Friday, March 4, 2011

Life in the PICU

Wyatt's oxygen rate was dropping rather quickly.  Our nurse had to call rapid response, again, for their help.  They talked to me about what might possibly be going on.  I asked the doctor if one of the possible complications during the surgery had been the cause.  They weren't sure, however, this information was very helpful in determining the cause.  More on the cause later.  They used the blow by to get oxygen to him while they moved him into the PICU.  They put him on CPAP in hopes that it would suffice.  It did not.  Once in the PICU, they had to intubate him, which meant that he was back on the ventilator.  And being back on the ventilator meant that he had to be sedated. 

On Saturday, they took Wyatt off of the ventilator because they felt like he was breathing well on his own.  His respiration rate became very fast and his heart rate rose.  They put him back on the ventilator Monday morning and they took an x-ray and found that Wyatt had fluid on his left lung.  Because his diaphragm was pushed up against the lung, fluid accumulated around it.  The surgeons put a chest tube in to drain the fluid.  In the process of this, they found that his left lung had collapsed.  On Tuesday, they scheduled Wyatt for another scope.  They felt as though a mucus plug had caused air to be blocked from his lung and for it to collapse.  The surgeons were able to determine through the scope, that there were multiple mucus plugs.  They were also able to remove several of them.  Wyatt's lung re inflated rather quickly.  So, Wyatt had been breathing, off of the ventilator, for more than 36 hours on one lung.  Please keep in mind that the right lung is compromised because his heart is on that side.

So, it turns out that one of the possible complications from surgery, that we had been informed of prior to, indeed had caused Wyatt's breathing issues.  It seems that during the surgery, the nerve to the diaphragm had to be moved, not cut but rather slightly pushed to the side, in order to get to the aorta.  In doing so, it paralyzed the nerve. The surgeon had informed us that by moving it, possible paralyzing could occur.  Indeed, this happened.  The left side of Wyatt's chest is where the incision was made to do the aortapexy. 
The doctors had hopped that by giving his body time to rest, this nerve would recover and heal itself.  They have now given him 7 days, and this has not occurred.  They have attempted to wean him off of the ventilator, and he has failed each time.

This morning, seven days after the aortapexy surgery, our surgery team came in and they feel as though surgery is the only option.  This surgery will be to tact the left diaphragm to the right.  So that when the his right side moves, it will move the left, allowing him to breathe easier.  I don't know much more information about the surgery, but I will post more information when I get the chance.

On a side note, I just want to vent on how hard this is for me.  I have tried to stay oh so strong for everyone, for Wyatt, Mike, my family.  But honestly, I don't know if I can much longer.  I have gone 7 days now and have not been able to hold my baby.  He has been sedated for 95% of this time and on a ventilator.  All my baby does is sleep (if that's what you call it).  Prior to the aortapexy surgery, he was so happy, playing with his feet.  Now, it's a miracle if he opens his eyes enough for me to see them.  I want my baby back.

12 comments:

  1. I have read every one of your blog entries today. I am praying for you and Wyatt and the enitre situation. Keep strong, the Lord is with you.

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  2. Amanda, I am sorry my goggle acount is listed Mom. I usually only post on Stephanie's blog. So if it saids Mom it is Pat Dye. Don't know how to change it

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  3. Amanda, I'm keeping you and Wyatt in my prayers. Do not feel like you need to be strong for everyone else. If you need to vent, scream, cry and yell then you go right ahead! It's so much better to let it out. Keep posting and I will keep praying. Wyatt's pictures are so adorable!

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  4. I agree with Marjorie. You need to let it out or you will destroy your own insides. Is there a family counselor that can come talk to you in Wyatt's room? When we had Bella in the hospital a year ago, the chaplain and counselor came to see me and it helped tremendously. My heart is breaking for you both. I love you guys.

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  5. I am so sad to hear the problems Wyatt has been having, and my dear, please vent, or whatever you have to do. Don't keep it bottled up. If you do, you could get sick, and then where would everyone be?!?! I'll be following your blog. By the way, "You don't know Jack" is one of my discontinued blogs--may revive it. Jack is my English Setter. When he was being neutered, the nurse was telling me that when he comes out of the operating area that he will be groggy and probably will be weaving as he walks. She opened the door, and out steps Jack like a horse prancing to the gate at the Derby. She looked surprised, and I said, "You don't know Jack," hence the name of the blog. I hope it made you smile. Laughter is the best medicine, believe me. JL

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  6. Thank you for blogging this. I love you and I want you to know that every single day (many times at that) I am praying so hard for you three. I wish I were there to give you a big hug. God please wrap your arms around them and bring them through this!

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  7. Amanda, I have tears rolling down my face right now. I'm so sorry for all of this. i know it doesn't seem fair. Can Aaron and I come by on Monday? I know he'll be having surgery, but we would love to come and pray with you and listen if you want to vent away. I'll check back with you before Monday.

    We have tons of people praying for all of you!!!

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  8. Amanda:
    You are allowed to "lose it" for a minute. Go outside. Get rest. Scream. Vent. Yell at family and friends. Be human for a minute. It will make you feel better and in turn you will be stronger for Wyatt. I'm probably the last person that should give you advise about this, but... I love ya and I know that you are one of the strongest women I know. Hang in there. It will get better. I just bow it.

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  9. Oh Amanda, I don't have words for you, but know that I have been and continue to pray for you and for Wyatt.

    And I agree with all of what has been said in previous comments.

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  10. Amanda.. Iam sooo sorry to hear of the dificult situation u guys are in.. Please know I am praying sooo hard for ur sweet boy and ur family!!! he is just precious btw!

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  11. Amanda,

    I began reading your blog after seeing a post from Deana Johnson on Facebook. I want you to know that my heart goes out to you. I have prayed and will keep praying for you, Wyatt, and the rest of your family. I don't even know where to begin or what to say. Just know that you have many prayers going up.

    Tara Morris (I have no idea why it says anonymous)

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