Quick update:
Respiratory function is slightly improved.
No new cardiac episodes since Sunday night.
The next two days should allow for better assessment of William's condition.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
William's Heart Stops, Mucus Plugs and Other Serious Complications
On Saturday we were excited as William was doing extremely well after the removal of the ventilator. Due to his continued improvement Melanie decided that Dan would take Juliet to a birthday party in Chicago.
While at the birthday party, William developed a mucus plug. His heart completely stopped for over a minute. The physicians and nurses administered compressions and were able to bring William back.
Dan and Juliet rushed back to the hospital as it was unclear if William was going to survive. William steadily improved after the event. Things were looking up. Melanie went home and Dan took a shift spending the night at the hospital. About twelve hours after the original event, it happened again. Melanie rushed to the hospital. Once again, William was brought back. Due to continued secretions and another mucus plug, William was placed on a bi-pap. P.J. came to the hospital and spent a majority of Sunday with the family.
Approximately twelve hours after the second event, he had a third episode. This time his stats plummeted, but his heart did not stop. He was re-intubated and remains on a ventilator. Family friend Tom S. was present for the third event and was able to witness the continued stress brought on by this situation.
Three near death experiences have taken a toll on William's body and has shaken his entire family. As of today he is stable. He continued to struggle with increased secretions.
This morning he was found to have a low grade fever. He is being watched continually for infections and respiratory issues.
The next couple of days will determine what lies ahead for our little guy. If he does well they will try to extubate him by the end of the week. After extubation if secretions are manageable, they will then try to use a bi-pap machine.
If he does not do well, he will get a tracheotomy and a permanent ventilator.
Our family, friends and co-workers have taken care of all of our obligations to allow us to stay at the hospital with William. Words do not sufficiently express our gratitude.
Please keep William in your thoughts an prayers.
The Whiston Family
While at the birthday party, William developed a mucus plug. His heart completely stopped for over a minute. The physicians and nurses administered compressions and were able to bring William back.
Dan and Juliet rushed back to the hospital as it was unclear if William was going to survive. William steadily improved after the event. Things were looking up. Melanie went home and Dan took a shift spending the night at the hospital. About twelve hours after the original event, it happened again. Melanie rushed to the hospital. Once again, William was brought back. Due to continued secretions and another mucus plug, William was placed on a bi-pap. P.J. came to the hospital and spent a majority of Sunday with the family.
Approximately twelve hours after the second event, he had a third episode. This time his stats plummeted, but his heart did not stop. He was re-intubated and remains on a ventilator. Family friend Tom S. was present for the third event and was able to witness the continued stress brought on by this situation.
Three near death experiences have taken a toll on William's body and has shaken his entire family. As of today he is stable. He continued to struggle with increased secretions.
This morning he was found to have a low grade fever. He is being watched continually for infections and respiratory issues.
The next couple of days will determine what lies ahead for our little guy. If he does well they will try to extubate him by the end of the week. After extubation if secretions are manageable, they will then try to use a bi-pap machine.
If he does not do well, he will get a tracheotomy and a permanent ventilator.
Our family, friends and co-workers have taken care of all of our obligations to allow us to stay at the hospital with William. Words do not sufficiently express our gratitude.
Please keep William in your thoughts an prayers.
The Whiston Family
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
The Three In One
Today William underwent three procedures. The main procedure is called a Nissen. The procedure tightens the stomach to limit the possibility of anything coming back up. EDIT: Technically, the procedure tightens the sphincter and loops the esophagus to prevent reflux. Mel disagreed with my layman explanation.
William has been struggling with reflux and vomiting. He was hospitalized last week following a reflux event that flooded his lungs with vomit. EDIT: He experienced an aspiration event following a significant reflux of mucus and stomach contents. Mel disagreed with my layman explanation.
The surgeries went well. William looks great. He remains on a respirator. Hopefully he will be taken off of the respirator tomorrow.
William has been struggling with reflux and vomiting. He was hospitalized last week following a reflux event that flooded his lungs with vomit. EDIT: He experienced an aspiration event following a significant reflux of mucus and stomach contents. Mel disagreed with my layman explanation.
The surgeries went well. William looks great. He remains on a respirator. Hopefully he will be taken off of the respirator tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
911 Call, William's Birthday Bash and Surgery
"Its been a busy two weeks."
Last Monday night William had a reflux episode. He began turning blue and was clearly not able to breathe. Despite repeated attempts, were unable to clear the obstruction with the suction machine. We tried giving him oxygen, but that only helped to get his oxygen saturation to a point that was outside of the danger zone. Paramedics were called and took us to the ER at Delnor. After several hours we were transferred to Central DuPage Hospital. Thankfully, William rebounded from the episode. He was officially diagnosed with reflux pneumonia. We spent three days in the hospital which included his birthday.
We celebrated William's first birthday last Wednesday with the immediate family and Nema! We had cake and balloons in the hospital room. The nursing staff made a wonderful sign and decorated the room.
Williams doctors gave permission for William's first birthday party that took place on Saturday. The entire family came over and celebrated this huge milestone. It was great having family and friends enjoy spending time at our house. Due to continuing efforts to keep William healthy, we have been limited with number of guests. This was a great opportunity to have people over who have been unable to meet Will. Hewas excited to have so many visitors.
We also enjoyed having Grandma, Aunt Rachel and cousin Brooklyn spend time with us. Juliet loved having Brooklyn at our house. Hopefully they will be able to visit us again in the near future.
This week William will undergo several surgical procedures. He is scheduled to have a nissen and to have placement of ear tubes. The nissen is a procedure to help prevent reflux. We are hopeful that with this procedure will reduce the number of reflux incidents and hospitalizations.
Last Monday night William had a reflux episode. He began turning blue and was clearly not able to breathe. Despite repeated attempts, were unable to clear the obstruction with the suction machine. We tried giving him oxygen, but that only helped to get his oxygen saturation to a point that was outside of the danger zone. Paramedics were called and took us to the ER at Delnor. After several hours we were transferred to Central DuPage Hospital. Thankfully, William rebounded from the episode. He was officially diagnosed with reflux pneumonia. We spent three days in the hospital which included his birthday.
We celebrated William's first birthday last Wednesday with the immediate family and Nema! We had cake and balloons in the hospital room. The nursing staff made a wonderful sign and decorated the room.
Williams doctors gave permission for William's first birthday party that took place on Saturday. The entire family came over and celebrated this huge milestone. It was great having family and friends enjoy spending time at our house. Due to continuing efforts to keep William healthy, we have been limited with number of guests. This was a great opportunity to have people over who have been unable to meet Will. Hewas excited to have so many visitors.
We also enjoyed having Grandma, Aunt Rachel and cousin Brooklyn spend time with us. Juliet loved having Brooklyn at our house. Hopefully they will be able to visit us again in the near future.
This week William will undergo several surgical procedures. He is scheduled to have a nissen and to have placement of ear tubes. The nissen is a procedure to help prevent reflux. We are hopeful that with this procedure will reduce the number of reflux incidents and hospitalizations.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)