Thursday 2nd Update
Here's the latest:
The docs have discovered that Will's belly and his chest are "communicating" through a hole that was accidently made during his heart surgery... something that is fairly common. "Communicating" means that fluid in his belly can get into his chest and vice versa.
One of the biggest concerns with this "communication" is that his VP shunt drains into his belly. This is serious because some of the infected fluid from his chest could get into his belly and into his VP shunt and finally infecting his brain.
There has been talk of taking out the bottom part of Will's VP shunt (in his belly) and putting it into a sterile bottle that will catch the excess fluid from his brain. This of course has risks and requires a trip to the OR. The neurosurgery team does not want the shunt to be tampered with unless there is a malfunction or infection in the VP shunt. So, they will be doing a series of tests on Will this evening to determine the patency of the VP shunt. This will include a CT scan and an ultrasound.
I haven't talked with Dr. Bove yet, but it appears that he and Dr. Hirsch (cardiac surgical fellow) want to take Will to the OR tomorrow to install a dialysis catheder (like the one he had for his Norwood Procedure). This catheder will not be for dialysis, but to help remove the fluid in his belly so it doesn't travel into his chest.
I will keep you posted as things develop.
The docs have discovered that Will's belly and his chest are "communicating" through a hole that was accidently made during his heart surgery... something that is fairly common. "Communicating" means that fluid in his belly can get into his chest and vice versa.
One of the biggest concerns with this "communication" is that his VP shunt drains into his belly. This is serious because some of the infected fluid from his chest could get into his belly and into his VP shunt and finally infecting his brain.
There has been talk of taking out the bottom part of Will's VP shunt (in his belly) and putting it into a sterile bottle that will catch the excess fluid from his brain. This of course has risks and requires a trip to the OR. The neurosurgery team does not want the shunt to be tampered with unless there is a malfunction or infection in the VP shunt. So, they will be doing a series of tests on Will this evening to determine the patency of the VP shunt. This will include a CT scan and an ultrasound.
I haven't talked with Dr. Bove yet, but it appears that he and Dr. Hirsch (cardiac surgical fellow) want to take Will to the OR tomorrow to install a dialysis catheder (like the one he had for his Norwood Procedure). This catheder will not be for dialysis, but to help remove the fluid in his belly so it doesn't travel into his chest.
I will keep you posted as things develop.
posted by Stephanie Burns @ 5:58 PM
10 Comments:
At 6:59 PM,
Anonymous said…
You know we are with you in spirit every minute of the day. I am ready to come whenever you say the word. We are praying and praying. Now that the docs have been led to the source of the problem, may God keep leading them to the solutions. Feel my arms around you and know that I am holding you in my heart, just as God is holding you all close, too.
Love, Mom/Kirk
At 7:04 PM,
Anonymous said…
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
— Psalms 73:26
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
— Psalms 34:15
At 7:52 PM,
Sheila said…
Realizing that it was not God's will from the beginning of time for pain, injury, disease, and death to be in the picture, we know that He does work within this fallen world.
He sometimes amazes us with the ways He works situations out. And sometimes amazes us with the strength and courage and peace He is able to give when situations do not work out.
I pray that He will give you wisdom and courage for whatever is ahead.
At 7:58 PM,
Anonymous said…
It seems whenever things have been at their worst that is when we have since the most evidence of God working in a mighty way.
How I looking forward to praising Him as once again He shows that HE IS IN CONTROL!!
At 8:11 PM,
Anonymous said…
Josh and Stephanie -
Hang in there! You two have already shown courage beyond measure making the decisions that Will has needed made. I know that the two of you will make the best decision that can be made here too. I also know that Will will keep fighting as long as he can. I will be thinking of you often this weekend.
Nurse Sarah from Michigan
At 8:47 PM,
Nana Nancy said…
Dear Stephanie and Josh,
Your strength continues to AMAZE me.........and everyone else.
No matter the outcome, here, now, for Will..............Folks will recall for an endless period of time, your strength,your courage and Will's determination to beat all of the Doc's predictions.
This little guy 'ain't' giving up on himself. And therefore, the rest of us need to remain just as strong and assured, God's Will is being carried out in our dear Baby Will!
LOVE YOU BOTH,
Mom, GrandMommy xoxox
At 9:28 PM,
Anonymous said…
Stephanie and Josh,
I am praying for God's mercy upon the three of you.
Sue
HPC
At 9:38 PM,
Anonymous said…
St. B's prayer team are holding your family up to our Holy Father in prayer. God's power is awesome, his love boundless, and his wisdom beyond human comprehension. Trust in Him that whatever tomorrow may bring, he will provide what you need.
At 9:49 PM,
Anonymous said…
We can again be thankful for the wisdom and training of the medical staff and that they are guided by a great power... May the great sense of calm wrap you in His presense and allow you the rest and repose so needed for the morrow... You are in our and other's constant prayers... Lizzie passes on her prayers as she prepares for her journey which begins Sun...
Robert
At 8:29 AM,
Anonymous said…
My heart aches for all three of you. I want to see Will get through this and enjoy his life with you like he deserves!
Will has certainly proven that he is willing to fight any battle but I'm sure he's getting a bit tired of all these new challenges.
We will show a new level of commitment in our prayers for Will. I think that the best medicine comes from God and we sure need some more for Will right now.
I wish there was something else I could do. I wish I could make some type of personal sacrifice that would give Will the boost he needs. I pray but I wish there was something more I could do to help Will. My heart is just broken as i realize how bad an infection in his VP shunt could be. Please God, help Will right now!
We love all three of you more than we have told you. To see this ongoing battle that you're facing is so difficult. Please know that we are always thinking about you and always praying for Will.
Keep up the good work Stephanie and Josh. I think Will feeds off of your energy so I hope you can keep your energy up for him. Although I know that you too must be getting tired out.
We're praying and we're asking everyone we know to pray for Will and you too!
God bless you all. We love you and hope to see a good update soon.
Love, The Lowrie's
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