Sunday, February 13, 2011

There is no real news to report. Benjamin is doing about the same which is expected. This morning they had to adjust the canulae in his neck from the ECMO. It was sitting too close to his heart wall and causing chatter on the ECMO. Chatter is when the flows on the ECMO aren't as good as they should be so the hoses start bouncing a bit. The surgeon came in and adjusted it and now there is less chatter and the flows are better. The reason there is no change in his condition is that they usually let the lungs rest for at least 3-5 days and then start challenging him by turning down the levels on the ECMO and seeing what Benjamin's lungs can do.

He's been quite responsive to us visiting him often opening his eyes and looking straight at us. Yesterday his heart rate & blood pressure jumped when we came in. An RT (respiratory therapist) came running and the nurse assigned to the ECMO told him that he was just excited to see/hear us. It was very neat in a way, and in another way we felt a bit bad that he got too excited. But we are happy to see this because we know that our little boy is still in there somewhere even though he is heavily sedated and just lays there.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

So happy to read about the little moments you have with had him where he peeks at you or responds to your presence. We continue to pray for healing and strength for you both as you go through this.

It's been a real encouragement and testimony to me to see you so at peace and willing to accept whatever plans God has in store for your famiy. May you continue to feel His presence and His arms wrapped around you as you wait. I just want to share one of my favorite passages with you: "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." Phillipians 4:6-7.

Love, Glenn, Evelyn, Josh & Levi

Teresa said...

Praying for you and your family. We check your blog everyday for updates. Praying for the strength you need for each and every minute.

-Ryan, Teresa (Andrea DV's sister), Kaitlyn & Meagan Smith

Barb Delviken said...

~ Jesus LOVES You Benjamin ~

Benjamin, You and your Family are in my prayers.

LOVE You xo

Michelle Vandepol said...

love ev's note above :)
may God continue to give you strength and sweet little moments like the ones He has.
the new pic of the brothers with the get well cards are so so sweet :)