Saturday, May 31, 2008

Post-Op Day 8

We didn't make a lot of progress medically, but we did make some good improvements in attitude today. Drew got to visit the playroom for the first time today, and he played for about an hour. He played with the rice table, some hotwheels and he played Candy Land with two little girls. Then we went to visit the train for a few minutes before returning to his room.

We spotted a few spontaneous smiles today, a few at the playroom and a few while watching some favorite movies. The nurse even saw one and exclaimed "there's a smile!" To which he replied, "NO!" We are still hearing quite a bit of that word and a new heart-wrenching phrase he picked up, "you're hurting me." He was up a lot more today and really enjoyed playing with the dinosaurs that Baby Isaac sent all the way from Las Vegas. Thanks Rollers!

Drew was down to .15 liters of oxygen, which is such a tiny amount that we convinced the nurse to turn it off. So far he's holding steady around 95%, which is amazing! Hopefully we can get rid of the oxygen altogether. The pulse ox leaves burns on his fingers and toes so we've been moving the sensor every day. He's still been getting burns so we're trying to move it around even more, but if he doesn't need the O2 anymore, he doesn't have to be on that monitor all the time.

Have a good night and we'll see you all in the morning!

In the playroom

With Grandpa at the train

Out of bed, reading with Daddy

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Drew looks great! Nice to hear he is making some progress with his mood and smiling. His new phrase just breaks my heart, but at least you know it's just temporary. And way to go on weaning off the oxygen!!! Hope he keeps it off and his numbers stay good.

Wyndi said...

we found that if we moved the pulse ox around every four hours izzy wound not get the burns any long she would get burns from it not sure if this helps any. I hope that he gets to get rid of the oxygen and won't need it on 24/7 drew is amazing and you guys are doing such a lovely job! your inspirational !

Gina and the Gang said...

I know it must hurt you just as much as it hurts him to hear him say those things. It's not fair, and nothing will make you think it is. But, Drew will(is) an amazing little guy who will only become more amazing and wonderful because of his experiences, even though painful.

Kacie said...

great to see Drew out of bed - in Daddy's lap reading and in the playroom. praying for perseverence for you all. I know it's a long and hard road, but you all are doing an amazing job. Hang in there. we are busy around here getting ready for kids at heart tomorrow night. Take Care!

Anonymous said...

Yay God for spontaneous smiles. I am continuing to focus my prayer on his willingness to play and move because that will surely help get the tubes out sooner. Praying Praying Praying.....
Kristina

Matthew said...

We are glad to see that Drew got to the playroom today. It was a bummer when he missed it the other day (but i guess naps are good too).

~Matthew & Siri

Unknown said...

As Moms (and Dads) we want to spare our kids any pain they might experience, and can't imagine how hard it must be having him tell you they're hurting him every time they come in to do a procedure. If only we could spare them all the pain they'd ever experience by absorbing it ourselves. Kisses, hugs, a little vitamin D from the sun, and the playroom all sound like great medicine for the aching little soul! We'll pray for those chest tubes to be removed so that he can be more comfortable!

DeAnna said...

YAY for smiles! Glad to hear that he got to play and gave some smiles today! And yay for no Oxygen and good stats!

Paige said...

Every step no matter how small is still a win... hang in there. I remember how much those chest tubes hurt but when they come out... it's blissfully wonderful and Drew will get there!

thinking of you daily! Remember to be good to you!

Paige

Kristen Ewers said...

It's Sunday morning, another Sunday without the Himmels at Sanctuary. We miss you guys so much. I pray that you find some quiet moments today to have "church" on your own. Here is a quote I came across while doing my quiet time, "We must realize that we are always needy people- inadequate, deficient, desperatly dependent on GOd. Without Him we can do nothing. Prayer is the highest expression of that dependence." May you be utterly dependent on Him in prayer today.
You are always in ours...
Kristen

Kathy said...

Andrea,
Drew does look like he's ready to get outta there! And the O2 almost out..YEAH! Gosh...you're just waiting on those chest tubes--is that it? Really...he's doing remarkable! Only a week after Isaac's surgeries...he's always still on the vent..and DREW IS WALKING! Isn't that just amazing! A grown man wouldn't even be out of bed walking a week after heart surgery!
You guys seem to be taking this all so well...I hope you're still each trying to get good sleep...(a tired mama is NEVER good news!)!!
We love you guys....and you're doing great!!!
We're still praying for you guys!
Kathy

Cortnie Bain said...

Drew looks great. So glad he made it to the play room.