Surgery was a SUCCESS

Josiah got his bath at 1:30am.  He got his last feeding from 2am-3am.  Then, he napped.  We left at 5am for the drive into Children's.  We arrived at the hospital parking garage at 6:15am and were checked in by 6:45am.  First stop, pre-op admitting.  We were escorted to the pre-op holding area.  Josiah was hungry by then.  Luckily, he recently discovered his thumb which was successful at pacifying him :)

At 7:50am, members of the team arrived.  Nurse Tom allowed us our hugs/kisses with Josiah then took him from me.  He immediately voiced a fondness for our little man.  Josiah was given an oral sedative and handled it like a trooper.  Nurse Tom wrapped Josiah in his favorite blanket, gave him his favorite stuffed animal, and CARRIED him to the O.R. (that made me smile).  Carl & I were escorted to the family waiting area.

The RN liaisons there are wonderful.  They made us comfortable, assured us that updates would be provided, and stayed in constant contact with us.  At 9am, the surgeon came in to introduce himself and explain the procedure.  The wait began.

The first call came around 10am.  Josiah had handled anesthesia well.  The incision had been made at 9:30am.  He was transferred to a heart/lung machine at 10am.  The transfer to machine went smoothly.  Josiah was stable and doing very well.  Carl & I walked around and tried to waste time.  We made our way back to the waiting room at 11am.  At 11:40, the second call came.  The repairs to the heart had been successfully completed.  He transferred smoothly off the heart/lung machine.  They were about to finish the procedure.  Josiah was stable and doing very well.  What great news!

At 12 noon, Dr. E. came in to speak with us.  The VSD was much larger than anyone predicted.  It was partially covered by a valve which is likely why it fooled us early on.  Dr. E. was able to move the valve, repair the hole, and gently slide the valve back into place.  The ASDs were numerous (about 5-6) and were all closed successfully.  They performed an echo cardiogram, which confirmed that repairs had been completed with great success.  The elevated pressure in his heart immediately registered as normal :)  Josiah is "ahead of schedule" in terms of stability and recovery - what great news this is!

He's being moved to ICU as I update this blog.  Within the hour, we will be able to see Josiah again.  We're trying to prepare for that first glimpse....pure ecstasy and, perhaps, a little heart break.  Josiah is on a breathing tube - I know that will be the hardest thing to see.  My heart is still leaping for joy that my little man has come through surgery without complication.  His heart is whole and is beating on it's own.

Josiah should be able to be removed from the breathing tube later today or tomorrow morning.  Then, he can start nursing again.  Expected stay 5-7 days.  We can't wait to bring him home.  I already miss the older boys :)

I can't thank you all enough for your kind words of support and encouragement.  We wouldn't have gotten through today without you!  It's a beautiful journey and I'm glad you're able to share it with us.

Off to ICU....I can't wait to see Josiah <3

The Day Before Surgery

We took Josiah for pre-op testing today.  He had an EKG and labs, which all came back normal (a big relief).  His weight had dropped from 9.3 lbs to 8.7 lbs since Friday....that was frustrating to hear.  Given that he's been on Lasix since Friday, the medical staff was not surprised by the weight loss.

We spoke with a member of the anesthesiology and surgery departments.  Releases were signed.  We were given a tour of ICU, Josiah's first stop after surgery.  We can bring a computer, as long as we don't plug it in (Wow!  I guess I'll be leaving the computer at home LOL).  We can have a drink in Josiah's room, as long as it has a cover on it.  We can eat, as long as it's in the family room.  We can have our cell phone, as long as we're in the hallway outside of the unit.  Ok, looks like this stay won't be quite as comfortable as I had hoped.  The priority is Josiah so it matters not.  Sometimes, a little extra comfort just helps.  Oh well.

We were home by 2pm, which was nice.  We all took a nap.  I checked in with my folks; the boys are doing well.  We've cleaned up the house a bit.  I'm not planning on getting a lot of sleep tonight.  It's 10:43pm now.  We still have to pack for Josiah (and us).  Josiah needs a bath.  And, finally, I need to feed him at 2am to allow him to eat before his 3am cut-off time.  We're leaving the house at 5am to assure the 7am check-in time.  Traffic can be horrible, even that early.

It's hard to imaging handing my 3 month old baby, and all the control, to a surgeon in a few hours.  It's hard knowing that they will stop his little heart from beating, in order to fix it.  It's hard knowing that he will have tubes, and breathing machines, and goodness knows what!  I just keep reminding myself that it's become a fairly common procedure, and success rates are very high (98-99%).  It's hard knowing that he will be in pain.  On the other hand, I am grateful that he is too young to know, too young to be afraid, and too young to remember.

God, please take care of my son!
Josiah, be strong my littlest angel <3

Preparations for the week to come....

My mind has been reeling.  Constant check-lists going through my head.  Have I contacted everyone I need to?  Have I cancelled appointments that were previously scheduled?  What do I need to pack for the boys?  What do I need to pack?  What needs to get done at the house before we leave?

The phone call came Friday morning.  Pre-op Tuesday.  Open-heart surgery Wednesday.  So much to do now.  My first call was to my Mom who graciously agreed to take the older boys for most of the week.  Jesse will go to school on Monday; James will have his EI appointment.  Then, off to their grandparents house for the week.  Jesse's teacher has already been notified of his anticipated absence this week.  Playgroup has been notified of James's absence this week.  I've notified the pediatrician and EI.

It's been a fury of laundry this weekend.  I need to be sure the we all have the clothes we may need for the week.  Jesse's bag is packed.  James clothes are ready to be packed.  He's in bed, so this will wait until morning.  Blankets, best friends (ie, stuffed animals), etc will all be packed last.  I've explained to Jesse what's happening.  James just knows he's having several sleepovers at 'Mimi's' house :)

Tomorrow is a busy day.  Finish packing the older boys.  The lists keep running through my head.  Don't forget to pack this; don't forget to pack that.  Jesse has school.  James has EI.  Their favorite hairdresser is coming to our house to cut their hair.  Josiah has EI.  I'm going to try to squeeze in a trip to the dentist in the a.m.  Still, I need to find time for laundry, packing, post office, and grocery store.  Later in the day, we'll take the boys to my parents' house.

Tuesday, pre-op.  Wednesday, surgery.  I will stay with Josiah until he returns home.  Carl will make the trips back-and-forth from hospital to home.  Knowing ahead helps.  I'll have clothes, snacks, a few DVDs, and my computer with me.  I won't feel so out of touch.  I know that will be helpful.

Our new DS parent friends are great.  One has already told us she will be bringing us a care package while we are there.  Another has told us she will be checking on us.  Carl's brother is coming by to check on us.  Aunts/Uncles have offered to assist.  Friends have offered an ear and a hug, as needed.  They may sound like small things, but they are not! 

"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." - Mother Teresa

Everyday, I am humbled by the support we receive from others.  We couldn't ask for better friends or family.  We hope they know how much we appreciate them.

"A friend is someone who reaches out for your hand...and touches your heart." - anonymous