Condition of the Heart

It was quite a while ago that I first mentioned the issue of PDA. Henry's eventually went away but Charlie still has one. In that post in November I suggested I shouldn't try and explain what it is. Tonight, I am going with a short attempt. A duct in his heart that should have closed hasn't. As a result, oxygenated blood from the lungs is flowing back to the lungs rather than off to the other organs. The knock on effect is the lungs are having to work a little harder to keep the blood oxygenated. There's a high risk that I haven't got that right, I am afraid. Let's try again. A duct hasn't closed that should have. The decision has been made that it would be best for Charlie to close it. 

The technique they are going to use is to run a catheter up an artery to where the duct is and insert a coil. The coil closes the duct. (I think by creating a blood clot but, again, I might be wrong). In my defense, I haven't spoken directly to a doctor about the solution and when I was originally told about the problem, it was at a time when there were much bigger issues, more scary mountains to climb. 

So, Charlie's extubation is waiting until they fix his PDA. We are hoping that maximizes his chances of having this extubation be a successful one. Outside of his breathing plan, Charlie is doing well. He continues to grow and tolerate his feeds. That said, he is a bit fussy / cranky since the last change to his feeding regimen, just not to a point that it is a worry. Aly's solution is to give him some extra time and a kiss, or try him in a new position. 

He kept his eyes open for the camera lady today.

Henry has very much got back on track with the growing thing. He continues to be ok (for that read not throwing fits constantly) on his CPAP. When I talked to the surgeon about his ostomy, it was agreed that, although he was clearly having a higher than preferred output from it (indicating little if any digestion happening), his next surgery was not imminent and, for now, it was very important to get an accurate read on his output so that they could see if there was change and to warn if they needed to replenish via the TPN. Letting his essential minerals drop could cause serious problems and might happen if they didn't notice an increase in his output. Again, we are relying on the nurses. 

Henry decided it was best if he slept through today's photo shoot. Purple Hippo smiled for the camera, though. 

February is coming to a close soon and Dr Newtotown, who we now adore, is going to be replaced, as is the way of the hospital. We are waiting to hear who takes over. Maybe it'll be Dr Everything'll be Alright. 

(D)