David's surgery

After a little visit with us being allowed to hold his hand, say prayers, tell him how much we love him and how proud we are of his fighting efforts, David was taken into surgery by a huge team at about 7:30 this morning. The surgery started at 8AM and was over just before 9AM. He was back in his little corner of the NICU by 10 past 9.

The surgeon was pleased overall with the surgery. David did in fact have a tiny perforation in his intestines which was removed. His vital signs - notably his blood pressure - remained stable throughout. His neonatologist also seemed pleased. He will continue the antibiotic therapy previously in progress for a few more days to ensure proper protection. David's white blood cells have been elevated, but his blood cultures were always negative. Nonetheless he was started on antibiotics a few days ago - and now we know why his white cell count was elevated. The perforation was caught very early - prior to David showing any outward signs of getting sick so he has very good chances for a recovery from this problem.

It's always hard for us to make decisions like this - put all trust in a doctor (person) you've never met and don't know. We are pleased with the outcome so far but remain rattled from a sleepless night and extremely difficult morning.

Our sincere thanks to the nursing staff here at the hospital. Each area we've been in has been so gracious and accomadating. The Labor and Delivery nurses continue to follow our family progress. I see them in the halls sometimes and they always offer hugs, prayers and support. The NICU staff sat and talked to me this morning - some staying extra hours to see that everything went as smoothly as possible and when they had time, they came out of the surgical suite to give me updates on the progress in surgery. We just can't ask for anymore support from them or from our friends and family. We are truly lucky and blessed to have such warmth and support around us all the time.

As I sat next to David's isolette this morning holding his tiny hand, the feeling was overwhelming. Fear, focus, peace and anguish all at once. I remember looking at Brent last night and rather hysterically exclaiming, "WHY couldn't he just POOP!?" I suppose when you start asking why about some things, you may as well admit insanity. There are just no answers the the why's I have these days.

So, David is doing well, this morning has been successful. He will be kept quiet and comfortable for the rest of the day and weaning of meds and respirator will most likely continue tomorrow. We took some photos of the morning. I suppose it's a bit strange but I want so badly to take in every second I have with my babies - good or bad. Anyhow, I'll post them shortly.

Brent is poking fun at my ramblings - obviously, I needed a bit of journal therapy this morning. Mary Louise had a rather uneventful night and is resting quite well. All of her ventilator settings and oxygen have been reduced. She will have blood gases drawn once more at 10am and they plan to continue to wean her settings accordingly.

Many of the photos are dark because they keep the areas the babies are in darkened to avoid overstimulation and allow for rest.

Again - our thanks and love to all,

Heather

David's abdominal surgery day