Reintubated again

Graham called me from the hospital around 10:15 PM.  He went to see Josiah and found that he had just been reintubated.  They didn't call to tell us as it was an emergency. The fellow thinks it is due to his heart and not his lungs.  He assumes that the problem is Josiah's main valve.  My understanding had been that he would need to have a cardiac catheterization; however, the fellow told Graham that he did not see the point in having a cath.  So, we may need to wait until tomorrow to find out next steps.  Graham is still at the hospital so perhaps he'll find out more tonight.  He just emailed - Josiah looks much better, has sats in the mid-70s, heart rate in the 150s, his blood pressure has improved and he has a fever so he has ice on his head.  He's resting comfortably. 

It was great to see our family today.  My nephew is a very happy baby and it was wonderful to hold him.  My sister-in-law was able to hold Josiah but unfortunately he has not enjoyed being held by anyone these last couple of days.  He did seem to enjoy his head massage and bath which calmed him down a little this afternoon.  Unfortunately he was desatting to the 50s and 60s shortly after. 

I'm sad for Josiah having to go through this.  This is the fifth time in total that he has been intubated.  Being intubated means that he is at increased risk of lung infection but it also means he doesn't have to work at and use his energy for breathing as the ventilator does it for him. 

I was encouraged by Josiah's arm strength today.  He was able to use his left hand to pull his CPAP mask down so that the bottom of it went in his mouth.  I don't think this was accomplishing what he wanted but he did keep persevering. Given that he's intubated, they should be able to put polysporin in the area between his nostrils to help his skin heal. 

As usual it's been great to have Isaac around.  I love listening to him speak and repeat things.  I told him last week that the wooden red bird on the wall outside was a cardinal and he remembered and told that to Daddy this morning.  We thank the Lord for the personality he gave to Isaac to help him deal with all that's been happening.  We were hoping to be able to let him see Josiah today but there are a number of infections in the CCCU so they didn't want to risk bringing extra children into the rooms. 

We look forward to spending more time with our family tomorrow before they need to head back to the Ottawa area.  We are seeing if we can have a meeting with the staff physician tomorrow while Graham's here. 

Like King David we say, "But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high.  I call out to the Lord and he answers me from his holy mountain." 

Thanks for all your prayers and support!  We send a special hello to our Sunday School class that starts up tomorrow - we'll be missing you. 

Blessings,

Elizabeth