We immediately went to the hospital after we heard that Peter was off ECMO (see previous post). We stayed with him for about 3½ hours. He slept nearly the entire time--of course, he woke up at 3:40pm, a few minutes before we wanted to leave, so we stayed a little longer!
Peter is doing pretty much the same off ECMO as he was on it. The tubes are all still in place; they just cut them off about 5 inches out of his chest and wheeled the machine away. Just in case, they will be monitoring him for about 24 hours and they could reuse the tubes in case he should need to go back on (but he won't need to!). Tomorrow morning, the doctors will assess the situation and if all looks okay, they will take him into surgery in the afternoon and remove the arterial and venous tubes, which are actually stitched in place inside his chest. He will then still have drainage tubes coming out of his chest. The doctor did decide to insert an extra drainage tube in his side, which seems to be helping. Everyone seems to be happy with the volume of fluids he is losing right now, though this is with considerable help from diuretics (Lasix and Diuril). The ventilator is doing a little bit more work at the moment, and he will remain on that for quite a while yet (at least a week, we guess).
We were very pleasantly surprised by the move away from ECMO. Apparently, it had become a choice between "changing circuits" again or just taking him off, because the ECMO was getting old again and eating up platelets. So, here we are and we're very happy about it.
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Oh, how wonderful!!! Many happy wishes and future blessings from down in Des Moines!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear of Peter's progress! Eli is praying for your family every night. We really enjoyed watching your video clip and being able to see Peter awake. He is so precious.
ReplyDeleteLove the Gibbs
We are continuing to pray daily for our precious Peter. Although you are still in the middle of the "marathon" you are running, now it seems like you are getting somewhere!!! We love you, The Van Heests
ReplyDeleteThat's just great! So happy to hear of Peter's progress! We are praying the next step goes well...
ReplyDeleteThat is great news!! I'm glad the Dr. made this decision -- I think it will be for the best. Still praying!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Heidi & Craig
Hello Michel & Betsy, I'm a friend of Cindy & Earl Grothman. This all sounds so familiar as my daugher had open heart surgery in Oct. 2008. I certainly know how stressful this time is for your family, but take comfort in knowing it gets better FAST. Once he turns the corner he will fly! Best of luck to you and espcially Peter, he'll be healed and home in no time!
ReplyDeleteCathy Busch
St. Louis, MO