We’ve had a good day today.
Christopher actually got to breastfeed a bit yesterday, but he seemed to tire quite quickly and then would start to choke, so the decision was made to put his feeding tube back in and feed him that way overnight so he could rest. I was originally going to stay in the hospital overnight with him, but since he wasn’t going to breastfeed and I was utterly exhausted from the day’s events, Brad and I decided to go home and get a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, Christopher had a good night and slept well.
We met with his neurologist again this morning and got to see the MRI images which show the stroke. While seeing an image of a stroke in your baby’s brain is never pleasant, it looks much smaller on the MRI than on the original CT, so it was a relief to have that image to keep in my mind instead of the CT picture. The neurologist thinks that the large area on the CT was actually showing a bunch of swelling around the actual stroke as well.
Christopher is moving his left side quite well today. If I didn’t know about the stroke, I don’t think I would even notice the difference between his sides, because it’s very subtle. And the facial droop that they noticed yesterday is gone today. Hooray! He also hasn’t had any more seizures.
The doctors suggested this morning that we try bottle feeding him instead of breastfeeding, to see if he could manage that better. Bottles typically have faster flow and the research says the breast is easier, but we’re willing to try anything that might help, so we agreed to give it a whirl. Unfortunately he also tired quite quickly with the bottle. We tried three feedings and each time, he downed one ounce with no problem and then started to choke and sputter. So, the doctors decided to stick with the feeding tube overnight. Another try at feeding by mouth tomorrow!
Christopher got quite fussy around mid-afternoon and spent the next 5 or 6 hours crying. It was miserable. Nothing seemed to settle him and he was drenched in sweat from the effort. We tried absolutely everything and the doctors checked him over for head to toe. Ultimately, they decided that he is experiencing some withdrawal symptoms from the morphine and sedatives that he got after the surgery, all of which were stopped by yesterday. He was given some medication to help ease the withdrawal and fell asleep within 20 minutes. Poor little guy. He was utterly exhausted.
We are anticipating that he will be moved to the ward tomorrow and also that his chest tube will be removed tomorrow. The next hurdle is getting his feeding sorted out. And then, as long as we avoid further surprises and his blood pressure remains good, we can start thinking about getting him home!
All tucked in for the night. (That's a pacifier in his mouth.)
Yay!! so glad that he had a much better day and that there were no new "suprises" Here's hoping that the next few days are extremely boring and uneventful. Love and prayers to you all. Joyce and Kayleigh
Posted by: Joyce Speirs | 07/10/2011 at 10:49 PM
I'm celebrating a good day for Christopher! So many good things today for everyone. I love the sweet photo. Looking forward to hearing about his next steps in the right direction.
Posted by: Farandolae | 07/11/2011 at 02:15 AM
What a roller coaster ride. God is powerful and is in the business of healing and miracles, will pray for both in regards to his brain injury! Continuing to send prayers your way, you must be exhausted!
Posted by: Teresa Ghent | 07/11/2011 at 08:57 AM
Oh, so wonderful to hear things are slowly getting better! I keep praying that Christopher continues to get stronger and stays on the path to wellness. xoxo
Posted by: Michelle Gross | 07/11/2011 at 09:31 AM
Prayer changes things. He is a blessed little boy, we will continue to pray for a speedy recovery.
Posted by: Norma Peart | 07/11/2011 at 10:13 AM
The poor wee lamb!! Withdrawal is hard enough to deal with as an adult when you know what's going on but for a little baby? No wonder he was crying!! Awww poor dear! That must have been so hard for you and your husband to listen to!! My heart goes out to you all! I hope he continues to improve and you get home soon!! Praying for boring, uneventful, peaceful, recuperative days ahead!
Posted by: Lisa Gozzard | 07/11/2011 at 01:26 PM
I'm continuing to hold Christopher, you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. He seems like a fighter, and that is a good thing.
Posted by: Cori Pinault | 07/11/2011 at 01:36 PM