According to the nurses and doctors Kaitlyn's recovery is right on track. She's had a few ups and downs but apparently this is "normal." It's difficult to see her like this. They are having a hard time keeping her still and sleeping. The nurse said that this is common in kiddos with Down syndrome?! She's on several medications. Some of them include a morphine drip to control the pain along with an anti-anxiety to help calm her and an amnesia medication to help her not remember. A line that was placed in her pulmonary artery to monitor the pressures in her heart was removed this morning. This was an extra line put in to help monitor her pressures since she had a little trouble coming off of bypass after surgery. So one tube down and several to go. Its PROGRESS so we'll take it. Her next major milestone will be to start weaning her off the ventilator. Things change in an instant around here so we will see what today brings. The nurses are great. They talk about Kaitlyn's surgery like it is minor. And even though in doesn't seem minor to us it is one of the simpler surgeries compared to many of the kiddos in the Pediatric Cardio ICU. You would not believe what some of these kids have been through, soooo sad! Please continue to pray for Kaitlyn and all the other little fighters on her floor.
Below are some pictures of Kaitlyn this morning. They are a little hard to look at but let me explain why I feel its necessary to post them on her blog. When I found out about Kaitlyn's heart defect I searched far and wide looking for info about her upcoming surgery. I had read all the medical stuff and I just wanted to find things that would help prepare me for what we were about to go through. I found this on different blogs. It helped me tremendously. So if there is a family out there who follows our story who has been placed on a similar path I hope this helps them. Kaitlyn will continue to recover and each day her pictures should look better and better! Thank you to everyone who is praying for our AMAZING little girl!
Our Amazing Little Fighter!
Please get some restful sleep my beautiful angel!
Man she looks great. I am a firm believer in taking pics of everything. Even though some are hard to see, you'll want to remember everything your angel went through. If you've been to our blog you've probably seen many of Jax post heart surgery.
ReplyDeleteYep - I agree. Post these pictures. It was very helpful for me too, to prepare for Max's OHS. So glad Kaitlyn is doing well. It is hard to see them moving and in pain, but I love that amnesia affect medicine!
ReplyDeleteKaitly looks REALLY GREAT, Jenee! She has got terrific colour! Soon, she will be admitted to the general floor and I have to tell you that I remember thinking that we'd never get past CCU...but it will happen. I'll be sure to keep her in my prayers.♥
ReplyDeleteOne of my regrets is not taking pictures of Gabe when he was in recovery. I remember feeling mortified when my FIL suggest that we do this -- and now I wish I would have listened to him.
As I've watched my son stretch and grow, I think the photos would be a help to him to understand what his heart surgery was all about.
Also, being able to share with other parents is so important, too.
So glad to hear that she is making good progress! Keeping you all in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work kaitlyn! Everything mom is saying is everything we were told also. For some reason you little guys with Ds are harder to sedate and you require more medicine..not to worry you are in good hands! I am so relieved to hear all is well... I remember the ups and downs with lily and they were all "par for the course" we were told, but in the end you will be coming home with mom and dad and that is all that matters! We are still praying for your speedy recovery and know you are going to do well! I remember counting the tubes coming out too! It brings back so many memories! You guys take care and thanks for taking the time to let us know how she is doing! Kaitlyn you have been on my mind all day and I will continue to pray!! take care and hurry home! ~Angie Brock and family!
ReplyDeletePraying for your sweet girl! Those pics bring it all back...seems like it was ages ago, but it's only been a few months. Soon, you'll feel this way, too!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Aww, sweet baby girl!! Bennett was the same way right after his sugery with the moving a lot and they had a hard time getting him comfortable and they said it was due to DS and how our kids just eat up the pain meds a lot quicker than other kids. Just make sure they stay on top of the pain because it can come back quick and sometimes they like to back off the meds and she may not be ready for that. Continuing to pray for her and a quick recovery!
ReplyDeleteWhat a trooper! Glad to hear she is making great progress!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Kaitlyn continues to do well. I am still praying for her and a speedy recovery. I think it is great that you are posting about her surgery and including pictures both for you and for any future readers!
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn is looking great... I am so happy that she is doing well. Looking at her pictures bring back memories of Gabriel when he had his AVSD surgery. Each day will bring more and more surprises. Enjoy each little step! Hopefully they will come fast! We are praying. Remember to get as much rest as possible. When she goes to the step down unit you wont want to leave her side. They are amazing but each nurse has about 6 kids to watch after. We hated to leave Gabriel by himself for any length of time.
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful Kaitlyn is doing so great. Just a few more days and you will be bringing her home. Big hugs to all of you!
ReplyDeleteshe'll continue to amaze you at how quickly she recovers. we will continue to lift our prayers up for your little fighter.
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn is going to be home with you in no time - so happy she is doing well and the surgery was a success! I agree with you - it was such a help to be able to see pictures and read about the open-heart surgery before actually having our little Whitney's surgery... we read about Dylan's surgery just before Whitney's surgery (from Dayswithdylan)--- I am sure your posts and pictures will help some other family facing the same surgery for their child!!!
ReplyDeleteStay strong :) Thinking of you!
Kaitlyn looks great and is a true warrior.
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers are coming!