Friday Jack was very uncomfortable because his tummy was distended. We had to work through some constipation issues with Jack, which had us all a little worried because he was in so much discomfort. We spent Saturday waiting and waiting and waiting to leave the ICU. Jack was ready to be moved, but we had to wait on a room to open up for him in the heart center. Finally a room became available for him that evening.
Having a room in the heart center was amazing! There was a fold out couch and a cot so Gordy and I could both stay with Jack during the night. We also had our own bathroom and shower which was such a blessing. The next day we checked out of the Ronald McDonald House so another family who was in greater need could use our room.
Jack didn't seem to mind the wait. He was so entertained by his grandparents. Gramma sang him a sweet lullaby that would soothe him. He especially liked being able to watch Tangled with Gramma and Grandpa Lake and Gummy Bears with Lolly and Pop on their Zooms and iPads. Of course he had lots of toys from home to keep him company.
The first day in the heart center was also a little stressful. For an entire day Jack would not eat. We tried everything... baby food, nursing, bottle, juice, water. He was just not interested. We think that it was because his throat was sore from being on the ventilator and because he was uncomfortable with his chest tube in. His eyes were sunken and and the soft spot on his head was sinking in too. The doctors were just about to start him on I.V. fluids again when Jack decided that it was time to eat. Thank goodness.
It turns out that it was a combination of things keeping him from eating. He was on morphine still because of the chest tube and once the docs pulled that pesky thing out, Jack didn't need morphine any more. Isn't it crazy that he was only on morphine for two days after having open heart surgery? Without the chest tube he only needs children's Tylenol to help with the pain. Once the morphine wore off he was much more cooperative with nursing. Not to mention it was much easier for us to hold him, which was really nice.
The white patch on his belly is where his chest tube was. The chest tube actually went all the way inside him and wrapped around his heart to drain the extra fluid that accumulated there. When they pulled it out we were all shocked at how long it was.
With the chest tube out, and once he started eating he was a completely different kid. We started seeing more and more of our old Jack. It wasn't long before he started to get really fussy, and Gordy figured out that Jack was just really tired of being in the same room. So we hooked Jack up to the portable monitor and cruised the hallways. He went on lots of walks...
... and even more wagon rides. He LOVED riding in the wagon!
One thing is for sure, where ever Jack went, he had a crowd of adoring fans following him! One by one his 4 I.V.'s were taken out, pace maker removed, chest tube taken out, and pretty soon we were ready to go home. We were thrilled to find out that Jack could go home on day FOUR after surgery when the typical recovery time for this surgery is 7-10 days.
The Wilson's loading up the cars while the Lake's waited for Rx refills.
Jack was really happy to be going home...
...really really happy....
... and this is what we came home to. So sweet of our friends to welcome Jack home! My parents bought us pizza and ben and jerry's to celebrate! Gordon and Sandy left the next day and my parents stayed an extra day to help us get settled in. We are so so grateful for all of the help they gave to us throughout the entire week.
I would describe the first few days being home like having a baby with colic, but having a set of six month old lungs to back it up. His sleep schedule was so thrown off. Every day is getting better and better though, and now Jack is back to his old smiley self most of the time.
If ever Jack has a time in his life when he doubts his capabilities or what he can accomplish, I can't wait to share these pictures with him and show him just how strong he can be. Show him how many people love him and are in his corner. Show him that even as a six month old baby he had courage and had a smile on his face even when things got rough. Show him that miracles can and do happen and that when we put our trust in Heavenly Father, things always turn out for the best. He has been such a teacher to me through this entire process.
2 comments:
So many blessings. We're happy for you and little Jack!
i am so happy for your little family. i am so happy that jack is okay. i don't really know you, and you don't know me at all, but we have a few mutual friends. (i lived at in the apartment at liberty square, and i believe you took over my contract). i have a baby 1 month older than jack and reading about his surgery had me crying my eyes out. you are very optimistic and i never felt nervous while reading, but i just pictured myself in that situation and i don't think i would have been as strong as you were/are. thanks for being an example to me. i hope jack continues to progress well. he is such a cutie! good luck!
-emily marchant
Post a Comment