Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Out of Surgery

Hey Everyone,

Emory's surgery finished up around 11:30 and we were able to see him about an hour later.  While we were waiting to see him, we met with the surgeon and he informed us of what all he did during the procedure.  He repaired the two holes in Emory's heart and did not see anything that needed to be done to the pulmonary valve and the right aortic arch.  He did say that the hole in the VSD was "huge" and that he repaired both holes.  After Emory came off the heart lung bypass machine, they tested his heart to see if everything was working right and to see if there was any leakage.  There was no leakage and everything looked good, so they sewed him back up.

We had heard many stories about what he would look like in the CICU.  And, we had a tour of the CICU the other day.  With those two things combined, walking in to see him was not as hard as I thought it would be.  He is a little swollen and has about 30 tubes in, out, and around him, but he looks like himself and looks good.  Right now the key is to not have any bleeding and to not get any infections.

Thanks to those who came to the hospital to see us today.  It helped pass the time.  We are doing well but are very exhausted right now.  With us being in the CICU, it's different in the aspect that we aren't in a room and don't have a place for a nap.  I guess we are running on fumes.  They are doing some remodeling on the main waiting room that is nearest the CICU, so we are just moving around the hospital when we're not in the CICU.  If you come to visit, call one of our cell pohnes so that we can com  let you know exactly where we are.

One thing that is different in being in the CICU and the NICU is that as long as it's only two people at Emory's bedside, we are fine.  That can include family members, siblings, friends, etc.  Although the heart surgery is done, we still have a long road ahead of us and would appreciate your prayers.

Take Care,

Twila

4 comments:

  1. Praying for no bleeding or infections and that you all are able to get some rest. So happy that all is well and praying for that to continue day after day until he is Home again!

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  2. continuing to pray for you all!!

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  3. Praying for Emory, you and your husband & your family. My son had his second open heart surgery 8 weeks ago tomorrow. I understand the emotions that are involved. Prayers that his recovery goes PERFECTLY and God gives all of you the energy, peace and comfort that you need.

    Stephanie

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  4. Hello,

    I came to your blog from Kelly's Korner. My son, Andrew, was also born at 34 weeks with Tetralogy of Fallot. He was in the NICU for 5 weeks and had his first heart surgery at 6 days old, weighing just under 4 lbs. His full repair surgery was at 7 mos. He is now 3 1/2 and is doing great! He will still need another surgery to correct his problem with small pulmonary arteries- doctors predict it will be sometime this year.

    We will certainly add Emory to our prayers. It is nice to connect with other heart families who are going through similar obstacles. Feel free to visit my blog or email with any questions you have.

    Jen
    jenandcraig@q.com
    www.thehuegelfamily.blogspot.com

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