That is beautiful!
-
Too many ads? Join our community of cat lovers now to reduce ads by 90%! Click here to join for free!
prayers and vibes for my exbf and son
- Thread starter blondrebel76
- Start Date
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #42
sorry i didnt get this posted earlier, its been a really long day, this is the update i got tonight..
As of right now, Aidan is still on a ventilator. They are weaning him off of the sedatives so that they can remove the breathing tube, hopefully Saturday. He still isn't awake. He makes movements when the nurses move him or try to take his temp. He makes movements when we are in the room with him. This evening he was really moving his arms and when he does so his heartrate and blood pressure rise. I made the mistake of trying to read to him. I thought that hearing my voice would help settle him, but it only made it worse. The nurse told me that we needed to limit his stimuli right now since they are trying to keep him as calm as possible while they get him off the sedatives so we can get him off the vent.
His chest x-ray looked good this afternoon, so they went ahead and removed his chest tube. Everything that we are hearing is good. It's just baby steps. He did have a seizure last night but they got it under control in less than 3 minutes. He hasn't had another one today. We were told this morning that he would most likely be on anti-convulsives for about 6 months or so, and he will have to have some kind of rehab (just not sure yet, until he's awake and we know what we're dealing with for sure).
I did meet the mother of a little boy who had a similar accident 5 years ago. At the time the little boy was 2 and he fell into the family's swimming pool. This little boy was in ICU for 15 days and when he went home he was blind in his left eye and he had to go through rehab to teach him how to walk and talk again. The mother picked the little boy up at school today and told him that they were going to visit someone and he said to her, "we're going to see that little boy who fell in the pond, aren't we?" She hadn't even said anything to him about it before then. The boy brought Aidan a little stuffed dog and a balloon. It was so encouraging to see him now at 7 as a healthy little boy with no signs of having such a terrible accident.
Today was Aidan's birthday and I could think of a million other things I'd rather be doing for my baby's birthday than sitting here in the hospital. This evening hasn't been the greatest for me. I can't help but feel useless just sitting here. I can't help but blame myself for not keeping Aidan safe. It's my job. I don't like to anyone take care of my kids, because it's my job. They're my kids and my responsibility. I could have done so many things different to keep him out of that water.
Logically, I know that I can't go back and change the past, and I know it's no one's fault, but, my heart feels guilty. Aidan is such a strong little boy and we're going to get through this. Russell is going to get a job soon and we're going to go on with our lives and be a family. Well, enough of my little pity party.
I do appreciate all of your prayers and the wonderful cards that are being sent. We read them to Aidan every morning. We'll update again tomorrow.
As of right now, Aidan is still on a ventilator. They are weaning him off of the sedatives so that they can remove the breathing tube, hopefully Saturday. He still isn't awake. He makes movements when the nurses move him or try to take his temp. He makes movements when we are in the room with him. This evening he was really moving his arms and when he does so his heartrate and blood pressure rise. I made the mistake of trying to read to him. I thought that hearing my voice would help settle him, but it only made it worse. The nurse told me that we needed to limit his stimuli right now since they are trying to keep him as calm as possible while they get him off the sedatives so we can get him off the vent.
His chest x-ray looked good this afternoon, so they went ahead and removed his chest tube. Everything that we are hearing is good. It's just baby steps. He did have a seizure last night but they got it under control in less than 3 minutes. He hasn't had another one today. We were told this morning that he would most likely be on anti-convulsives for about 6 months or so, and he will have to have some kind of rehab (just not sure yet, until he's awake and we know what we're dealing with for sure).
I did meet the mother of a little boy who had a similar accident 5 years ago. At the time the little boy was 2 and he fell into the family's swimming pool. This little boy was in ICU for 15 days and when he went home he was blind in his left eye and he had to go through rehab to teach him how to walk and talk again. The mother picked the little boy up at school today and told him that they were going to visit someone and he said to her, "we're going to see that little boy who fell in the pond, aren't we?" She hadn't even said anything to him about it before then. The boy brought Aidan a little stuffed dog and a balloon. It was so encouraging to see him now at 7 as a healthy little boy with no signs of having such a terrible accident.
Today was Aidan's birthday and I could think of a million other things I'd rather be doing for my baby's birthday than sitting here in the hospital. This evening hasn't been the greatest for me. I can't help but feel useless just sitting here. I can't help but blame myself for not keeping Aidan safe. It's my job. I don't like to anyone take care of my kids, because it's my job. They're my kids and my responsibility. I could have done so many things different to keep him out of that water.
Logically, I know that I can't go back and change the past, and I know it's no one's fault, but, my heart feels guilty. Aidan is such a strong little boy and we're going to get through this. Russell is going to get a job soon and we're going to go on with our lives and be a family. Well, enough of my little pity party.
I do appreciate all of your prayers and the wonderful cards that are being sent. We read them to Aidan every morning. We'll update again tomorrow.
Thats what the daddy wrote to you?? Thats so sad!! I hope Aiden makes a fast recovery! He is one loved little boy!!!
&
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #44
actually this time it was his mom who wrote the update, R is still at the hospital and she had gone home to check on the baby who is staying with her parents.
It sounds like Aidan has wonderful parents... and what a lovely thing for that other little boy to come visit! People can be so good sometimes.
Aidan remains in our hearts here...
Aidan remains in our hearts here...
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #46
todays update: also a side note they have set up an account to help the family with expenses. not that i am asking anyone to help, Lord knows y'all have done more than could be expected by praying, i just thought i would add what was told to me. so here is the update from "R":
Not much to report today. Aidan is off the Versed and Fentanyl and has been moved to an anestethic. This is a much faster-acting anesthetic with a very short half-life. This means he gets knocked out quickly and once he builds a tolerance or the dosage wears off he starts to come around within 30 minutes. Aidan is still on the ventilator, but they hope to take him off of it tomorrow. They are still clearing stuff out of his lungs, but it is not mucous like before. They said it is more "frothy". He also has started showing a lot more movement, which is important. he also reacts a much more when stimulated. One other big thing going on is that he is actually breathing over the respirator. The is important in that it helps asses the likelihood of pulling the tube.
The cards keep coming in for Aidan, which is awesome. We have received several cards in the mail, as well as numerous e-Cards from the website. These are greatly appreciated. I cannot begin to adequately thank everyone for the support and prayers we have received from across the country and even around the world thus far.
Not much to report today. Aidan is off the Versed and Fentanyl and has been moved to an anestethic. This is a much faster-acting anesthetic with a very short half-life. This means he gets knocked out quickly and once he builds a tolerance or the dosage wears off he starts to come around within 30 minutes. Aidan is still on the ventilator, but they hope to take him off of it tomorrow. They are still clearing stuff out of his lungs, but it is not mucous like before. They said it is more "frothy". He also has started showing a lot more movement, which is important. he also reacts a much more when stimulated. One other big thing going on is that he is actually breathing over the respirator. The is important in that it helps asses the likelihood of pulling the tube.
The cards keep coming in for Aidan, which is awesome. We have received several cards in the mail, as well as numerous e-Cards from the website. These are greatly appreciated. I cannot begin to adequately thank everyone for the support and prayers we have received from across the country and even around the world thus far.
I'm so glad to hear this! It really does sound like good news! Keep fighting, Aidan!
Oh I'm so glad to hear more positive updates!!!
I haven't been online very much lately at TCS and have just now read this thread..
I'm as so sorry to hear about poor little Alden's accident, but am glad to hear that things are going well for him. Bless his little heart.
I hope he continues to improve, and will be praying for him & his family.
~KK~
I'm as so sorry to hear about poor little Alden's accident, but am glad to hear that things are going well for him. Bless his little heart.
I hope he continues to improve, and will be praying for him & his family.
~KK~
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #50
todays update: guys i am really really worried now, its not like Russ to take a break from posting updates and answering the phone, he must be really down and upset. .................
And two GIANT steps back! AUGH!
The MRI came back and apparently it looked good enough to justify extebating Aidan. They did that at 3:15 PM Eastern.
About 30 minutes later, Erin and I go back to see Aidan. His breathing was "rattled" (i.e., lots of noise from secretions) and his vitals were sky-high. We tried to comfort him, but it didn't work. The nurses also gave him Ropinol to help dry up those secretions. Even after several coughs, he was still bad. Dr. B assessed him and determined it was best to re-intebate him. This was after 2 hours.
Fast forward 30 minutes again. My brother-in-law and I went back to see Aidan and he was no better: vitals still sky-high and respiration still high. "M" (the brother-in-law) left immediately. I stuck around and watched him as he continued to struggle. The nurse came in and informed me that a baby a couple of rooms down ws going south, so they were working on him at that moment. I stuck around a little longer then came back to the room. Erin then proceeded to tell me that she was taking Evan to urgent care. Throw in that she also isn't feeling well, and suddenly a potentially great weekend has turned to excrement coming from the sphincter of a male bovine.
Frankly, i am upset and stressed. I'm not sure, and I may be on the verge of my own major meltdown. It seems like all the effort and progress that we just experienced has fallen to the wayside.
I have decided that after this post, I'm taking a break. Aidan is still on the ventilator and no tests are currently scheduled for the weekend. I will not be responding to any emails, nor will I read or make any posts on message boards. If you call me, I will most likely not answer unless you are immediate family. Even then, you'll have to catch me in the right mood. Come Monday or Tuesday, I will post again. I at least owe you an update when something happens out here.
And two GIANT steps back! AUGH!
The MRI came back and apparently it looked good enough to justify extebating Aidan. They did that at 3:15 PM Eastern.
About 30 minutes later, Erin and I go back to see Aidan. His breathing was "rattled" (i.e., lots of noise from secretions) and his vitals were sky-high. We tried to comfort him, but it didn't work. The nurses also gave him Ropinol to help dry up those secretions. Even after several coughs, he was still bad. Dr. B assessed him and determined it was best to re-intebate him. This was after 2 hours.
Fast forward 30 minutes again. My brother-in-law and I went back to see Aidan and he was no better: vitals still sky-high and respiration still high. "M" (the brother-in-law) left immediately. I stuck around and watched him as he continued to struggle. The nurse came in and informed me that a baby a couple of rooms down ws going south, so they were working on him at that moment. I stuck around a little longer then came back to the room. Erin then proceeded to tell me that she was taking Evan to urgent care. Throw in that she also isn't feeling well, and suddenly a potentially great weekend has turned to excrement coming from the sphincter of a male bovine.
Frankly, i am upset and stressed. I'm not sure, and I may be on the verge of my own major meltdown. It seems like all the effort and progress that we just experienced has fallen to the wayside.
I have decided that after this post, I'm taking a break. Aidan is still on the ventilator and no tests are currently scheduled for the weekend. I will not be responding to any emails, nor will I read or make any posts on message boards. If you call me, I will most likely not answer unless you are immediate family. Even then, you'll have to catch me in the right mood. Come Monday or Tuesday, I will post again. I at least owe you an update when something happens out here.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #51
another update:
I know I said that I wasn't posting anything else this weekend, but I also said I would post an update if something significant happens. Fortunately, something significant has happened!
Aidan has been put back on the Fentanyl (the anti-seizure medicine) as well as another medication (can't remember the name). This has got Aidan's vitals back to normal and he is resting comfortably. He also had a fever of 104, but they were able to get that controlled. They also have taken various cultures from his bodily fluids to see if anything in those caused that to happen.
I know I said that I wasn't posting anything else this weekend, but I also said I would post an update if something significant happens. Fortunately, something significant has happened!
Aidan has been put back on the Fentanyl (the anti-seizure medicine) as well as another medication (can't remember the name). This has got Aidan's vitals back to normal and he is resting comfortably. He also had a fever of 104, but they were able to get that controlled. They also have taken various cultures from his bodily fluids to see if anything in those caused that to happen.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #52
Today was a horrible day and really wasn't what we were expecting. I think, well, I KNOW, that I had an unrealistic image of what was going to happen and today those ideas got knocked down a rung or 10.
I want Aidan to be better NOW, even though I know it is going to take baby steps. Seeing him like he was today, struggling and agitated, just took a toll on all of us.
What I know is this- Aidan is a very strong(physically), very determined, strong-willed, little boy. He's hard headed and adorable all at the same time. He has the best and the worst of both Russell and I. He's fighting this right now, and he just needs more time.
Tomorrow is another day, and we'll see how it goes. The doctor told me we're looking at about another week in the hospital. That was before all the drama unfolded. So, we're probably looking at a little longer unless he starts responding better. Also, when he is released from the hospital, he won't be coming home right away. He will most likely go to a rehab facility for 6 weeks to 2 months (this was the Dr.'s initial though-not written in stone).
This is what I meant by my visions of what was going to happen got knocked down several rungs on the ladder to recovery. I knew that Aidan would need rehab when he came out of the hospital, I guess I just assumed that we'd be bringing him home and I'd be taking him every day to rehab. I know it's for the best, but I'm the control freak and it breaks my heart to be away from him.
I have cried about this almost all evening, I've worried about it, and I've prayed about it. I'm going to just trust that GOD is going to take care of Aidan and that he's going to come home to us. As my friend's little girl said, she had a dream about Aidan and Jesus told her that Aidan was going to be okay. That's the wisdom of a 3 year old.
I don't know why this had to happen to our little boy. I don't know why anyone has to endure this kind of tragedy. If anyone can be made more aware of how to keep their children safe around water then something good can come of our pain.
Russell and I both greatly appreciate all of the prayers and cards that have been sent. I know that I say this every time I write something but I'll never be able to thank you all enough. They bring me hope and help to renew my failing faith when things look bleak. Thank you all!
I want Aidan to be better NOW, even though I know it is going to take baby steps. Seeing him like he was today, struggling and agitated, just took a toll on all of us.
What I know is this- Aidan is a very strong(physically), very determined, strong-willed, little boy. He's hard headed and adorable all at the same time. He has the best and the worst of both Russell and I. He's fighting this right now, and he just needs more time.
Tomorrow is another day, and we'll see how it goes. The doctor told me we're looking at about another week in the hospital. That was before all the drama unfolded. So, we're probably looking at a little longer unless he starts responding better. Also, when he is released from the hospital, he won't be coming home right away. He will most likely go to a rehab facility for 6 weeks to 2 months (this was the Dr.'s initial though-not written in stone).
This is what I meant by my visions of what was going to happen got knocked down several rungs on the ladder to recovery. I knew that Aidan would need rehab when he came out of the hospital, I guess I just assumed that we'd be bringing him home and I'd be taking him every day to rehab. I know it's for the best, but I'm the control freak and it breaks my heart to be away from him.
I have cried about this almost all evening, I've worried about it, and I've prayed about it. I'm going to just trust that GOD is going to take care of Aidan and that he's going to come home to us. As my friend's little girl said, she had a dream about Aidan and Jesus told her that Aidan was going to be okay. That's the wisdom of a 3 year old.
I don't know why this had to happen to our little boy. I don't know why anyone has to endure this kind of tragedy. If anyone can be made more aware of how to keep their children safe around water then something good can come of our pain.
Russell and I both greatly appreciate all of the prayers and cards that have been sent. I know that I say this every time I write something but I'll never be able to thank you all enough. They bring me hope and help to renew my failing faith when things look bleak. Thank you all!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #53
this is from Erin
Today was a horrible day and really wasn't what we were expecting. I think, well, I KNOW, that I had an unrealistic image of what was going to happen and today those ideas got knocked down a rung or 10.
I want Aidan to be better NOW, even though I know it is going to take baby steps. Seeing him like he was today, struggling and agitated, just took a toll on all of us.
What I know is this- Aidan is a very strong(physically), very determined, strong-willed, little boy. He's hard headed and adorable all at the same time. He has the best and the worst of both Russell and I. He's fighting this right now, and he just needs more time.
Tomorrow is another day, and we'll see how it goes. The doctor told me we're looking at about another week in the hospital. That was before all the drama unfolded. So, we're probably looking at a little longer unless he starts responding better. Also, when he is released from the hospital, he won't be coming home right away. He will most likely go to a rehab facility for 6 weeks to 2 months (this was the Dr.'s initial though-not written in stone).
This is what I meant by my visions of what was going to happen got knocked down several rungs on the ladder to recovery. I knew that Aidan would need rehab when he came out of the hospital, I guess I just assumed that we'd be bringing him home and I'd be taking him every day to rehab. I know it's for the best, but I'm the control freak and it breaks my heart to be away from him.
I have cried about this almost all evening, I've worried about it, and I've prayed about it. I'm going to just trust that GOD is going to take care of Aidan and that he's going to come home to us. As my friend's little girl said, she had a dream about Aidan and Jesus told her that Aidan was going to be okay. That's the wisdom of a 3 year old.
I don't know why this had to happen to our little boy. I don't know why anyone has to endure this kind of tragedy. If anyone can be made more aware of how to keep their children safe around water then something good can come of our pain.
Russell and I both greatly appreciate all of the prayers and cards that have been sent. I know that I say this every time I write something but I'll never be able to thank you all enough. They bring me hope and help to renew my failing faith when things look bleak. Thank you all!
Today was a horrible day and really wasn't what we were expecting. I think, well, I KNOW, that I had an unrealistic image of what was going to happen and today those ideas got knocked down a rung or 10.
I want Aidan to be better NOW, even though I know it is going to take baby steps. Seeing him like he was today, struggling and agitated, just took a toll on all of us.
What I know is this- Aidan is a very strong(physically), very determined, strong-willed, little boy. He's hard headed and adorable all at the same time. He has the best and the worst of both Russell and I. He's fighting this right now, and he just needs more time.
Tomorrow is another day, and we'll see how it goes. The doctor told me we're looking at about another week in the hospital. That was before all the drama unfolded. So, we're probably looking at a little longer unless he starts responding better. Also, when he is released from the hospital, he won't be coming home right away. He will most likely go to a rehab facility for 6 weeks to 2 months (this was the Dr.'s initial though-not written in stone).
This is what I meant by my visions of what was going to happen got knocked down several rungs on the ladder to recovery. I knew that Aidan would need rehab when he came out of the hospital, I guess I just assumed that we'd be bringing him home and I'd be taking him every day to rehab. I know it's for the best, but I'm the control freak and it breaks my heart to be away from him.
I have cried about this almost all evening, I've worried about it, and I've prayed about it. I'm going to just trust that GOD is going to take care of Aidan and that he's going to come home to us. As my friend's little girl said, she had a dream about Aidan and Jesus told her that Aidan was going to be okay. That's the wisdom of a 3 year old.
I don't know why this had to happen to our little boy. I don't know why anyone has to endure this kind of tragedy. If anyone can be made more aware of how to keep their children safe around water then something good can come of our pain.
Russell and I both greatly appreciate all of the prayers and cards that have been sent. I know that I say this every time I write something but I'll never be able to thank you all enough. They bring me hope and help to renew my failing faith when things look bleak. Thank you all!
Ill keep him in my prayers that he gets better... I just wish the news would have been better! Fentanyl is also a strong pain killer! So maybe that will keep him more comfortable. More vibes...
Poor lil man!!
I was hoping to hear better news!!!
More vibes for the poor baby!!
More vibes for the poor baby!!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #56
update from Erin: i am so glad she decided to send an update.
I know that Russell said he was going to take a break from posting for a few days, so I thought I'd just give you all a little update. There isn't much to tell, though. Since last night, Aidan has been sedated and his vitals look good. He's calm and resting. I was at home most of the day with Evan as he is sick with the flu, pink eye and an ear infection, so I wasn't able to talk to the doctors today. Russell did speak with the neurologist and from what he told me, they are planning to run another MRI in 4-5 days and they are going to do another EEG tomorrow.
I'm praying that everything looks okay tomorrow and that there are no further signs of seizures of damage. I'm worried about the toll of the stress from yesterday on his body, especially his heart and brain. I realize that we had to try to take him off the ventilator to see how he would react to it. I'm just hoping that giving him some more time to heal will allow him to stay off it for good next time without all of the stress on his body.
Other than that, it was a quiet day. He's resting and for now that is okay. Thank you for all the prayers!
Erin
I know that Russell said he was going to take a break from posting for a few days, so I thought I'd just give you all a little update. There isn't much to tell, though. Since last night, Aidan has been sedated and his vitals look good. He's calm and resting. I was at home most of the day with Evan as he is sick with the flu, pink eye and an ear infection, so I wasn't able to talk to the doctors today. Russell did speak with the neurologist and from what he told me, they are planning to run another MRI in 4-5 days and they are going to do another EEG tomorrow.
I'm praying that everything looks okay tomorrow and that there are no further signs of seizures of damage. I'm worried about the toll of the stress from yesterday on his body, especially his heart and brain. I realize that we had to try to take him off the ventilator to see how he would react to it. I'm just hoping that giving him some more time to heal will allow him to stay off it for good next time without all of the stress on his body.
Other than that, it was a quiet day. He's resting and for now that is okay. Thank you for all the prayers!
Erin
More Vibes!!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #58
morning update"
Dr. B met with me and then Erin this morning. He pretty much said the same thing to both of us:
Another EEG is scheduled for today. Hopefully there will be some improvement from the previous one. Another MRI will happen later this week. Pneumonia is pretty much gone according to the chest x-rays, though they keep getting cultures from his lungs just in case. He will be on antibiotics for another few days (10 days total, so most likely this Wednesday), then taken off. They also removed his Foley catheter and the arterial line they were using primarily for BP checks. The central line will be removed in the near future. Leaving these lines in result in infection.
They are looking to extebate again later this week. If all goes well, great. If not, Aidan will end up getting a tracheostomy. If that were to happen, he would have it for several months.
Rehab is looking at 8-12 weeks now. He has recommended we look for in-patient pediatric rehab centers that specialize in children with head/brain trauma. Cities he gave: Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincy, or Denver. This means moving the family to that area, staying most likely at a Ronald McDonald house, and me finding a job in the city we choose to move to. Does this mean a permanent move to that city? I have no idea. We also have no idea how we will be able to pay for it. Someone suggested we check with March of Dimes or some of the other charities that specialize in helping families with children. So now, my Internet searches will consist of finding jobs in those areas, as well as finding out about the various rehab centers.
Dr. B met with me and then Erin this morning. He pretty much said the same thing to both of us:
Another EEG is scheduled for today. Hopefully there will be some improvement from the previous one. Another MRI will happen later this week. Pneumonia is pretty much gone according to the chest x-rays, though they keep getting cultures from his lungs just in case. He will be on antibiotics for another few days (10 days total, so most likely this Wednesday), then taken off. They also removed his Foley catheter and the arterial line they were using primarily for BP checks. The central line will be removed in the near future. Leaving these lines in result in infection.
They are looking to extebate again later this week. If all goes well, great. If not, Aidan will end up getting a tracheostomy. If that were to happen, he would have it for several months.
Rehab is looking at 8-12 weeks now. He has recommended we look for in-patient pediatric rehab centers that specialize in children with head/brain trauma. Cities he gave: Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincy, or Denver. This means moving the family to that area, staying most likely at a Ronald McDonald house, and me finding a job in the city we choose to move to. Does this mean a permanent move to that city? I have no idea. We also have no idea how we will be able to pay for it. Someone suggested we check with March of Dimes or some of the other charities that specialize in helping families with children. So now, my Internet searches will consist of finding jobs in those areas, as well as finding out about the various rehab centers.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #59
todays update:
Today, they tried again to back off Aidan's sedation. Erin said that he opened his eyes and even squeezed her and Mamaw S's hands. Unfortunately, he started getting agitated and ended up having several "episodes" before they decided to put him back on sedation.
We met with Dr. S and asked him about the episodes. He said these were caused by his brain trying to wake up. More specifically, his autonomic nervous system was firing off and causing what equates to a sensory overload. He said that he has seen episodes like this before, but usually in older children rather than toddlers.
At this point, Dr. S is researching a drug to use the next time they start weaning the sedation that will help subside these episodes. The tentative date for this is later this week at the earliest, but could be as late as the end of next week. A lot depends on his response. Obviously, this is a very slow process.
On the rehab front, they have started to bring in occupational therapists to work on Aidan's arms/legs/feet/hands. They asked us to bring tennis shoes to put on his feet so they will not drop. Also, our social worker is looking into the rehab centers for us, though we have done a little research on some ourselves and we have also had recommendations for other centers (Memphis and OKC) from some of our friends.
My phone interview went well today. I will know about a second interview by the end of the week. I also got a call a little while ago for a face-to-face interview tomorrow at 2:30PM. This position is a short-term contract, but could run longer. Also, the pay is presumably better than I made at my last job ... a lot better. We'll see how that goes tomorrow.
Today, they tried again to back off Aidan's sedation. Erin said that he opened his eyes and even squeezed her and Mamaw S's hands. Unfortunately, he started getting agitated and ended up having several "episodes" before they decided to put him back on sedation.
We met with Dr. S and asked him about the episodes. He said these were caused by his brain trying to wake up. More specifically, his autonomic nervous system was firing off and causing what equates to a sensory overload. He said that he has seen episodes like this before, but usually in older children rather than toddlers.
At this point, Dr. S is researching a drug to use the next time they start weaning the sedation that will help subside these episodes. The tentative date for this is later this week at the earliest, but could be as late as the end of next week. A lot depends on his response. Obviously, this is a very slow process.
On the rehab front, they have started to bring in occupational therapists to work on Aidan's arms/legs/feet/hands. They asked us to bring tennis shoes to put on his feet so they will not drop. Also, our social worker is looking into the rehab centers for us, though we have done a little research on some ourselves and we have also had recommendations for other centers (Memphis and OKC) from some of our friends.
My phone interview went well today. I will know about a second interview by the end of the week. I also got a call a little while ago for a face-to-face interview tomorrow at 2:30PM. This position is a short-term contract, but could run longer. Also, the pay is presumably better than I made at my last job ... a lot better. We'll see how that goes tomorrow.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #60
not quite an update but this really moved me: by russ
Some of you may have seen or heard this phrase from me over the past week and a half and wonder what I mean by it. Allow me this opportunity to explain.
Many people equate the soul with feelings or emotions. Think of all the songs that mention the soul in this manner. For some reason, thinking of the soul makes the lyrics of the Billy Joel song "It's All About Soul" immediately come to mind:
It's all about soul
It's all about faith and a deeper devotion
It's all about soul
'Cause under the love is a stronger emotion
She's got to be strong
'Cause so many things gettin' out of control
Should drive her away
So why does she stay?
It's all about soul
Now, consider what happened that fateful Saturday, February 16. There are a million different emotions that are now forever associated with that sequence of events: anger, fear, hopelessness, distress, sadness, and likely many many more I have yet to discover. Consider how you felt when the worst moment of your life occurred. Now, multiply that by a significant number. How significant? I don't know ... maybe a googolplex? That is most likely how you would feel if your child ... your first-born ... your own personal miracle ... were suddenly in your arms and when you looked down, you saw death.
However, there's an interesting thing about emotions -- your soul, even. It can be suppressed. You can push aside those horrible feelings and focus on the positives happening amongst the tragedy (i.e., paramedics brought him back to life, vital signs are stable, reacts to stimuli, etc.).
Fast forward to this past Saturday. I was sitting alone in Aidan's room when the memories of that day started running through my head. Unfortunately, you cannot stop replaying the sequence of events when they start playing in your mind. As I relived diving in the water and flipping his lifeless body over to see lifeless eyes and ice blue lips, I couldn't hold back the tears.
So, go ahead and burn a memory into my soul ... I'll take a million and one of those over replaying that sequence of events in my mind's eye ever again. The sad thing is that it will always replay in those quiet moments when I look at my son and ask that dreaded question: "What If ...?".
Some of you may have seen or heard this phrase from me over the past week and a half and wonder what I mean by it. Allow me this opportunity to explain.
Many people equate the soul with feelings or emotions. Think of all the songs that mention the soul in this manner. For some reason, thinking of the soul makes the lyrics of the Billy Joel song "It's All About Soul" immediately come to mind:
It's all about soul
It's all about faith and a deeper devotion
It's all about soul
'Cause under the love is a stronger emotion
She's got to be strong
'Cause so many things gettin' out of control
Should drive her away
So why does she stay?
It's all about soul
Now, consider what happened that fateful Saturday, February 16. There are a million different emotions that are now forever associated with that sequence of events: anger, fear, hopelessness, distress, sadness, and likely many many more I have yet to discover. Consider how you felt when the worst moment of your life occurred. Now, multiply that by a significant number. How significant? I don't know ... maybe a googolplex? That is most likely how you would feel if your child ... your first-born ... your own personal miracle ... were suddenly in your arms and when you looked down, you saw death.
However, there's an interesting thing about emotions -- your soul, even. It can be suppressed. You can push aside those horrible feelings and focus on the positives happening amongst the tragedy (i.e., paramedics brought him back to life, vital signs are stable, reacts to stimuli, etc.).
Fast forward to this past Saturday. I was sitting alone in Aidan's room when the memories of that day started running through my head. Unfortunately, you cannot stop replaying the sequence of events when they start playing in your mind. As I relived diving in the water and flipping his lifeless body over to see lifeless eyes and ice blue lips, I couldn't hold back the tears.
So, go ahead and burn a memory into my soul ... I'll take a million and one of those over replaying that sequence of events in my mind's eye ever again. The sad thing is that it will always replay in those quiet moments when I look at my son and ask that dreaded question: "What If ...?".
