Long Day

Most of us are tired. We aren't getting a typical night's rest, for one reason or another. We eat meals at crazy times, sometimes leaving food untouched for hours. Some people aren't taking showers (Bryan!). We lose track of time.

Such is the life with a child in the hospital.

I will say that Ayden is still doing quite well physically; in fact, as of right this minute (it could change the next), there is really nothing keeping him in the PCCU, except a lack of beds on the floor (which is a strong possibility). We will have a better idea if he is floor ready once we see his chest x-ray tomorrow; however, the doctors have changed his respiratory therapy from HIT to CPPD, also known as chest physiotherapy. HIT keeps you in the PCCU; CPPD does not. CPPD involves having the patient assume different lung drainage positions while the respiratory therapist performs chest tapping to loosen mucus from the bronchial tubes and lungs. With a good, effective cough, the mucus can then be expelled. CPPD also helps expand areas of the lungs, which is good for that tricky right lung.

Ayden has been coughing well today, perhaps a little too well. His coughing (and the mucous and blood that comes with it) is triggering his gag reflex and causing him to vomit. After several intense vomits today, we were surprised to hear Ayden ask for water this evening... and he has thus far managed to keep that six ounces down!

They pulled Ayden's last line, the IJ. He now has only two peripheral IVs, pacing wires, and the nasal cannula. He is receiving only a quarter of a liter of oxygen, which is significantly better than the 15 liter nasal hurricane he was getting yesterday.

Ayden did do some fun things today. The music therapist returned and brought Ayden a really cool light up ball. He has enjoyed the ball throughout the day, even laughing, smiling, and talking while playing with it. He especially likes throwing the ball away from us and watching us chase after it... one of his favorite games to play away from the hospital as well.

He also went on a wagon ride. He appeared very indifferent during the experience, but his numbers on the monitors were some of the best we have seen so far. For the first time, the doctors saw some atrial rhythms, which is super close to sinus rhythms, and we are praying for those! Throughout the remaining afternoon and evening, Ayden's heart has alternated between junctional (boo) and atrial rhythms (better!). In other words, it appears as though his heart is trying to correct itself.

I held Ayden while he got an EKG, and we later played some in the bed. He gave me some smiles and talked a little bit. For the most part, though, he's fairly emotionless, and it's difficult to see that happen to Ayden, even if we know it's only temporary.

I took pictures yesterday and today, but I didn't bring the camera home. I forgot other things at the hospital as well, so I'm sort of on a roll today. Like I said, tired. All of my boys are asleep, so I hope to do the same soon. I just need to finish up the vomit laundry... from both boys. Awesome.

Thanks for your continued prayers!