Thank you very much to everyone that has been posting positive messages, and praying and cheering for Brendan’s well being. It meant a lot to Bill and I to feel like we were not alone in the waiting room, we are glad that we were able to share the story as it unfolded. Isn’t technology great?
We are very grateful to Gramma for being so supportive and giving us total security that Trevor is safe and happy while we go through this.
Brendan has impressed the doctors so far, they expected his immediate post-op to be a bit rockier. They found his sweet spot quickly and have kept him nice and stable. His nurse/doctor/surgery team has been fabulous.
Here is the tricky part though – in the 6-8 hours after a heart/lung bypass machine, the body can struggle with the static/ion change in the blood from being outside the body. They call it “the slump” here. He is almost past that and is adjusting well. But in order to safely carry him through that, they have kept him heavily sedated and total paralyzed so that he can’t even breathe on his own, it is all done by the machines right now.
Soon tonight, they will start to wean the paralytic and he will start to breathe on his own over the vent. At that point, his body may naturally fight the high CO2 levels they are trying to keep him on and they will have to counter with different drugs. He may have airway compression issues so they could have to increase the pressure support, but that fights the new flow pattern of the blood in his body. It will be all about finding a balance – they really need to extubate him as soon as they can in order for the new circulation to work.
Just being able to move again, no matter how many pain meds they keep him on, will create new challenges. And when they allow him to finally be awake – lookout! He is going to be one hot-tempered Brendan and tell us all about it!
This was me holding Brendan this morning before surgery. That already feels like last week!! It was such a long day.
These next pictures are difficult to look at, although I am told that it will get worse. Tomorrow will be the worst day for post-operative swelling and he could balloon up pretty badly. Right now, he is looking pretty good, nice color all things considered, just COVERED in wires. Pictures start with a close up and then go to a wider and wider and wider view to see all the equipment and his room and the window with the beautiful view of the airport in front of the mountains.
Brendan Post-OP 1
Brendan Post-OP 2
Brendan Post-OP 3
Brendan Post-OP 4
Brendan Post-OP 5
Brendan Post-OP 6
We will continue to hope that he impresses the doctors more every day with his recovery. We can’t wait to get him through this painful time and back to being snuggled again. I will be staying overnight with him tonight, Bill will stay with him tomorrow and then we will go from there.
Tomorrow I will post Trevor pictures that Gramma took today. I miss that hilarious bundle of cuddles today!
Hi Tiffanie, Bill & Mom-
I apologize for not writing sooner, but I have been on vacation, and out of town. Anyway, cheers to all of you for being the best parents ever, and to Mom/Grandma, an ANGEL and a MOM, can’t beat that….And let us not forget dear sweet Brendan, our HERO. Thoughts and Prayers each and every day….Patti Lamb
You have been in my thoughts all day Tiffanie. Everyone is asking how our little angel is doing. You must have one of the most emotional days of your life and hopefully after this week you will see the light to bringing the boys back together again and being home every day and night. Much love and positive thoughts continues. I am so happy your Mom is here and Trevor is enjoying bonding…v
So.. For the past five hours since your mom and dad’s last post, I found myself furiously cleaning.. and dusting and re-cleaning things that were already clean!.. LOL.. We have all been a bit more anxious than we realized. And for good reason, because YoU, Brendan, are a precious Gem! But with that brilliant, fighting spirit! of yours, our anxious hearts had no need to worry did they, little man? 🙂 Praying for an uneventful night of unsurpassed peace and a hedge of protection from God’s mighty hand all around you little buddy. xoxo
Aunt Jen and the Boys 🙂
Good morning from the east coast! Brendan, those pictures are all-telling. You are receiving amazing care! Underneath all that technology, you look good Brendan! Trevor better gear up, his brother will be home soon!! Uncle Rich is a little jealous, he thinks that Brendan has more IV’s and tubes than he did!! (Actually, they almost match!). I wish I could find that magic wand and hurry up the healing process and reduce the worrying! In the mean time just know that there is a whole slew of people out here, in your corner, cheering Brendan on! The prayers are constant, sending tons of love and the hugest hugs ever for all!! 🙂
I am so happy that Brendan is doing well so far. He is an amazing, gorgeous little boy. Josh and I will continue to keep your family in our prayers. Thank you so much for keeping everyone updated.
Hugs and love from Libertyville. Tomorrow will be a better day. Hang in there. Love can conquer any difficulty and you have it all !!. Praying overtime here OK?
Bill & Tiffanie, Brendan & Trevor, you have all been in my prayers as I’ve been following your lives. I also keep your doctors, nurses and all those involved in Brendan’s care in my prayers, that God will guide them in their decisions & give them the skills to help your little boy. Brendan is such a cutie, as is his smiley brother Trevor. They will be a formidable pair when they get back together. I pray God will give you rest to keep up your strength along this journey. And Cindy is such a wonderful grandma, like she was made for this role, as she surely was. What a blessing she is.