A New PICC

Owen was a champ and has a new PICC line placed.

At around 10pm last night, just before going to bed, Owen noticed his pillow was soaked.  We searched his lines and couldn't find a leak.  A half hour later, it was soaked again.  We looked around with the nurses and found that his new PICC line dressing was soaked inside.  We took down the dressing and flushed his line to find that it was leaking at the sight (through his skin).  Major bummer.  Vascular access capped it off and we redressed it. 

Since he is dependent on Milrinone, we had to place a Peripheral IV.  We tried his arm and failed.  Then went for the wrist with success.  Owen was so brave and didn't cry or flinch.  He was breathing quickly and super nervous.. but brave.  He kept asking if we could just wait until morning.  He got through it and said it barely hurt.  He caught some Pokémon while he was getting poked and prodded.

This morning Vascular Access came back down and tried to troubleshoot the PICC.  There was air coming out of the Milrinone lumen which meant there was probably a crack in the lumen.  We scheduled a trip to Interventional Radiology and had Cardiac Anesthesia on board.  We gave him some Propofol to put him to sleep and he kept saying "Mom.. always remember I love you!"  Then as he was pretty much out, he said "tell my Mom I love her so much."  My heart melted, he got a kiss and I went off to wait.

Half hour later and he was done.  I was thrilled that they were able to rethread a new PICC in the same place because it draws so well.  Owen loves waking up with Propofol and Ketamine in his system.. he must love the high. 

He caught a few Pokémon in recovery but it wasn't until we got back to his room and settled that he caught his final Pikachu needed to evolve into Raichu.  He was so excited!!!  It was the best surprise after a long 24 hours!  Thank you for all the prayers.  They don't shy away from telling you the risks involved with sedation and anesthesia when you are in heart failure.  Thankfully he is well compensated on the Milrinone. 

We have a new clean PICC line and we'll find out how well it works for 6am lab draw tomorrow.  Owen was starving and has piled through two bags of Jalapeno chips and two bottles of water.  The bravest boy I know!