1/30/09
Good news! Dylan is coming back to John Muir today! He's been "stable" at Children's Hospital of Oakland this week but we have been waiting (not so patiently) for a bed to open up at John Muir. He's doing great! More updates soon......
Friday, January 30, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Dylan's Recovery after Surgery
January 24th-26th
Although it was only a couple days ago since our last update, it has seemed like an eternity. Immediately prior to PDA surgery (for the “hole” in his heart), Dylan’s vital signs showed very low blood pressure and an elevated heart rate as he was working very hard to continue the flow of oxygenated blood.
Mom and Dad nervously watched Dylan’s vital signs deteriorate in the first 12 hours after surgery. This was the toughest night and next day for all of us. Dylan’s fluid levels were extremely low and he needed two blood transfusions, his blood pressure was dangerously low (to where his blood vessels and kidneys were not working appropriately), his heart rate was still elevated, and the doctors had put him on 5 different medications that weren’t necessary in the past.
There was very little sleeping that night in the Klintworth household as we thought about Dylan’s condition and prayed for his speedy recovery.
Calling for updates in the middle of the night and the following morning gave us good news as his condition improved. Upon arriving at the hospital on Sunday January 25, we were relieved to know that the medications were starting to work and that Dylan was more stable. His blood pressure was finally improving and his kidneys appeared to be back on track as he proceeded to show the doctors that he was getting well by peeing all over the bed through his diaper.
Now that he was acting more like a Klintworth, we went home and rested for the night.
Today was a good day for Dylan as his vital signs were great, despite his abnormal elevated breathing rates. However, this was somewhat good as it prompted the doctors to take out the breathing tube to allow him to breathe on his own again.
As we sit home tonight, we are hopeful that this was the turning point where Dylan can now focus on growing and recovering.
Although it was only a couple days ago since our last update, it has seemed like an eternity. Immediately prior to PDA surgery (for the “hole” in his heart), Dylan’s vital signs showed very low blood pressure and an elevated heart rate as he was working very hard to continue the flow of oxygenated blood.
Mom and Dad nervously watched Dylan’s vital signs deteriorate in the first 12 hours after surgery. This was the toughest night and next day for all of us. Dylan’s fluid levels were extremely low and he needed two blood transfusions, his blood pressure was dangerously low (to where his blood vessels and kidneys were not working appropriately), his heart rate was still elevated, and the doctors had put him on 5 different medications that weren’t necessary in the past.
There was very little sleeping that night in the Klintworth household as we thought about Dylan’s condition and prayed for his speedy recovery.
Calling for updates in the middle of the night and the following morning gave us good news as his condition improved. Upon arriving at the hospital on Sunday January 25, we were relieved to know that the medications were starting to work and that Dylan was more stable. His blood pressure was finally improving and his kidneys appeared to be back on track as he proceeded to show the doctors that he was getting well by peeing all over the bed through his diaper.
Now that he was acting more like a Klintworth, we went home and rested for the night.
Today was a good day for Dylan as his vital signs were great, despite his abnormal elevated breathing rates. However, this was somewhat good as it prompted the doctors to take out the breathing tube to allow him to breathe on his own again.
As we sit home tonight, we are hopeful that this was the turning point where Dylan can now focus on growing and recovering.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Dylan's Surgery Update
January 19th-23rd
Monday and Tuesday were the deciding days as the Doctors made the decision to move Dylan into surgery to close the Ductus (in his heart). Dylan was relatively stable for these days, but it became increasingly difficult for us to come to grips with the fact that Dylan would need to be transferred to a different hospital (Children’s Hospital of Oakland or “CHO”). We had heard that the environment was slightly different there.
Wednesday was a monumental day as Brandi was able to hold Dylan for the first time. It was incredible!!! As soon as they nurses laid Dylan on Mommy’s chest, we saw his eyes open for the first time and his vitals became perfect. This is when we realized that no matter how small he was and no matter how long he was going to be in the ICN, he still knew who Mommy and Daddy were.
He laid there for about an hour prior to getting the orders for transport to CHO. The transport was necessary as there are no Pediatric Surgeons on staff at John Muir. We were confident that this was the best place for him to be, but it was still difficult. For Mom this may have been the hardest day, emotionally, since giving birth.
When Dylan and Brandi arrived at CHO (separately), it was apparent that this hospital had a very different environment. Being that they are a trauma center, most of the children in the ICN were from many different locations, with many different needs (not just premature babies). In addition, the nurses seemed to have a different philosophy on how to keep the babies calm and resting as the environment was a bit louder than John Muir.
Thursday, was one of the toughest days for Daddy. Dylan was scheduled to go into surgery in the afternoon. He was on the wait list and although we started feeling more comfortable that he was in the right place at CHO, stress and anxiety started setting in as the clocked ticked and optimism that he would have the procedure done that day dwindled.
At about 6pm on Thursday, our Surgeon came to us and said that the Anesthesiologist did not want to do the procedure until the next day due to the fact that they no longer had a full staff on board. Meanwhile, Dylan’s vitals were showing that he needed the surgery sooner rather than later with his blood pressure low and his heart beating / working harder. Being there for 8 hours and anticipating the surgery was exhausting, but we understood that the circumstances were not optimal that night.
On Thursday, the procedure was scheduled at 1pm. Our realistic expectation was that he would be called in around 3pm. Around 3:30pm, the doctors scheduled the procedure for 4pm. The nurses tried to get him ready, but had to perform some last minute preparation as the doctors waited. His stats were somewhat normal for a premature baby of his age, but it was clear that he was irritated by being disturbed in order to get prepared for the surgery.
Around 4:30pm, Dylan went into surgery and was out by 5:30pm and back in the ICN. Dr. Kim, the surgeon, said that the procedure went great and that Dylan was doing well.
Once we were able to see him, we were greatly relieved and, although the heart rate was elevated, the nurses and doctors said that he was stable.
What a huge relief this was for both Mom and Dad and we could go home, rest and pray that this was the final step prior to Dylan being able to really make progress toward growing and developing.
Monday and Tuesday were the deciding days as the Doctors made the decision to move Dylan into surgery to close the Ductus (in his heart). Dylan was relatively stable for these days, but it became increasingly difficult for us to come to grips with the fact that Dylan would need to be transferred to a different hospital (Children’s Hospital of Oakland or “CHO”). We had heard that the environment was slightly different there.
Wednesday was a monumental day as Brandi was able to hold Dylan for the first time. It was incredible!!! As soon as they nurses laid Dylan on Mommy’s chest, we saw his eyes open for the first time and his vitals became perfect. This is when we realized that no matter how small he was and no matter how long he was going to be in the ICN, he still knew who Mommy and Daddy were.
He laid there for about an hour prior to getting the orders for transport to CHO. The transport was necessary as there are no Pediatric Surgeons on staff at John Muir. We were confident that this was the best place for him to be, but it was still difficult. For Mom this may have been the hardest day, emotionally, since giving birth.
When Dylan and Brandi arrived at CHO (separately), it was apparent that this hospital had a very different environment. Being that they are a trauma center, most of the children in the ICN were from many different locations, with many different needs (not just premature babies). In addition, the nurses seemed to have a different philosophy on how to keep the babies calm and resting as the environment was a bit louder than John Muir.
Thursday, was one of the toughest days for Daddy. Dylan was scheduled to go into surgery in the afternoon. He was on the wait list and although we started feeling more comfortable that he was in the right place at CHO, stress and anxiety started setting in as the clocked ticked and optimism that he would have the procedure done that day dwindled.
At about 6pm on Thursday, our Surgeon came to us and said that the Anesthesiologist did not want to do the procedure until the next day due to the fact that they no longer had a full staff on board. Meanwhile, Dylan’s vitals were showing that he needed the surgery sooner rather than later with his blood pressure low and his heart beating / working harder. Being there for 8 hours and anticipating the surgery was exhausting, but we understood that the circumstances were not optimal that night.
On Thursday, the procedure was scheduled at 1pm. Our realistic expectation was that he would be called in around 3pm. Around 3:30pm, the doctors scheduled the procedure for 4pm. The nurses tried to get him ready, but had to perform some last minute preparation as the doctors waited. His stats were somewhat normal for a premature baby of his age, but it was clear that he was irritated by being disturbed in order to get prepared for the surgery.
Around 4:30pm, Dylan went into surgery and was out by 5:30pm and back in the ICN. Dr. Kim, the surgeon, said that the procedure went great and that Dylan was doing well.
Once we were able to see him, we were greatly relieved and, although the heart rate was elevated, the nurses and doctors said that he was stable.
What a huge relief this was for both Mom and Dad and we could go home, rest and pray that this was the final step prior to Dylan being able to really make progress toward growing and developing.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Dylan's First Week
January 14 – January 18
Overall, we are hanging in there and taking this journey day by day, but trying to stack up Dylan’s progress week by week to ensure that we know he is progressing. Our emotions have been all over the map.
The first week went by rather quickly, but for the last couple days we seem to be watching the clock tick as the three months cannot go by fast enough. Brandi and I struggle with the idea of wanting to take home our somewhat stable son from the ICU nursery and knowing that that there is no other option considering his condition.
The past few days have been a net positive for all of us as Dylan seems to be making a lot of progress. Although Brandi and I have been a little under the weather lately and have not been able to visit as often as we would like, we have been able to talk on the phone often with the doctors and nurses for updates. At times we felt like certain weights had been lifted as the mini man has stayed strong through these turbulent times as follows:
· Testing to check levels of the fluid that was first discovered in Dylan’s head was deemed to be normal and no brain hemorrhages were found;
· Dylan was put back on the ventilator for a couple more days and then taken off when he started taking more breaths on his own. He's now doing very well, with the help of a little caffeine (yes, he gets caffeine!);
· After the first round of medical treatment, the doctors determined that the Patent Ductus from Dylan’s heart causing the heart murmur was now insignificant and treatments of medication were discontinued until the next EKG;
· The latest EKG showed that the Patent Ductus opened slightly again and the doctors began his next and final round of medication;
· Dylan was able to have Mommy’s milk and hold it down, but doctors had to stop the feeding upon starting his next round of medication for his heart. With the help of intravenous nutrition, his weight has stopped dropping the last few days. He now weighs 1 pound 12 ounces.
As we realize that these may be insignificant steps for most children, these are milestones for Dylan. It seems so amazing that such a small life can dramatically impact the thoughts and feelings of so many and bring them to spiritual peace.
Overall, Dylan has made amazing progress. We are optimistic about him continuing to breathe on his own and we remain hopeful that he does not need surgery to close the Patent Ductus from his heart. Although this is not heart surgery, the procedures would require him to be transported to Children’s Hospital of Oakland and would increase his risk for infection.
We still haven't been able to hold the mini man yet. He's been stable enough the last few days but we have both been sick, which means we are supposed to stay away from the hospital until we feel better. I've never been so eager to get over a cold in my life - and never more worried about averting another one.
Life seems to be getting back to normal (a new normal) for the Klintworths. We have moved past shock and into acceptance. We know that Dylan is getting the best care possible where he is, but there's an empty sadness in my heart when I'm not with him....
Overall, we are hanging in there and taking this journey day by day, but trying to stack up Dylan’s progress week by week to ensure that we know he is progressing. Our emotions have been all over the map.
The first week went by rather quickly, but for the last couple days we seem to be watching the clock tick as the three months cannot go by fast enough. Brandi and I struggle with the idea of wanting to take home our somewhat stable son from the ICU nursery and knowing that that there is no other option considering his condition.
The past few days have been a net positive for all of us as Dylan seems to be making a lot of progress. Although Brandi and I have been a little under the weather lately and have not been able to visit as often as we would like, we have been able to talk on the phone often with the doctors and nurses for updates. At times we felt like certain weights had been lifted as the mini man has stayed strong through these turbulent times as follows:
· Testing to check levels of the fluid that was first discovered in Dylan’s head was deemed to be normal and no brain hemorrhages were found;
· Dylan was put back on the ventilator for a couple more days and then taken off when he started taking more breaths on his own. He's now doing very well, with the help of a little caffeine (yes, he gets caffeine!);
· After the first round of medical treatment, the doctors determined that the Patent Ductus from Dylan’s heart causing the heart murmur was now insignificant and treatments of medication were discontinued until the next EKG;
· The latest EKG showed that the Patent Ductus opened slightly again and the doctors began his next and final round of medication;
· Dylan was able to have Mommy’s milk and hold it down, but doctors had to stop the feeding upon starting his next round of medication for his heart. With the help of intravenous nutrition, his weight has stopped dropping the last few days. He now weighs 1 pound 12 ounces.
As we realize that these may be insignificant steps for most children, these are milestones for Dylan. It seems so amazing that such a small life can dramatically impact the thoughts and feelings of so many and bring them to spiritual peace.
Overall, Dylan has made amazing progress. We are optimistic about him continuing to breathe on his own and we remain hopeful that he does not need surgery to close the Patent Ductus from his heart. Although this is not heart surgery, the procedures would require him to be transported to Children’s Hospital of Oakland and would increase his risk for infection.
We still haven't been able to hold the mini man yet. He's been stable enough the last few days but we have both been sick, which means we are supposed to stay away from the hospital until we feel better. I've never been so eager to get over a cold in my life - and never more worried about averting another one.
Life seems to be getting back to normal (a new normal) for the Klintworths. We have moved past shock and into acceptance. We know that Dylan is getting the best care possible where he is, but there's an empty sadness in my heart when I'm not with him....
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Baby Dylan Arrives
Brandi went into labor on Thursday night at about 9:30pm. It started with mild back pain but by about 10:30pm she started to realize something was wrong. We got to the hospital about 11pm and delivered the baby at 12:02 am on Friday, January 9th, 2009. He was 13 inches long and weighed in at 2 pounds 0 ounces.
1/13/09
For the first day of our son's life, it was difficult for Brandi and I to process the fact that he was alive and immediately part of our lives.
However, as we spent time with him for the first four days of life, Dylan Thomas Klintworth immediately became the strongest member of the Klintworth household (and immediately more popular).
However, whether we were ready or not the journey has begun and the thought of growing attached to the mini 2 lb man in the incubator with the breathing mask and tubes in every part of his body was no longer in question.
With Dylan breathing on his own and responding to most procedures / medications given by the amazing doctors at John Muir for the first four days of his life, we began to become cautiously optimistic.
However, with potential setbacks such as fluid in the head and heart murmurs, we felt like he was taking some steps in the wrong direction.
Today was not only a turning point in our mindset as parents, but a big day for Dylan.
As we visited him in the hospital today, it was clear that he had expended most of his energy the first four days by trying to impress everyone that he could breathe on his own. He proceeded to go into several long periods where he was too tired or forgot how to breathe and his heart rate dropped and oxygen levels were too low.
Seeing him struggle and the potential setbacks for us as parents was not easy to accept and the thought of Dylan going back on the ventilator machine was not something we wanted to think about.
However, as soon as he was on the machine, we realized as parents that he was now more comfortable and it was the only way to give him the best chance.
We now know about the roller coaster ride and are at peace with trying to think of the progress and turn the setbacks into positive aspects that keep Dylan here with us while he is making as much progress as possible over a long period of time.
1/13/09
For the first day of our son's life, it was difficult for Brandi and I to process the fact that he was alive and immediately part of our lives.
However, as we spent time with him for the first four days of life, Dylan Thomas Klintworth immediately became the strongest member of the Klintworth household (and immediately more popular).
However, whether we were ready or not the journey has begun and the thought of growing attached to the mini 2 lb man in the incubator with the breathing mask and tubes in every part of his body was no longer in question.
With Dylan breathing on his own and responding to most procedures / medications given by the amazing doctors at John Muir for the first four days of his life, we began to become cautiously optimistic.
However, with potential setbacks such as fluid in the head and heart murmurs, we felt like he was taking some steps in the wrong direction.
Today was not only a turning point in our mindset as parents, but a big day for Dylan.
As we visited him in the hospital today, it was clear that he had expended most of his energy the first four days by trying to impress everyone that he could breathe on his own. He proceeded to go into several long periods where he was too tired or forgot how to breathe and his heart rate dropped and oxygen levels were too low.
Seeing him struggle and the potential setbacks for us as parents was not easy to accept and the thought of Dylan going back on the ventilator machine was not something we wanted to think about.
However, as soon as he was on the machine, we realized as parents that he was now more comfortable and it was the only way to give him the best chance.
We now know about the roller coaster ride and are at peace with trying to think of the progress and turn the setbacks into positive aspects that keep Dylan here with us while he is making as much progress as possible over a long period of time.
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