Sunday, January 17, 2010

Back From the Brink

Just a brief note to let you know Graham is doing better after a horrendous day and night. His breathing was at a desperate point, but he rallied and is now holding his own.
Will give you all the details of the ordeal soon. Still not out of the woods by any means, so keep those good thoughts coming.
I'm checking in after a few hours delay from posting the above paragraph to give some of the promised details.
We watched Graham's condition deteriorate throughout all of yesterday into this morning. It seemed whatever the docs tried to do to stop the respiratory and later heart failure, nothing worked. We soon ran out of options and the situation became acute. Graham's dependence on the ventilator was total. Unfortunately, the ventilator, even supplemented with 100% oxygen, failed to maintain normal oxygen levels. A high frequency oscillation ventilator (normally used with premature babies and newborns) was tried and did not work. For various reasons, this ventilation process necessitated heavy sedation. He then went back to his regular ventilator, but had to be bagged with ever increasing frequency. Even with the bagging, Graham's oxygen levels could not be maintained at normal levels. Comparing X-rays taken in the morning to ones taken in the evening showed a marked deterioration of his lungs. Blood started to appear in the fluid that was taken from his lungs. More invasive measures had to be attempted, the first of which was putting in chest tubes to relieve pressure on the lungs and hopefully allow Graham to breath easier. This surgery took place after midnight this morning. There was no appreciable effect. His oxygen levels were dangerously low and could not be raised. An electrocardiogram found that his heart function was about half of what it should be. It was the nadir of the day and a decision was made to go ahead with a procedure called ECMO (extra corporeal membrane oxygenation), which would connect Graham to a bypass machine that would take over his respiratory and heart functions. Given Graham's condition, the procedure was extremely high risk and would buy only a week or two for him to heal. It would be the final option. While Graham was being prepped for this surgery, the surgeons tried one last procedure. A real long shot, they introduced nitric oxide in to his ventilator. IT WORKED! And it has continued to work the past nine hours. His oxygen levels are normal; he is peeing copious (relative to the last two weeks) amounts; his blood gases are normal; and added oxygen has been cut back. We know his situation is still critical, but every hour he can hold his own and perhaps start to heal those wounded lungs is a decided plus. Even if he has to have the ECMO at a later date, he will go into it much stronger with a much improved chance of survival.
Katie and Bill are tired but strong. We have learned to keep an equilibrium. We are heartened by the events of the last few hours, but we also know the G-Man has miles to go and may hit more downticks. The love and concern from friends and family was the only thing keeping us sane last night. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts ... we truly can feel it, no matter what the distance. We might have to invent a new word, because "gratitude" just doesn't cover it!

18 comments:

  1. You have been on our minds alot and we are praying for a speedy recovery. What a beautiful little boy! Maximos is waiting for his playmate to come home. Pete and Evangeline Stavretis

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, my what you folks are going through...strength to all of you!!! We will keep following little Graham's progress. Thank you for the updates and hang in there!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you all! I know Graham has a special little angel watching over him who will continue to give him the strength he needs to pull through!
    Adam and Jodi Burns

    ReplyDelete
  4. I keep praying for all of you! Graham has proven again that he can beat this and will continue to do so.

    Love,

    Amber Naughton

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sorry to hear about the emotional rollercoaster you are on right now. Sounds like Graham is a fighter. Our prayer is that God will heal Graham and give you the strength that you need to get through this. Miss seeing you.

    Love,
    Cheryl

    ReplyDelete
  6. Go Gram. California Ryder branch is pulling full strength for you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am praying for Graham and for you guys, and I'm sorry you are having to go through these trying times. I will be back to work Tuesday and will, of course, come visit. He is such a strong boy. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hang in there, Graham. you too, Mom and Dad, we pray for all of you. Your neighbors,

    Chris and Carol Fenimore

    ReplyDelete
  9. I was so relieved to get the good update this morning, and now more good news! Even if Graham's not out of the woods, it's great that he has time on his side now. I hope that's helping Katie and Bill and everyone there get some sleep. Sending my deepest wishes . . .

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thinking of you all and praying so hard for your little boy! Stay strong and hope the good news keeps coming your way!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Just want to let you know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Your strength, courage, and faith are an inspiration! Keep fighting Graham!!!!
    Kory and Gretchen Lyons

    ReplyDelete
  12. Bill, Katie & Graham,

    This is Patty Ott, signing onto Kirsten's account, since I've been having problems posting a comment. Dennis and I just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you constantly and praying for Graham's recovery. You've got quite a fighter for a son! Continue to stay strong for your little boy and hopefully you'll continue to see positive results that you all so deserve.

    Dennis & Patty Ott

    ReplyDelete
  13. Graham is such a fighter! I cannot imagine what you both are going through. We continue to pray for you all and hope positive news keeps coming in. Hang in there!

    Carrie Hensley

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am so sorry for the turn of events for this little guy. Sounds as though he continues to amaze you with his strength. Prayers that he gets stronger with each minute and knocks out this infection once and for all! You are all on my mind and certainly in my prayers each day.

    Aubrey D'Agostino

    ReplyDelete
  15. We are always thinking and praying for you guys! We check on you everyday and hope for good news each time. Hang in there! Love, Jeff and Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  16. We send our thoughts and prayers to you all every day. Graham is certainly in great hands, and I know they'll continue to be his advocate, helping him win this battle once and for all!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Katie and Bill, Graham is obviously a strong little guy...we are praying for you all...please keep sharing. Lots of love, Julie, John & family

    ReplyDelete