Friday, May 2, 2008

Getting closer

Well, we're now 5 days away (including today) from surgery. Its still kind of surreal that next week this time, the surgery will be over & we'll be in recovery mode. Hopefully moving through that stage very quickly! Vaeh has been doing well overall. The night before last she had a rough night, that is to say Mommy had the rough night because her sats were all over the place. But Mommy figured something out. If we put the pulse ox monitor on her left foot, she tends to alarm like crazy, and if its on the right foot she sats in the mid 80's to low 90's! I'm guessing that it has a lot to do with the circulation to the left leg. They haven't been able to thread a cath line (arterial) since she had the art line & central line for the first open heart that were in for about a month in the left groin. Basically the cardiologist says that its occluded, but she has enough circulation to the leg that its not a problem for Vaeh. Just creates problems when they do a heart cath. He has been able to go in the right side every time with no problem. So, my theory is that because the circulation is impeded to her left leg somewhat, there isn't enough blood flow to the foot/ big toe to pick up a good pulse ox. So, needless to say we now put the monitor on her right foot & she's been having great sats at night.

Vaeh also had her last OT session yesterday, and did fairly well. Michelle, the OT, said that she's doing things pretty much on target, we just have to keep giving her tasks that challenge her & keep pushing her to do more! We decided to skip the summer session for OT because it would be a new therapist over the summer & I don't think Vaeh will do well right after surgery with someone new! I know the separation anxiety will be quite high for a couple of weeks, so why throw some new therapist into the mix right away?! Its bad enough that we have to have new therapists, especially when she just started doing so well with Barb & Michelle. Hopefully it won't that bad of a transition to the new therapists, she's already been through so much...

5 comments:

Colin's Blog said...

Will be thinking and praying for you all as surgery gets closer. The waiting is the worst part! Colin has the same issues with one of his legs due to cath's and a central line. His one foot is always cold and has bad circulation. These poor kids!! Hope you have a good weekend and I will continue to check in.

Melanie

Kathy said...

Poor little feet...I would always make Isaac keep a sock on (because I'm crazy like that...even though it's not really cold...that mom part of my brain would try to warm it up!)
Sorry you have the countdown so close...I don't like counting down to surgeries (only because I don't like surgeries!)
We'll keep checking on you...have a fun weekend....spoil her ROTTEN!
Kathy

The Portas said...

The days leading up to surgery are TOUGH. We know that first hand. Just trust in God, though, and know that it will be behind you very soon. Your sweet little girl is going to do great! We will be praying for you the whole way and prayer does wonderful things.

Praying mostly for PEACE for you right now. I know how trying the pre-surgery road can be. Please call me if you need to: 952-484-4921. Honestly, call any hour of the day/night. TAKE CARE!!

Megan & boys

Unknown said...

I am finally able to check on you guys. That is really something about the left foot. I would have never thought about that. At least you have it figured out and are getting some good readings now. I just plugged Arianna in tonight and she is satting at 90 while sleeping...and thats with her repair done. Sometimes I hate having a pulse ox cause it can drive me crazy watching the numbers.

Sorry, didn' mean to go off there. I am so happy to read you guys got out the other day. I can't wait to do things like that. The only way I keep my sanity is by getting online and chatting with my heart moms!

Wendy said...

Just thinking of you, Tina....and praying that God will give you peace this week that everything is going to be okay. Don's sister is here visiting from New Jersey, so I haven't had a lot of time to check in or e-mail....but know that you and Vaeh are always in my thoughts! Kiss your little sweetie from us! :)

Lots of Love,

Wendy (& Emma, too!)
www.caringbridge.org/visit/emmanicole