hospital!


We discovered a new favorite of Henry's- chocolate shakes! We ordered up dinner with Henry's this evening and he ended up eating more of our shakes than we did- might have to be a regular occasion post-discharge... Tuesday night shakes anyone?!? We brushed his teeth and gave Henry bath tonight finishing up with some lavender scented lotion and he was literally sleeping while sitting up before we were done! I think he's due for a restful night - as are mommas:) Hope you're having a restful evening as well- thanks for checking in on our guy!


-Kate and Julie