Errol is in the PCICU (Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit - picked a peck of pickled peppers) recovering from his surgery.
He is stable and taking small steps towards being 100% Errol (he's at about 35% right now). The goal is to slowly but surely take tubes and wires out of the Little Man, and so far we've gotten one of two chest tubes out and are aiming for an extubation (removal of the breathing tube) in a few hours. Unfortunately, there are still four central lines, one peripheral iv, pacer wires into his heart, a foley catheter into his bladder, and about twenty leads monitoring his vitals. One day he will be just Errol!
We've also learned a few things about Errol's physiology since the surgery.
Errol has arrhythmia (the top of the heart isn't communicating with the bottom of the heart and isn't beating just right) and if it doesn't resolve itself he will need to have a pacemaker put in (another heart surgery). We are, of course, hoping his heart will get back in synch on its own, as hearts often do.
We also found out that Errol's surgery was "touch-and-go" and that he needed a lot of support at the end of the case. All surgeries are dangerous, but this one took Errol right to the edge. At the time of the surgery, we didn't know how tight the margins were, and it's just as well; I don't think we could have borne it. Sometimes I feel like I'm living under water, holding my breath, unable to come up for air; or maybe I'm a fish living in this world, unable to go under for water.
It wasn't just the operating room that was scary. We also have had a few "serious" moments in the PCICU (say PCICU ten times) this morning where Errol's blood pressure dropped precipitously. We've been through some rough patches, but right now, Errol is stable and not feeling much pain.
Recovery is not a straight line, but as long as the trajectory is upwards, we can handle the dips.
And we will have plenty of help with the dips tonight. One of Errol's favorite nurses, Keyatta, from the Baptist Hospital PICU works at Duke now as a Nurse Practitioner, and she is going to be in charge of Errol's care tonight. Hooray! Talk about continuity of care...
We are very grateful for all of the love flowing from points north, south, east, and west.
We'll keep you updated and post much happier pictures next time.
9 comments:
Errol has defied all sorts of odds so far--I see no reason why he shouldn't just keep on!
Imagine all sorts of lines of support going out to all four of you--we are all sending them all the time. Love and strength and good wishes to you guys. A and co.
Hello Cousins,
We are in awe of Errol, his parents, his brother, grandparents, and in deep appreciation for his health care team. How wonderful for the continuity of care with his nurse practitioner - esp. now, at the beginning of the current experience! This is wonderful news, ya'll!
Seeing Little Man just as he is, is really a gift to those of us who are absent. It puts us in closer touch with him and with you all. Thank you for sending it.
We will continue to check on things, and send much love for his caregivers, especially his beloved parents.
Peace and Love,
Marigene and all
Totally tubular!! Dude's a rockstar.
Oh, bless his sweet heart - and yours too! You all are in our thoughts and we're sending the best vibes we can every day.
Much love to you!
Hillary & Co.
Hi Cary,
I just learned about Errol from Andrea's facebook page. I went to RJR with you so I am glad to reconnect, although wish it were under better circumstances! My heart goes out to you and your husband and both of your families..you seem like real troopers, and Errol, from the little bit of his life I've caught up on via your blog, is something else! Sending you lots of love and positive energy. Hope he's back to 100% soon!
Mary Margaret (Leverton) Park
Hey Guys,
Sweet, sweet Errol! We all miss you and can not wait for you to be back at school playing and laughing with us again. Our circle time table has an empty spot that only you can fill.
Stay strong Errol and know that all your friends miss you and love you very much!
Nori, Abigail, Griselle, Wilson, Fiona and Jase, Ms. Paula and Ms.Jennifer
My prayers are with Errol and with all of you! When I saw his picture, my heart skipped a beat. I just wanted to reach out and hold him. Give him a kiss for me and know that I am praying everyday for a 100% recovery. You are all in my prayers!
Ms. Jennifer
Sending lots of prayers!
Errol looks bored with the whole mess. "Bring it on. Is this all ya got?" What a trooper. You guys too.
Sorry to see he has the arrhythmia thing going on, but then a lot of us white guys have issues with rhythm :)
Here's to the speediest recovery possible.
Go, Errol, Go!
Here's to fewer tubes each day! And more places to cuddle! Love and energy and thoughts to you. Cold morning in Washington Park. All well on Gloria. Love, Betsy and Roman and Frannie, Frenchi, Waffles, chickies, and invisible George. Oh, and Socks, who misses you too. And Rainbow fish, who is pretty quiet on the whole thing.
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