ECMO Trial..10 days on ECMO

A 3am wakeup call due to arterial lines bleeding was not fun. We had to increase heparin levels in anticipation  for a trial off.  We were able to change  dressing on femoral line and left wrist and Owen was so brave. I was so happy to see him get solid rest from 4:30am until 8. He woke up and said "I feel great today!"

 There was plenty of discussions at morning rounds. We decided to do another ECMO trial with echo. His left vent ejection fracture looks better, his lactaid  is down and his labs look good. All good things. Owen tolerated the wean today..no nausea or feeling awful like he did Thursday. His hemodynamics didn't change all that much either. We clamped the LV and turned down to minimal support. After gathering data the doctors discussed briefly and decided to let things be until Wednesday. He is still on his original ECMO circuit and its looking good. If something went wrong with the circuit then they would feel okay taking him off and crutch him along. Hopeful he just needs a couple more days. Everyday shows a little improvement. We are going to be patient.

He is always cold, but I am told its because he isn't  up and moving his body around.  It makes sense.  They cam control the temp of the blood circulating  through the ECMO machine which is so cool too. He ate a half of turkey sandwich which was more than he ate all week orally.  He is getting 1400 cals in his gtube so nutrition is my focus.

The team is all split up in cath labs, clinic and OR right now but will.meet up in a couple hours in conjunction with Stanford.  There will be a clear game plan made then.  I just didn't  want to leave everyone hanging.  Prayers continue.  I know this heart can heal!  We just need patience.  Its amazing not only how well Owen tolerates being  on ECMO, but how well the circuit is behaving.    All good  and positive things.