Fighting Infection

The little fella's new home is in Texas Children's Hospital Level 2 Nursery for at least the next month.  The infection he developed is coming under control, but they still have a ways to go to get it all.  Then, once the infection is completely gone, the doctor has said to "prepare for the fact that he's almost certainly going to need a shunt."  The doctors now believe the cerebrospinal fluid from his head is making its way down to the surgery site on his back where it collects.  The shunt is a small valve and tubing inserted under his skin, running from his head down into his abdominal cavity, where the fluid will be absorbed by the body.

Jen's staying with the other kids in the morning, and then spending the afternoons/evenings with Paton.  Some of the church folks are helping me with keeping the kids some afternoons.  Others have made us wonderful meals.  We're so thankful for our church family.  We're looking forward to the time when Paton can be home for good!

Here for a While

Paton's here for a while -- they said probably 10-14 days to fight the infection, and to reevaluate whether he will need a shunt.  A little fluid has returned at his lesion site.  If it continues, they will drain the fluid externally until they can put in the shunt.  So, it'll be a while.  But hopefully we can be sure at the end of this whether or not a shunt is necessary.

ICU Again

Well, we're back in the ICU again.  Actually, not technically the NICU, but the Level 2 Nursery.  The neurosurgeons drained the fluid from Paton's swelling on his back, tested it, and found out he has some kind of bacterial infection.  They are going to monitor him here for a day or 2 (or ... ?) and try to determine whether the swelling was indeed caused only by the infection, or whether it may be a build-up of cerebro-spinal fluid.  If it is, he may still need a shunt.  But at least, they're being careful.  His head continues to be free from hydrocephalus, which is wonderful.  We're going home tonight, and then coming back very early in the morning to try to catch the neuro.  We were home for a week and a day.  Hopefully next time it'll be longer! :)  I took a picture of the really little guy in a really big ER bed, which I'll try to post sometime.

To the ER

We just found out our pediatrician & TX Children's are affiliated.  Think of that -- doctors in sync.  We've never experienced that!  We take it as a blessing, though.  The Pedi has already contacted our neurosurgeon down at TX Children's, & he's going to be waiting for us down at the ER.  Paton's got some sort of infection.  We really don't know any more.

To the Doc

Little Pate's not been well yesterday or today.  It started about 3 in the morning the night before last -- extreme fussiness.  Also, it seemed that the swelling around his wound grew and became more sensitive.  We already had an appointment with the neuro scheduled, so we told him.  He did not seem concerned.  "Unless fluid starts leaking from it," he said.  Well, when we got home, Paton began running a fever.  Called the doc.  Almost went to the ER.  Then called neuro.  "Wait," again.  Then today the fever's been up & down.  Jen's on the way to the pediatrician, but just noticed leakage from the wound site.  Going to call the neuro.  Please pray for God's direction & wisdom.  Thanks.

Look Mom ... No Cast!

We went to the orthopedic center today to get Paton's boot/cast, and after examining him, the doctor said Paton does not have a club foot!  We couldn't believe it.  All the people in the NICU had said it was club, and we understood it would need casting.  But the doctor today said she thinks it is a common condition called metatarsus adductus.  She told us just to do some simple stretches with the foot several times each day, and that the condition would probably correct itself in time.  We believe this is an amazing answer to prayer -- thank you all.  We continue to be astounded.  At this point, they can only do a preliminary examination, since Paton cannot be laid on his back.  Once we are cleared for that, we will take him again to get an ultrasound of his hips to make sure there is no dislocation.  If there is, he will have to wear a special bracing system for a while.  We have been told again and again that our baby is an unusual case.  The OB/Gyn said Paton had the biggest sack on his back she'd ever seen.  Then after his surgery, the nurses said it was the biggest swelling they'd ever seen in this type of case.  Then the doctors were sure he needed a shunt, but ended up not.  And now, it seems they might have been wrong about the club foot.  So, we just take all this as God's gracious intervention.  We'd rest content if He'd chosen otherwise, and there are harder days ahead, we're sure.  But we are delighting in His blessings and kindness to the little fella.  Here's Paton and dad chillin'.

First Time in Church

Well, the little fella went to church.  He was surrounded by women!  Wish I'd had a camera.  It was great to show him to so many who'd been praying for him.  And Jen was thrilled to get out, too!  Today he has a visit to the pediatrician, who'll be his primary.  Later this week we see neuro and orthopedics.  The nurse measured his head circumference the other day, and everything looked normal.  We also have a visit to Early Childhood Intervention for physical therapy later this week.  It is so great to have him home.  I can entertain myself just by staring at the little guy.  I love it when he "smiles" in his sleep!