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.