Ryan’s Fontan – post-op day 7 – because we all need a little excitement

July 8, 2015/Living with Special Needs

Y’all, mama’s tired. But there are important things to tell you. Right there at the top of the list is that my awesome sister, Dottie, arranged for a gluten-free pizza and side salad to be delivered to the hospital for me. It was delicious. I think I’m going to get her a Christmas present. For realz.

IMG_1743

Ryan also had successes today…

1. He did not need any in-room procedures…. well, I lie. We had one itty-bitty one, but I’ll get to that. Instead of the activity of yesterday, we had the opposite. Ryan slept pretty much all day. Yay for a kid who sleeps all day said no mother ever. I’m not looking forward to what the night holds.

2. Ryan finally went number two… he walked assisted to the bathroom, which is way worse than it sounds with 2 chest tubes, a medicine pole with leads and lines, a portable oxygen tank, and a high flow portable water tank. Seriously, it took three of us to get a 6 yr old onto the toilet. But there was success and I’m betting he’s feeling much better at the moment.

3. The white lie about not having any procedures today in #1 is that on the way back from the bathroom, I noticed blood dripping on the floor and immediately went into certified CPR/First Aid mode (thank you Girl Scouts!)  by looking to find the source and stopping it. It ended up that his Fontan line catheter came apart from the actual wire going into his body so it was dripping blood. We clamped it immediately and set about getting him into bed as soon as we could. Then the surgical fellow came and repaired the line. Again. Deja vu from yesterday.  But it was an easy-sneezy fix and took less than 10 minutes. (I was the one assisting Ryan walk while the nurses handled his lines and chest tube gear so I was in front of him and able to see the blood. They assure me I did nothing wrong and it could’ve happened at any point since it was already somewhat compromised.) I mean, listen folks, there’s no reason to be in an ICU if you aren’t going to have a little excitement here and there.

4. On the social front, we had a visit from Hannah – our regular babysitter from last summer who is doing an internship in DC this year. Ryan was excited to see her. When she walked into his room he said, “Hey!” It was super cute. I failed to take a picture. (palm to forehead)

IMG_1744

 

Pop and Marmi also came and brought Ainsley and Natalie for a short visit this evening. Ryan was ecstatic. He received a few cards over the last two days. Natalie helped him go through them, reading each one.

IMG_1747

Then they watched some of a movie. We were all sad to part ways, but it was nice to see the girls for the little bit they were here.

Ryan’s numbers continue to be good. His kidneys are functioning normally again, we are weaning off some of the medications, and are again weaning down from oxygen after going way back up during yesterday’s lung fiasco. Ryan’s ready to be done with some of these tubes and I don’t blame him.

I go to bed tonight a happy mama. Thank you for your continued prayers.

 

Comments (6)

  • johanna davis / July 8, 2015 / Reply

    Dottie wins sister of the year award. Good job dottie! So glad to hear today was a good day. Continuing to pray for you all.

  • Gail / July 8, 2015 / Reply

    Glad to hear you all had a less eventful day today! Praying you and Ryan both get restful sleep tonight and tomorrow brings more healing and strength. Hugs from Annapolis!

  • Becky / July 9, 2015 / Reply

    Thank God for such super siblings that understand when Pizza and salad is needed. Praying for another great day for you and Ryan

  • Heather from Ontario Canada / July 9, 2015 / Reply

    So happy to see Ryan doing so well, and you too Leighann. It sounds like you are staying strong, I hope you got some sleep while Ryan slept, and a pizza and salad can being the icing on the cake so to say. ((((Hugs ))) to you all from Canada

  • Linda H / July 9, 2015 / Reply

    Sounds like a pretty good day!!!
    Yay for Dottie’s pizza delivery!
    Yay for Ryan’s visitors!
    Yay for a better health day!
    Love and Continued Prayers!
    Linda and John H.

  • kayla miller / July 9, 2015 / Reply

    My prayers go out to Ryan and his family. May God continue to bless him with healing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless

Add comment

(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss