Tuesday, September 11, 2007

A Quick Update

Tim was able to go and see Ethan after work this evening while I was back at home getting the kids' homework and laundry done. He said that when he first arrived at the hospital, Ethan was calm and relaxed but then had an episode where he became very angry and began thrashing around. Tim said that he immediately went purple. I guess the nurse quickly called in some help because he was pulling on all of his lines and needed to get him calmed down to protect his drains and tubing. He had IV's in each foot which he pulled out and will need to be restarted. They gave him some morphine which helped. When I heard all of this from Tim, I quickly called the nurse to see if he was ok. She said she was in the process of trying to get a hold of the doctor to see if they can start feeding him. He hasn't had anything in his tummy since Monday at 2:30 in the morning and I am sure he would feel better if he wasn't starving. I am not sure if they will let him take a bottle or if they will just place a feeding tube. Also, I had forgotten to mention earlier, but he had a critical low potassium of 2.8 today, so along with all of his multiple other medications he will now be getting potassium riders until this stabilizes. It is such a balancing act to keep everything where it needs to be.

I personally feel like I've hit a wall. I can hardly keep my eyes open and I feel much more emotional and stressed tonight. Up until this point I've been really proud of myself. For the most part, I feel I've kept it together fairly well. I've definitely felt more prepared. But even still, although you know what to expect and have been able to prepare, it is still so difficult to actually go through it. And even though Ethan is doing well, it is so taxing to sit at his bedside and see him in pain. I just think the tears are going to flow tonight and I hopefully will feel better in the morning. It is such a roller coaster ride. Please pray for us.

----Allison

5 comments:

The Gatherum Family said...

hey al,
i am sorry you are having a tough time. i honestly can't imagine. let yourself cry, mourn, be sad and grieve for what you and little ethan are going through. tomorrow is a new day and things will continue to get better. love-Adrian

Melanie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I agree with Adrian -- ironically, sometimes a good cry session is all you need to pick yourself up! I think you're doing an amazing job.

The Gatherum Family said...

hey AL,
I hope you are doing better this morning...You were in my thoughts and prayers last night and will continue to be. I'll try to get ahold of you later today so we can discuss Gavin-lots of love coming your way-Adrian

Dena said...

Hi Allison,

He is such an adorable baby. I can't imagine what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Love,
Dena