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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Another Chest Drain




After a long day of Charlie's stats getting worse his doctors decided that there was just too much fluid on his right side and he needed to have another chest tube inserted. He just likes the balance of having one on both sides I guess. Similar to the one on his left he immediately drained a ton of fluid and started to turn his stats around.

They have told us that fluid is the correct thing for his body to produce right now as there are large gaps in his chest as all of his organs were moved down and his heart has started to shift toward the left. But the body just doesn't know when to stop and the pressure becomes too great and it hinders his lungs ability to expand and makes his poor little heart work twice as hard as it should. So they needed to do something. Just an speed bump they have told us. But still incredibly hard to watch your son fade all day long.

One positive is that in the process they needed to reposition his breathing tube. So I was able to snap a picture of his face with no clown smile tape! See picture. I also posted a couple other cute ones. He likes to sleep with his tongue hanging out!

That's it from our end. We hope you are all doing well.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well you two are very strong people and Little Charlie is just as blessed to have you as you are to have him. I will be pulling for him and if he is anything like his great grandfather Charlie he will have no problem pulling throuth. Will keep you all in my thoughts and keep track of him.



Mary Wheeler

30 or so years friends with Geri and Charlie.

Unknown said...

Patty and Vince,
He is adorable love the new shots!!! I'm sending all my prayers and strength and of course one of my hugs to both of you....hang in there...I'm sure Charlie can't wait to get home with you...be patient..miracles are worth the wait....God is holding you all in his hands

Lindsey said...

Hi, I received your comment on my blog. I just checked out yours and your son is adorable! The NICU is a really rough ride, but enjoy every second with your little man, on the good days and the bad. Even in the NICU, you will create some fond memories together.

Best wishes,
Lindsey
http://lindseysouza.blogspot.com

Tracy Meats said...

Charlie is so adorable!!! Many prayers for Charlie and the days to come. I hope these chest tubes stay on top of his fluid retention and help relieve the pressure building up. I love checking in to see how your little boy is doing. Hang in there and keep up the good work Charlie!

Hugs, Tracy Meats - mom to Ian, born with a LCDH on 4/3/04 and WY and CO State Rep. for CHERUBS

Fer said...

I'm always thinking and praying for Charlie and you guys!

xxx
Fer

Julie, the mama said...

Bless his sweet heart. I could just eat Charlie up. Hang in there. Better days are around the corner...

Mark Aquino said...

Vince and Patty,

I work with Vince Sr at Utica Mutual. Just want to say that you both have a beautiful boy. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you and little Vincent. It is obvious that little Vincent has great parents. He is receiving great care and with the loving family that you have, I know everything will be fine, like you said "it's just a little bump in the road".

Mark Aquino