Post Op Day 7 ... Biopsy Day

Today has been a whirlwind.  Owen was up most of the night last night with insomnia, leg pains and night sweats.  It was a long night!  He watched three movies and just could not sleep.  I can't poinpoint which medication is causing which side effects yet.  He also has had a little roid rage here and there which is super fun (sarcasm).  I have been really patient and just let him express how he is feeling because I can only imagine how many changes his body is undergoing. 

Owen had his first biopsy scheduled in the cath lab at around 12:30pm.  He was NPO after 6am and didn't seem to mind.  He was happy and had a good morning.  Daddy, Kam and I went down to the cafeteria to have breakfast and were only gone about 15 minutes.  I let the nurse know that Owen was happy in his recliner with his movie and iPad and not to really bug him too much until we get back.  Well, C came upstairs and found the RT in our room with a mask on Owen and he was hysterical.  The nurse wasn't in the room because "she wasn't allowed due to the med being used."  I handled things well, but made sure that we are all on the same page that no one is to be in Owen's room alone without a parent or his nurse present.. especially since I basically live in this room.  Owen has had anxiety and has been totally nervous around every nurse/doc since and is afraid if I leave his side.  Who knows what went on in those 15 minutes, but I am certain that Owen was scared.

An hour later we were giving him a bath and heading down to preop for his first biopsy.  Anesthesia had given him his Versed since he was on edge and we wheeled him down to the cath lab.  About 20 feet from the doors, the anesthesiologist got a call and stopped walking.  We had to head back to pre op because there was an emergency in the other cath lab and it took all docs to attend to it.  I have never been so happy to wait a little longer knowing that they were attending to someone else's child.  Owen fell asleep as soon as we got back.  Daddy sat with Owen, while Kam and I ran to the RMH so I could shower.  It had been a long morning. 

Owen's biopsy results won't be in until tomorrow, but they did say his pressures are fantastic for being one week out of transplant!  The SVC narrowing they worried about, turned out to be no big deal and his pressures are all as they should be.  We pulled his PICC line back about 4cm because there was stenosis of the artery causing a blockage, so I hope it works just a few more days.  The only thing keeping us here is those chest tubes which continue to drain significantly less each day!  That and zero rejection and we'll be out the door!! :)

I still can't believe that just one week ago, this was my boy.

Here is he today!  It's remarkable!!

Kam and Daddy came back tonight after dinner.  It has been a good day and tomorrow will be better, pending some great biopsy results.  So far, I am pretty certain that Owen and his donor heart were meant to be!! 

I'm hoping the insomnia was a one time deal because it was brutal.  So far, Owen hasn't been able to fall asleep and it's almost 10pm..  He hasn't slept in a long time.  I haven't slept in a long time.  I had a good cry this afternoon because sometimes, you just reach a breaking point.  It has been a blessed week, but has not come with it's share of emotions and has been physically demanding.  Thank you for continued prayers.