Owen has progressively gotten worse today. His heart rate is in the 160s and he has been vomiting. The most concerning is he hasn't urinated in over 18hours despite plenty of IV fluids and IV Diuretics. He seemed to be doing okay when his cousins were here earlier, but has been lethargic since. His heart is working way too hard and the Milrinone doesn't seem to be helping much.
He was given one dose Solu-Medrol (IV Steroids) and it usually takes a few infusions to see any benefit. We will give him another dose tonight.
After speaking with the ICU Intensivist and waking up his transplant cardio for a long chat, we decided our best option right now is to get a central line placed and start Epinephrine. The hope is that the Epi helps with his low blood pressures and help his cardiac output.. which is very poor.
To place a central line, we had no choice but to do it bedside in the ICU. I spoke with his transplant cardiologist on the phone at length about risks vs benefits. If we don't start Epi now, he continues to struggle all night and ends up intubated. If we can get a line placed, we have to sedate him and we risk cardiac arrest. We looked at every and any other option and there is none.
I have cardiac anesthesia, the entire team of ICU docs on right now, and the crash cart wheeled bedside as they work on placing his PICC bedside. I was so sick to my stomach I am sitting in the waiting room and they are giving me updates every 10 minutes.
I can't tell you how many times I have spoken with his transplant team of doctors today and we are all puzzled. He had zero symptoms leading up to this. He was perfect in February. Things can take a turn at any moment.
Our family was all here today. My heart moms were bedside with me while I made the hardest decisions tonight. Carson is on his way back to me because I may just lose all the strength I have and crumble. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. My baby is struggling and there is not a single thing I can do to make it better. I will continue to be his number one advocate and I will not leave him.
Watching him today.. his heart visibly beating out of his chest. His tummy trembling because he is getting so little perfusion to his gut. He uses the only strength he has to sit up and puke. He can't stay awake more than 20 min at a time. He is pale with bright pink flushed cheeks and his lips look blue.
The only symptom up until today was a sore tummy on Monday and a bloated gut last night.
Please continue to pray.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
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11 comments:
You are so kind to update amongst all the stress.
Owen has so many people Praying for him that God will surely hear our voices.
Breathe deeply and trust.
I agree with Cici. You have an entire nation behind you praying for your sweet boy. Hang in there, Mama.
My heart just aches for you. I can't keep from shedding tears thinking of Owen. Pleading with Heavenly Father to help his heart recover and help his body to cope with the effects of what's happening to his heart. Much love to you. ♥
Prayers are with you and your family Andrea!
Prayers lifted from Indiana. I'm a PICU nurse and understand the medical part of Owens journey, but can't imagine it as a parent. Lifting you all up to God's outstretched arms!
Praying hard for Owen and your whole family!
Healing thoughts being sent! My thoughts are overwhelmed with Owen and your family this morning as I read the last two posts. I have no words that can make you feel better, just know that we are all sending up anything we can!
Prayers for your sweet boy.
Many many prayers
Praying if I can do anything let me know
So Many Prayers here for sweet Owen. God Bless his Heart and skilled Drs. and nurses. I pray He Blesses and comforts you and family.
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