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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Well we have been slacking in the blogging department due to excelling in a few other departments, namely: 1. Tube watch for Owen 2. Switching between night and day shift between Chris and I
3. Napping at any chance possible 4. one of us staying at Owen's bedside 24/7

This experience is much different than before. Owen doesn't sleep all day, so we can't necessarily go out to eat and know he will be out for 2-3 hours. We also don't want to leave! We have been parents a little longer and know that even though he has good care we just want our eyes and ears here as well.

Yesterday we transferred out of ICU. I was at Ron's sleeping when Owen and Chris came to the step down unit. This was a step in the right direction for sure. Unfortunately Owen had a de-satting episode into the 50's shortly upon arriving to the unit. Chris noticed that the oxygen level was a different gauge and it was set to .2 versus 2 liters. That was not optimal! When the time comes, Owen will be weaned off of it, not just a decrease all of the sudden... He recovered after about an hour. It is never a restful time when he does that, he always takes a while to recover. Must be his unique anatomy and ability to continue to freak us out. We are at the point where you just have to joke about it, though. I was telling the RN last night about how a lot of moms I know think that their babies getting their shots is a big deal (it is, and it is all relative, I know:)) but the thing to be happy for is when your baby cries he/she doesn't turn a nasty color of purple/blue/grey....

Which brings me to yesterday. Mom and Wynt came by to see Owen. Owen got a beautiful easter basket from Wynt and she enjoyed reading him all of her books. Grandma got some good time with Owen as well, she lets him crinkle books... those grandmas are such spoilers! It was a challenge to work in getting a few hours of sleep but I went to Rons in time to get back for visitors. Wynt and Mom were going to watch Owen so Chris and I could spend a little time together. After owen's de-satting episode we decided it wasn't a good idea to leave, and he was also getting a chest xray (daily routine here...) so we wanted to be around for that. There wouldn't be much peace of mind leaving. We are so lucky that Wynter came from Dad's with cooked stuffed shells with homemade pesto and tomato sauce. Perfect! So we ate that for a late dinner in Owens room and then they took off. Chris hung out for a little while longer and I vented a little about being tired and feeling a little wacky. As usual he listened and consoled. I have contemplated switching to the 'day shift' but I am already on this schedule of staying the night here, then catching 2-3 hours thru the day that I don't want to try to get back to the other way. I think it might be harder now.

So I was staying awake a bit to start Owen's feed, pump, etc, when he woke after being asleep for about 15mins. He was very irritable and seemed in pain. We opted for some meds to calm him and chill him out. His IV site appeared to not be working...and needed another access point. He is on a continuous infusion of a blood pressure med which needs an iv, and they just like to have access, especially because he still is randomly desatting, and he doesn't really make anyone too comfortable yet, between his chest tube, sats, etc. So, to make a long story longer, it took 2 hours, 4 RNS, 1 MD, and 5 pokes to get another access point IV for baby O. I normally just go with the flow, but man, this was from 11-1 in the morning... the one night we didn't have a roomate!! One I got over the fact of not getting sleep, I was there for Owen. He needed blow-by which is additional oxygen because he was so freaking out that he was turning aformentioned colors that are not becoming to anyone. He finally was so exhausted that after the iv was placed and they were taping him up he fell asleep.

WHEW! Today was no exception for roller coasters. Chris noticed Owen's chest tube pleuro-vac wasn't bubbling (therefore not suctioning) and also that his chest tube did not appear to be all the way in his chest. This called for a stat chest xray (told you this was a daily routine) to confirm that he did not have air in his chest. I think. This stuff is usually Chris's forte. So, he was fine, and chest tube came out. Wynt, mom, and the girls came back, and we went out to lunch. Pomelo, soooo good. It was good to hug on the girls since it is hard to hug on Owen at this point. I did get to hold Owen today and he was trying to breastfeed but that little bugger thought I was a teething toy or something and wasn't into it... OUCH!

I left and went to Rons to pump and nap and shower. The minute my head hit the pillow our neighbors stormed into their room and started making a ruckus... Thanks to my earphones and relaxing massage music I was able to sleep for a couple hours. Got up, showered, pumped again, and ordered some dinner from a friend who called and arranged for us to get it delivered to Ron's. I did this and made my way to Rons. I thought. There were all kinds of crazy police blocking off the street and our driver said it was the pres. Didnt know he was going to be in SF but I don't even know what day it is... Saw the whole motor brigade but no limo... Hmmmm.

Ok we are going to blog as often as we can but it is harder than last time to blog every night. Much love to all, and hope to not sign off from SF too much longer. Keep us all in your thoughts, please, we need it.

Yesterday amidst everything Chris got the news that his declining grandmother Mary isn't doing well. We wish we could be closer to be with family but we need to be with Owen. Mary is such a sweet lady, I have many good memories with and of her.

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