Saturday, November 1, 2008

First Post-Op Office Visit

Colby had his first office visit with Dr. Liske since his surgery yesterday. Our appointment was at 8 am, so it was a very early morning for all of us! As always, they checked his vitals first. Sats were at 86%...pretty good. Weight was 10 lbs 11 oz...awesome!! Blood pressure was a little elevated...not so good!

Dr. Liske asked us several questions and looked over little Colby. One interesting fact that we learned is that Colby doesn't have one murmur anymore...he has 3 murmurs!!! I guess he is already showing us he is an over achiever : ). We discussed Colby's cold and purple hands and feet, the mottling of his skin, and his rapid and labored breathing. We then went for yet another chest x-ray. After reviewing the x-ray, Dr. Liske told us he was "doing okay." This is not exactly what we wanted to hear, since he is normally very positive. Apparently, he is pretty concerned with the amount of blood flow going into Colby's lungs and the lack of blood flow that is going to his body. Colby's body is in a very difficult situation right now trying to get adjusted to the new blood flow going through his shunt. Also, the shunt is too big for him right now, so he needs to get bigger and "grow into it."

It is hard for us to believe that all of this is going on in Colby's body, because for the most part, he is a very happy and smiley baby. He is still having a tough time feeding, but it seems to be slowly improving. I'm hoping that the Acid Reflux medicine is helping with this. The bad news is that poor feeding is also a sign that his heart is in trouble. Needless to say, I am always in constant worry...is he not eating because of the reflux or is he not eating because something more serious is wrong. It's always something!

Long story short...I got the impression that we are not able to take a deep breath and relax just yet, which is what we were really hoping for after his first surgery. Dr. Liske wants to keep a very close eye on Colby and make sure his body does begin adjusting to the shunt. We go back to see him again on Monday at 8 am.

3 comments:

Katie said...

It seems that there is always a worry lurking with these kids...hang in there. Sounds like he's handling it well and by the weight gain, he should be grown into that shunt in no time. Maddie started out the same way with her BT shunt. Hope you had a nice Halloween with the boys. Take care and try to not worry (I know...it's impossible). You're doing an awesome job!
Love,
Katie

ashley mcdonald said...

Jason-
Your family is truly an inspiration...at this point it wouldn't be unexpected for you and Becca to be discouraged but you constantly stay positive. I continue to pray for your entire family!!!
Ashley McDonald
(IDS)

Anonymous said...

Jason,
This is Danny Hitchcock, your cousin from Sparta,TN. After speaking with Mike about your son and finding out and looking at your awesome web page...I wanted to let you and Becca know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Your boys are beautiful and I know the Lord is there every second of of every step you are taking.. giving you the strength and guidance you and Becca need...just keep leaning on Him. We are only down the road if you need ANYTHING.
Will stay in touch,
Danny