Patience

Last night the nurse told Graham that the staff physician on call would be available to speak with us this morning after rounds as they often leave after that on Sundays.  Thankfully my brother and sister-in-law were able to look after Isaac so that Graham and I could meet with the doctor together.

The plan is to continue on the same course for the next two to three weeks.  This means they'll keep extubating him to CPAP when he's ready and then they'll try to get him off CPAP.  If he still can't handle being extubated after around three weeks, then Josiah would have a cardiac catheterization and/or an MRI from which they would determine if he needs surgery and whether or not there is a surgery that can help him.  Given that Josiah has had three recent surgeries, they do not want to rush into any surgery.  We are happy that they are happy to wait.

When we were at his bedside this morning, Josiah's sats were in the 50s and his blood pressure was very low.  He received a blood transfusion to increase his volume and optimize his haemoglobin and both his sats and blood pressure improved.

It was a blessing to be able to hold my nephew again.  He seems to be excited by everything around him (except when he's in an elevator).  Isaac enjoyed giving him hugs and loved the attention from his aunt and uncle.  I look forward to seeing Isaac give Baby JaJa a hug.

Other important news - Graham discovered that we have a medicine cabinet in the bathroom I've been using for over eight weeks!  Our counter looks a little tidier now.

One of Josiah's previous nurses told us today that we are very laid back parents.  Ordinarily those would not be the first words I would use to describe either of us but I guess she's seen a lot of parents.  Hopefully God's peace is evident in our lives.  If this were just Graham and I without the peace and comfort of Jesus through the Holy Spirit in our lives, I think this would be a very scary, lonely, sad, questioning time.  We love Josiah and we're so thankful to have him.  God has provided an incredible support network to help carry us through this time and we are grateful.   

Graham just emailed me from the hospital (I'm at RMH as Isaac is in bed.)  In case you're wondering, Josiah's numbers are currently: heart rate 140, respiration rate 28, and an oxygen saturation level of 86.  He's on 40% oxygen with a peep of 9 and a rate of 20.  Just so you know, extubation doesn't take place until he's at a peep of 5.    

I was just looking up 1 Peter 5:7 ("Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.") when I found Psalm 55:22 ("Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you ....")

Good night and thank you for your prayers and support.

Blessings,

Elizabeth