Field continues to stay very stable tonight so not too much to report. We are still hoping he will come off the vent tomorrow. It's almost like when you have a newborn baby, you want to hear them cry. That's what we hope for tomorrow - let the crying begin. We want to hear your vocal chords tomorrow, baby Field.
Prayers are appreciated for a very strong and stable heart and that tomorrow is the day to say bye bye to the vent.
Until then, no news is good news!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Post Op - Day 1
The phrase "so far, so good" continues. Field remains very stable in the CVICU and all are pleased with his recovery. It is amazing how complicated yesterday's surgery was, yet how wonderfully he is recovering. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow - that is what runs through my mind today.
The surgeon is ready to have him off the ventilator, but the anesthesiologist wants to give Field a bit more time, for he went through so much yesterday and he needs time to rest and recover. They are weaning him from the sedatives and also the vent as we speak. We will see how he tolerates this weaning and if he does ok, then the weaning will continue. Best case scenario, we will take out the ventilator tomorrow morning. This really is the next big hurdle, so prayers for this milestone would be much appreciated.
Our sweet boy is amazing. This might sound strange but he looks beautiful to us. I expected much worse. Praise God - no mother deserves to see her son like this, but I am so thankful he looked better than expected.
Please oh please keep the prayers a'comin! Prayers for stable sats, heart rate, blood pressure and very stable breathing so that he can stay par for the course and come off the ventilator very soon.
Thanks so much and much love!
PS - Thanks for praying for baby Preston. He is doing amazingly well! :)
The surgeon is ready to have him off the ventilator, but the anesthesiologist wants to give Field a bit more time, for he went through so much yesterday and he needs time to rest and recover. They are weaning him from the sedatives and also the vent as we speak. We will see how he tolerates this weaning and if he does ok, then the weaning will continue. Best case scenario, we will take out the ventilator tomorrow morning. This really is the next big hurdle, so prayers for this milestone would be much appreciated.
Our sweet boy is amazing. This might sound strange but he looks beautiful to us. I expected much worse. Praise God - no mother deserves to see her son like this, but I am so thankful he looked better than expected.
Please oh please keep the prayers a'comin! Prayers for stable sats, heart rate, blood pressure and very stable breathing so that he can stay par for the course and come off the ventilator very soon.
Sweet baby Field on his 6 month birthday
December 14, 2010
Thanks so much and much love!
PS - Thanks for praying for baby Preston. He is doing amazingly well! :)
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
Lamentations 3:22-2
A picture of the beautiful sunset outside our window of the waiting room last night.
We got to see Field around 8pm last night. We stayed for awhile and then were encouraged to get some rest by both the doctors and nurses. We came down to the Ronald McDonald House and then trekked right back up to the ICU for no reason other than the fact that we just wanted to be with our sweet boy. We didn't feel right about leaving him just yet. He was very stable and looked so peaceful and once again, the nurses really encouraged us to go get some rest. We slept a few hours at the Ronald McDonald House.
We are now back in the ICU and just watched the surgical team do "rounds.". This consists of about 20 doctors, surgeons, and nurses that report on the latest for each patient. The report on Field was that he had a long and very difficult surgery yesterday, has been very stable since surgery, had a few episodes of high heart rate overnight but controlled with medication and sedation, overall stable and so far so good. Today they will wean him off of a few medications and he will start to slowly wake back up. In fact, just a few minutes ago he opened his eyes looked over at us and grabbed my hand. Please pray that we would get our same Field back very soon. We don't expect him to be bouncing like usual, but it would be nice to see a smile soon.
The overnight recovery was just what we prayed for. So now we press on towards that goal of getting our Field back and getting him well so we can get back home very soon.
The support has been amazing and we do read every comment and every text but we are just sorry we can't reply to everyone right now.
Until later, have a great day and please keep the prayers a'comin!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Lamentations 3:22-2
A picture of the beautiful sunset outside our window of the waiting room last night.
We got to see Field around 8pm last night. We stayed for awhile and then were encouraged to get some rest by both the doctors and nurses. We came down to the Ronald McDonald House and then trekked right back up to the ICU for no reason other than the fact that we just wanted to be with our sweet boy. We didn't feel right about leaving him just yet. He was very stable and looked so peaceful and once again, the nurses really encouraged us to go get some rest. We slept a few hours at the Ronald McDonald House.
We are now back in the ICU and just watched the surgical team do "rounds.". This consists of about 20 doctors, surgeons, and nurses that report on the latest for each patient. The report on Field was that he had a long and very difficult surgery yesterday, has been very stable since surgery, had a few episodes of high heart rate overnight but controlled with medication and sedation, overall stable and so far so good. Today they will wean him off of a few medications and he will start to slowly wake back up. In fact, just a few minutes ago he opened his eyes looked over at us and grabbed my hand. Please pray that we would get our same Field back very soon. We don't expect him to be bouncing like usual, but it would be nice to see a smile soon.
The overnight recovery was just what we prayed for. So now we press on towards that goal of getting our Field back and getting him well so we can get back home very soon.
The support has been amazing and we do read every comment and every text but we are just sorry we can't reply to everyone right now.
Until later, have a great day and please keep the prayers a'comin!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Update #2
Alrighty, we finally met with Dr. Fraser about 20 minutes ago. The Glenn went very well and was uneventful, which we like. Dr. F explained that the reason the DKS didn't go as expected was because there was a very important artery in the way so they had to do a modified DKS. Field's heart did not like the first DKS, so Dr. F had to take everything apart and start over. The second try was a success and Field's heart was much happier (per the EKG and Echo). It was tedious and difficult working around this major artery as it could have been lethal if they were to accidentally cut into it - so it took quite awhile. Thank you, Dr. Fraser, for your patience and perfection. Field did very well on the bypass and stayed stable the entire time. His sats are where they want them. He bled quite a bit, but they were able to get that under control and close him back up.
So far, so good.
The next 48 hours are crucial as we wait to see if the bleeding stays under control, sats stay in the normal range, and that Field's overall blood pressure, heart rate, etc. all stay stable. We would so covet your prayers for that.
We have not seen Field yet, but plan to in the next hour. We are pretty nervous about seeing our sweet boy in this condition.
For I am the Lord, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you,
Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13
Today was a roller-coaster of emotions. Up and down, up and down, up and down. It was also the most terrifying day of our lives. So many keep telling us how strong we are - but let us make ourselves clear - we are not strong; our strength comes from Him. He provides the grace we need to get through a day like today - and I believe that what we went through today was probably one of the hardest things any parent can ever go through. We made it through because of our Lord.
The next few hours/days are critical so we trust that He is with us and He is with Field.
Field has a new friend named Preston and he is just a few days old. He will have open heart surgery tomorrow morning, starting at 7am. Let's shower this sweet boy and his parents with our prayers.
Much Love to all of you. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support.
Brad, Lisa, and Field
Quick Update
Here is a quick update as I know so many are waiting, worrying, and praying - which we appreciate so very much!
The first DKS repair did not work. After being taken off bypass, the EKG was skewed and Dr. Fraser did not like the way the heart looked. I know this is vague, but basically there was a coronary artery that was "in the way" of the new repair which was causing problems. The team put Field back on bypass and redid the entire thing. We just got word that they completed the repair for the second time. The team restarted the heart and watched it function for 10min and it looks perfect so far. Praise God for His divine intervention. Glenn operation is starting right now. Please storm the heavens on our behalf and of course for sweet baby field. We are not out of the woods yet. Dr Fraser and his team have been working on Field for 6 hours - God bless them. Much love to all of you.
We will update again as soon as we can.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The first DKS repair did not work. After being taken off bypass, the EKG was skewed and Dr. Fraser did not like the way the heart looked. I know this is vague, but basically there was a coronary artery that was "in the way" of the new repair which was causing problems. The team put Field back on bypass and redid the entire thing. We just got word that they completed the repair for the second time. The team restarted the heart and watched it function for 10min and it looks perfect so far. Praise God for His divine intervention. Glenn operation is starting right now. Please storm the heavens on our behalf and of course for sweet baby field. We are not out of the woods yet. Dr Fraser and his team have been working on Field for 6 hours - God bless them. Much love to all of you.
We will update again as soon as we can.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Cath - check, Pre-op - check, check
The catheterization today went very well. There were no surprises and no complications. Dr. Crystal was pleased with the data they collected as was Dr. Fraser. There is a questionable issue with the pulmonary valve possibly being a bit abnormal. If this is the case, the surgery will change and they will not do the DKS, but another procedure (too complicated to explain). If the pulmonary valve is in good working order then they will proceed with the original plan - the Glenn/DKS. We would love it if you would please pray for a good, working pulmonary valve so we can proceed as planned. The other option isn't bad, but not our first choice.
Today was a tough day for us. Seeing Field so groggy and grumpy (rightfully so!) after the cath was hard. And that's just a tiny glumpse of what tomorrow will be like. We know it will be absolutely terrifying to see Field after surgery tomorrow.
The reality is that Field's heart is so very complex and this surgery is so very serious. Though we appreciate Dr. Fraser's honesty, it was most definitely hard to hear of all that could go wrong. It certainly wasn't fun signing consent forms. But, we know that Field is in the Lord's hands and we trust that His will, will be done. No matter the outcome, Field ultimately belongs to Him and we are so blessed to be his earthly parents. We also believe that his vivacious spirit and high energy levels (God help us when Field is in his terrible 2's - is what a nurse told us today!) will get him through this surgery like a champ. I will wear my "Team Field" t-shirt tonight with much pride - for Field is the strongest boy I know - he is our hero. I do want to mention that Dr. Fraser was VERY hopeful for Field - he is a good, strong candidate for this surgery and Dr. F. believes that Field will lead a great, long life - we just gotta get through these crummy surgeries without major complications first.
We have been admitted and are spending the night on the cardiac floor at TCH. Tomorrow we will be taken to the pre-op surgical wing around 7-7:30. Surgery starts between 8-9am. It should last about 6 hours and they will be updating us about every hour or so. All of our family will be here waiting with us in the waiting room, which by the way, is SOOOO nice. Thank you, Ronald McDonald for the amazing CVICU waiting room at TCH. It is stocked with comfy chairs, coffee, tea, lemonade, snacks, etc, and it is CLEAN. San Antonio Methodist hospital (where we were for surgery #1) looks like a dump compared to TCH. Sorry to all of you Methodist fans but I am a TCH fan all the way! This place is amazing and full of heroes everywhere we look. The doctors and nurses, the parents, and of course the children.
We would SO appreciate your prayers tomorrow morning from 7:30am until about 3 or so. Of course we don't expect you to pray that entire time (but feel free to if you would like :), but if you think of us during those times, we would love your prayers. Again, prayers for a functioning pulmonary valve, a successful and smooth surgery, and a very successful and smooth recovery. Please pray against all complications especially those scary ones that nobody wants to hear about.
Many thanks and much love!
The Johnsons
Playing with daddy's iPhone before the cath - such a tech savvy boy! Check out those long legs.
A little groggy post-cath
Back to himself this evening (this is when the nurse told us we'll have our hands full with this baby - all boy and so very active!)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, January 3, 2011
Just another manic Monday
We have successfully arrived in Houston and checked in to the Loocke Family - "Four Seasons." We are blown away by the support that the Houstonians have given us already. For now, let's call them the "Houstonians with Halos," because quite honestly, that is just what they are. Blair and Bryan have opened their beautiful home to us with meals provided and an entire suite all to ourselves. It is perfect and no detail was left unnoticed. Thanks to you, B and B! And the sweet basket with snacks, drinks. books, magazines and gift cards from an entire group of Houston friends - sorority sisters of mine, friends from mutual friends, friends of Brad's, high school friends, etc. Thank you all so much. You really are angels.
Now to update you on the real reason you are checking our blog - the FIELD-STER. We had great appointments today at TCH. A chest x-ray (easy) and EKG (even easier) and an appointment with Dr. Cyrstal, whom we LOVE. He is young, fun, and so very encouraging. He will do the catheterization tomorrow. We will arrive at 6am and the cath should start somewhere between 7-8am. Field will go under general anesthesia for this. So please be in prayer that all goes well, they get the information and data they need to prepare for surgery, and that there are no complications or surprises. Recovery takes about 6 hours so we will be in limbo most of tomorrow. We will be admitted onto the cardiac wing for the night so that the transition to surgery on Wednesday morning will be that much easier. So tonight will be our last full night of sleep for awhile.
We have not seen Dr. Fraser yet but plan to see him sometime tomorrow afternoon to discuss the details of surgery.
Our families are all traveling into Houston tomorrow - please pray that they all arrive safely.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. Every single one of you - whether we have met you in person or not - is a true blessing to us. Please keep the prayers a-comin'!
Much Love,
The Johnsons
Now to update you on the real reason you are checking our blog - the FIELD-STER. We had great appointments today at TCH. A chest x-ray (easy) and EKG (even easier) and an appointment with Dr. Cyrstal, whom we LOVE. He is young, fun, and so very encouraging. He will do the catheterization tomorrow. We will arrive at 6am and the cath should start somewhere between 7-8am. Field will go under general anesthesia for this. So please be in prayer that all goes well, they get the information and data they need to prepare for surgery, and that there are no complications or surprises. Recovery takes about 6 hours so we will be in limbo most of tomorrow. We will be admitted onto the cardiac wing for the night so that the transition to surgery on Wednesday morning will be that much easier. So tonight will be our last full night of sleep for awhile.
We have not seen Dr. Fraser yet but plan to see him sometime tomorrow afternoon to discuss the details of surgery.
Our families are all traveling into Houston tomorrow - please pray that they all arrive safely.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. Every single one of you - whether we have met you in person or not - is a true blessing to us. Please keep the prayers a-comin'!
Much Love,
The Johnsons
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