Sunday, March 7, 2010

Short and sweet

Just wanted to send a quick update...

Clark is doing good. They extubated him today, meaning they took him off the respirator and he is back on CPAP. We had a moment today. On Friday, one of his doctors said: "OK, so we're going to keep Clark intubated all weekend. If anyone says they are going to extubate (which they won't), but if they do, tell them no!" These were his exact words. Today, another doctor came in and said they were going to extubate. So, immediately Jason and I jumped up and told her what the other doctor had said. Her response was basically. "It doesn't matter what he said, I am his boss. Clark is doing really well and the less time we keep him intubated the better." Of course, we don't like seeing a tube shoved down Clark's throat or hearing the rasping sound in his lungs from the respirator, but why would a doctor say that and put us in that position? It was pretty confusing and frustrating as we stood there trying to stand up for our little guy, but not knowing the best solution. We mentioned this to our pediatrician and he basically said. "This is the non-exact science of medicine." So, evidently conflicting views and statements from different doctors each shift is something we have to look forward to for months...yippee...

He gained weight yesterday and then lost today. He expended a lot of calories during the extubation and now his is back to doing more of the work on his own. It is to be expected. He seemed pretty ticked off at his predicament today. Very fussy and feisty but so adorable! We spent all day with him and tried to console him in the only way we know how...offering lots of love, conversation, reading, gentle touch through the little portholes and long bouts of staring...just watching him breath...sending every bit of love we have to him...

We came home to another delicious meal from a dear friend...and settled in to watch the oscars...I was fast asleep within 15 minutes...

4 comments:

  1. it is so frustrating when doctors don't agree and it does put you in a state of confusion on what to do, who to listen to....personal experience...no matter who is attending your baby(YOU are the BOSS) and NEVER hesitate to say this is fine BUT I will run it by his pediatrician....and do that immediately NO MATTER what time of day or day of the week that is, he/she is on call for you 24/7.....Your pediatrician knows your baby better than any attending physician. Your pediatrician has followed the baby from his first breath, most likely the "attending physician" just looks at his chart to get his update including his name. Remember you are the mediator for that little bundle and you are his voice...you may not be doctors but you know your child better than anyone XOXOXOXO always and always

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  2. Hey guys....frustration can be worse than anything else sometimes!!! BUT, you have to trust in those who are in "charge", (for lack of a better word)! I, too, would've been all over the doctor attempting to "undo" another doctor's orders; however, when that doctor is the other doctor's "boss", you gotta do what YOU think is best for Clark! I like to think they know what's best! And, that's how I pray...that the best is being given to improve lil Clark's life and well-being. It appears this is exactly what's being done. Sooooo, trust in your hearts' messages and continue to be the sweet, loving, caring, doting parents that you are!! And....if you need me to, I will come there and bash some heads together, if it helps!! (Just kidding, of course!!) Seriously, I believe and pray daily that Clark is getting the very best of care!! The upside of this, Lil Momma, is that YOU are sleeping!!!!! Hooray for small steps!!! ILY all. XOXOXOXOXO

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  3. Sending love to your little warrior!

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  4. Christy and Jason - one of the most truthful statements I ever heard was, "Why do you think they call it a practice?" Yes, you have to trust them, but don't hesitate to ask questions and seek answers.

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