Tuesday, October 27, 2009

October 27th: update

After they removed the excess fluid from the left side of Ben's chest, he improved quite a bit. He was stable enough to proceed with the next surgery to close his abdomen more. They did this procedure and removed one of the 2 drains in his abdomen that were placed to remove excess fluid from the abdominal cavity after the surgery last Thursday. After the procedure today, he was doing well at recovering, but then had several episodes where he has desaturated (his oxygen sats went down). His nurse, Tracy, and the doctors have been watching over him very closely and we are very lucky they know him so well so they can adjust quickly to the signals he is giving us to let us know when something isn't quite right. They have repeated 2 more chest x-rays today and have made some vent changes...decreasing his rate and increasing the pressure a bit... and he's required more suctioning, which initially he doesn't like, but he is starting to settle in again to his norm. Again he has proven to us just how strong he is...he's so amazing. (Also, Ben opened his eyes just after surgery today, I will try to add that picture tonight).

3 comments:

  1. Kel & Dave,
    Hope Ben is feeling better today after his surgery - he opened his eyes to let you both know he will make it through all of this. He is a tough little guy and May God Bless Him Forever - he is forever in our hearts.
    Luv to All - we love you lots & lots.

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  2. Hi Kelly and Dave,
    I'm glad to hear they were able to continue with his surgery. Also, the fact he keeps opening his eyes is a good sign that he is improving and getting stronger. We will continue to pray for Ben. Please remember you all are in our thoughts every day.
    Talk to you soon,
    Julie

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  3. Kelly & Dave,

    We are friends & neighbors of Matt & Misty in Ozark, MO.... we met you last summer. We have been praying for & following Ben's journey since before you delivered. He is a very strong warrior! God is the loving & gracious "great physician". We pray you continue to feel God's presence and that Ben will continue to gain strength every hour of every day. Thanks for sharing your son's story.... it is quite inspiring!! Love & prayers from Center Road in Ozark, MO.

    Tim & Kathleen Nalley

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