The doc's decided to start closing Mason's belly yesterday afternoon. The OR schedule for today was filling up with emergencies and they didn't want Mason to be bumped to tomorrow so they pulled it ahead. The surgery went well and they were able to take out about 1cm on his patch. His vent settings (as predicted) went up to 28 pressure, 55 rate and 40% oxygen. Mason was resting comfortably when we left the hospital last night.
Today they are weaning him back down on his vent settings in preparation for his next belly closure procedure (estimated for Friday). His pressure is down to 27, rate at 50 and oxygen at 28%. So far his blood gases have come back good. They are thinking they may take the rate down to 26 today. The docs want his pressure back at 23 or 24 before his next procedure. They are estimating it may take another 2 or 3 procedures to close up his belly completely.
They will not wean Mason down any further on his morphine or sedation until his belly closures are complete and his is comfortable again. They have been giving him boosts of pain medication because he seems to be sore from the procedure today.
Today, the docs will decide what to do with his feedings. When they started the feeds over the weekend he had a NG tube that went from his nose to his stomach (because he can't swallow with the vent tube). They may need to advance this tube into his intestines and bypass his stomach completely for now. This is common for CDH babies. Today the attending surgeon will decide if this is the way they want to go, or if they want to wait another week or so to begin slow feedings into the stomach again.
Travis and I want to thank everyone for the continued support, prayers and warm wishes. You have provided such a great support network for us. It is wonderful to hear encouragement every day.
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3 comments:
Great News! We know that there is a huge group of people working with Mason and we are so happy to hear that they are doing an outstanding job and that Mason is a "rock star" patient.
Annmarie, Dennis and Lu
Mason is a beautiful little boy. I know that this is hard. Holding Mason and you both up in prayer.
Grandma Peggy's friend
Cindy
Hi Mason,
We love you and your family and continue to include all of you in our prayers.
Such good news from Mom. We know you are working just as hard as the doctors and nurses to move forward in your little life.
We really appreciate your Mom, and family keeping us posted through this web site. It helps us to know how you are doing, and to share our support and love with all of you.
Lots of love and hugs,
An Alcona Grandma
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