Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Baby Steps in the Right Direction

This is Grandpa and Grandma Ryder relaying today's message. Katie and Bill are with Graham in the ICU following a surgical procedure to put in a central line under his right clavicle. Most importantly, this line will allow a variety of nutrients (and calories) to be given to our G-man. Also, blood can be drawn from the this central line...no more sticks!

Yesterday, Graham gave us a scare when he began to struggle to breath, so it was decided that the CPAP should be replaced by a ventilator. Since then, his ability to breath has improved immensely. This, combined with a little morphine and another blood transfusion, made him considerably more comfortable and less stressed, which will better enable him to fight the infection battle. Seeing him more relaxed has helped his anxious parents to also breath a little easier.

Another positive sign is that Graham's urine output has increased ... not drastically, but every little drop is golden, literally and figuratively. Dr. West said blood tests indicate that his kidney function has improved. Also, his swelling seems to have gone down a bit.

Today Graham will be given a echo cardiogram to determine if his heart function is normal. Specifically, Dr. West is interested in his ventricular efficiency. He is doing well in this department, but she wants to make sure all is okay.

Graham continues to get antibiotics. One has been changed to be more kidney-friendly and another was added to prevent a staph infection. There is still no word from the cultures on what, specifically, is the cause or causes of his infection, so they are covering all bases.

Even given these positives, we remain keenly aware that Graham is still at high risk and his situation is dangerous and unpredictable. But these hopeful events boost our spirits.

Your warm and supportive thoughts continue to carry us through yet another day.

7 comments:

  1. Thank you for the update! I am so glad to hear that things are moving in the right direction. You all are in our continuous thoughts and prayers.

    The Deck's

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  2. You are in my family's prayers. I'm glad to hear things are heading in the right directiion. God Bless!!!

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  3. Hey guys, just wanted to let ya know I was thinking about ya. His toughness, as well as yours, is an inspiration to us all. As always, let me know if you need anything.

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  4. We are praying and thinking of you guys constantly! Hang in there and please let us know if you need anything at all.

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  5. Praying for you, Bill, and your strong little man! I have been thinking of you often since I read you were going home for Christmas and was so sorry to see that this had happened. Praying for good health for your little boy and a lot of strength for you guys. Take care and thanks for keeping us posted.

    The Smiley Family

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  6. Hi Guys!

    So glad we were able to visit with you all last night and hopefully take your mind off things for a bit. It was nice to see everyone is good spirits! Hopefully its more positive news and a speedy recovery from here! Give Graham our love and take care! xoxo, Kir & Andy

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  7. Hello from Kentucky,
    Bob and I are anxious to read the reports each day on the blog and are thankful that Graham is in such good hands at Riley. Nothing tugs at your heart more than a sick baby. We send our well wishes.
    Fondly,
    The Dotys

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