What a day! God is still in the business of miracles and we received good news today on two fronts. First, Zander underwent an echocardiogram and the cardiologist said that he had a VSD, which is a fancy way of saying that he was not concerned with the pinhole murmur in Zander's heart. He just wanted to run another echocardiogram before Zander was discharged. Whew, one less doctor is a good thing right?
The bigger issue today was the procedure by the pulmonologist. He was unable to go through Zander's right nostril because of the suction catheter and we learned that Zander's left nostril is very narrow and will likely need surgery to open it by an ENT. Oh well, lose one doctor and gain another. However, Dr. Ledbetter (the pulmonologist) inserted the camera into his trachea and lungs through the mouth. He told us that the membranes in the throat are inflamed and the two flaps covering the trachea overlap due to the swelling. He looked at the trachea and told us that there was no stenosis (narrowing) in any part of the trachea and that the voice box and vocal cords are fine. He also told us that he looked at Zander's lungs and the left lung was fine, but he was unable to see the bronchials in the upper right lobe; however, from a practical standpoint this would not hamper Zander down the road. LONG STORY SHORT THE ZMAN IS OFF THE VENTILATOR!
Christie and I spent quite some time with Zander after the ventilator was removed. He does struggle with it since he cannot breathe easily through his right nostril due to the suction catheter or through his left nostril since it is a very small and tight passage. As a result, he is on a C-PAP machine inserted into his nostrils to help him with breathing.
It is hard to watch him breath because every few minutes he begins to cry; however, he does calm himself. He also has an increased amount of blood coming from his chest tube presumably as the result of the test. As we spent time with him, he was able to breath longer before he became frustrated and began crying. When he cried his respiration rate and oxygen would drop and his heart rate would climb. To further compound problems we were encouraged not to touch or talk to him so he could recover on his own and we could actually hear faint cries coming from his sweet little mouth.
We just arrived home from the hospital and Christie, Jackson and I are winding down from a tumultuous, but good day. We will check on the Zman before going to bed. All of the prayers for Zander are working and he told me to tell you thanks. In all seriousness, words cannot adequately describe our heartfelt appreciation for the love we have felt from everyone. Friends, family, hospital staff and people we have not even met have shared comments on the blog and they greatly uplift our spirits and give us strength.
Until tomorrow, sweet dreams and God bless each and everyone one of you. Goodnight Zman, Mommy and Daddy (and hundreds of others) love you and wish you sweet dreams.
Clancy
9 comments:
Zander's "baby steps" (as you had described it)
sounded like GIANT ones today!!!
Love the name 'Zman' because that reminds me
of a superhero - which I am certain he is going
to be!
Get some rest,
Mo
I am so glad to hear that Zman is continuing to improve, not hard to imagine with the genes he has though. I tried to call Zander, but it went straight to his voicemail, tell him I will be there to see him soon. Call me when you can, hope that all of you get some good rest.
Love ya,
Uncle Collen
Zman 1, Ventilator 0
Great news. Keep the faith and positive attitude--I'm sure Zander can feel that from you.
Looking forward to hearing more tomorrow. Good night...
Love,
Aunt Heidi and family
What a roller coaster ride! Yeah for NO VENT! It must be difficult not to be able to touch him, but he knows you're there. Dispite all your spirits are high and that's a battle in and of itself that you are winning. Keep up the good work.
I have been following your blog since little Zander arrived but have not left a comment. I have been so touched and awed by what an awesome God we have. I know Christie through Tres Dias (we worked Kathy V's weekend together).. Encouraged by the gains the little man is doing... and he is so cute! I am praying for you all!
"Dear God, we know You are awesome, but to experience Your Awesomness day by day is in itself awesome! Thank You for getting Zander off the ventilator and double thanks for the good heart report. While I am at it, thanks for the total healing You are even now in the process of bringing about in order for Zander to have a full life of serving You and bringing honor and glory to Your Name. Thank you, too, for the way you are not only sustaining Christie and Clancy, but also renewing their faith, strength, and perserverence every morning. You are, indeed, our light and our salvation that we need not fear and the strength of our life that we need not be afraid (Ps 27:1). Please bless Zander with unbelievable progress TODAY! And thank You, Jesus, for sacrificing Yourself that we can lift this prayer in Your Name." Bert
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Rest is His love and rely on His faithfulness!
Karen
God is good. He has Zman in his hands and is making sure he is healing. I saw in Zander this morning, a strength that God gives babies to heal and prosper. Zander is beautiful. He has his father's handsome smile and his mother's tenacity. He makes my day.
Gran Ma' Pat
Clancy and Christie, This little man is absolutely beautiful! Guess you already know that! We are praying for miracles for little Zander. God is absolutely still in the miracle business, remember He is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow and friends that means miracles are for today!
Love and many prayers! Amy Dover
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