Samuel has made progress since my last update and has also had some new developments. His electrolytes and potassium have regulated themselves with the help of his IV. Once this was accomplished they were able to start him on some Lasix yesterday in the hopes of bringing down the Adema. The hope was if we could get his Adema down through the night that he could come home today. Instead Samuel gained weight through the night and put on more fluids. This left the Dr.’s with some questions. Samuel is not putting out as much fluid as he is taking in. A Renal Dr. has been added to Samuel’s case for a consultation and this today he will be getting three doses of Lasix. The Dr.’s do not think that this will take off Samuel’s excess weight, but they are hoping it will maintain his weight and keep him from putting more fluids on his already swollen body. We are reevaluating Samuel’s kidney’s to see if something was overlooked as we try and figure out what is going on in his little body. The Renal Dr. also wants to run some urinary tests tomorrow to find out some more information like is Samuel spilling protein into his urine and so forth.
Samuel has a new trach now. There was some question as to whether or not Samuel’s air leak (all trach patients have this, it allows them to be able to vocalize) has become too large and he needed to move up to the next trach size. This could account for his previously high Bi Carbons. He has moved from a 3.5 to a 4.0 and we are seeing how he does with this. The Dr.’s are still tweaking Samuel’s vent settings since he has gone from having high carbon dioxide to now having low carbon dioxide (not low enough that it is a problem). He is leveling out at a slow, steady rate.
Thank you all for your prayers, after I get back from the hospital tomorrow I will try to get another update out and let you know how he is doing. Right now Samuel’s biggest struggle will be getting that water weight off. The Lord has been very good to us and keeps Samuel’s little body fighting. He is doing fairly well in spite of everything, and holding his own. All of you play a crucial part in Samuel’s life as you pray for him and give our family encouragement through all Samuel’s trials. Thank you for partnering with us in the journey of Samuel’s life.
Through Christ all things are possible.
Kaitlyn