Is There Such Thing as Textbook?

Ethan likes to be snuggled by all his beanie babies (stuffed animals) when he sleeps, and he loves to grab anyones fingers! That is the Respiratory techs hand.

Ethan is not following the rules. . . What's new! He is still intubated. His vent settings are quite low, and his oxygenation has gotten progressively better. He is in a safe range, but not as high as he was after the surgery. Also, his chylous output is up to 400 ml in a 24 hour period. Yes, that is quadruple what he was 10 days ago, before he had all the setbacks.

Ethan had a lung CT on Saturday (he was not able to get a cardiac one). There was a few things on there that they were expecting to see, but nothing to explain his setbacks. So we are on to cath tomorrow around noon. They will go in through his groin, up to his heart and measure the pressures and look for collateral veins that could be causing his O2 to be down and chylous effusions to be up. If they find collaterals (which they think they will) they will put coils in the veins and collapse them.

So as of right now, the thoughts are that the infection mixed with pressure/oxygen changes related to collateral vein growth off the heart, are what has caused Ethan's struggles. The infection seems to have resolved, now we are hoping for a successful experience in cath lab tomorrow.

On another note, I want to say HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to my dad, Greg's dad, and to Greg. I have seen the pain and frustration in Greg's face this week as he has watched Ethan suffer. He has been so tender toward Ethan. I know this week has just killed Greg inside, yet all that comes out of his mouth is positive words of gratitude and praise. His attitude is one in a million, and exactly what our family needs during this time of trials. I love and appreciate you immensely!

Much love-
Heidi