3.14.2014

Fontan Surgery - 3

As fair warning, this update contains photos of Gabe straight out of surgery.

If you just want the update, he did well.  He is done and still under sedation.  We are so extremely thankful for your prayers.

I've always loved Gabe.

Since the day we picked him up, not knowing a single thing about him.  It took me a few months to be able to fully accept that love, but it was there.  In the past three and a half years he has weaseled his little self so deep within my heart that I honestly don't remember a single day without him.

But seeing my son laying in this hospital bed, knowing what he just went through.  Well, I've never been more in love with him.

Our kid?  He's a flipping rockstar.


The surgery went extremely well.

The actual repair was done in under 4 hours.  It took a few hours longer for us to be able to see him.  Which was fine.  They were getting him settled and taking excellent care of him.  After not hearing anything for three hours, we couldn't take it so we walked down to ICU to see if we could see him.  

The 25 steps from the door to his bedside were the longest steps of my life.  

I didn't know what was waiting for us at the end of that walk.  But when I got there, I was so relieved to see that what was waiting was Gabe.

Plain and simple.  A few extra wires, some tubes that don't belong, but no less Gabe.


Don't be alarmed, I know it's a lot to look at.  

He is doing very well.  We've been beside his bed for a couple hours now.  They are monitoring his gas levels and he's not quite ready to lift the sedation yet.  Tonight is about keeping him comfortable and letting him rest.  If he continues to do well, they will start to lift the sedation to hopefully get the breathing tube out.

There have been a few rough times.  He hates the breathing tube.  The nurse is fabulous and quick to make him comfortable.  I won't lie, it's hard to watch him squirm and cry but I'm holding on the the promise that a few days from now he will be well on the road to recovery.


And y'all, do you see that blue 97 up there?

Never in his life has he had an oxygen level of 97!  I've held it together most of the day, only cried for a few seconds this morning when he first went back, but seeing that 97 made me lose it.  The surgery is working and my boy has full oxygen running through his veins.

And pink nail beds to boot.


Tiny signs of big, huge progress.

Our boy is a miracle.

10 comments:

Kaia said...

Thanks to God! Love the pink showing :)

Gidget Girl Reading said...

What wonderful news! So happy for you guys!!! Yippee for pink nails :-)He is an amazing little fighter. Hugs

Anonymous said...

So thankful that his surgery went well. For whatever reason I couldn't sleep last night, so I was praying for your little guy throughout the night. Can't wait to read about his progress and recovery. Many blessings to your entire family. Melissa

Michele said...

I am so relieved to read this post this morning!!! Despite the tubes and machines, he looks great! YAY for high oxygen levels. God is good. Hold on to the promises of better days. Days two and three out of surgery are often the hardest for the patient, but it sounds like it is in good hands. Hi IS indeed a rockstar! So are you!

Michelle Gibson said...

Bless his heart - literally! Praise God for holding his heart in His hands. Bless you, too, Mama for all that you are going through. Please God give them both strength through this recovery.

Paige said...

What wonderful news!!

Miamihoney said...

Such a welcome update. Glad his recovery is going so well.Keeping you all in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Having experienced open-heart surgery with my spouse, these are terrific pictures. He is so lucky to have you.

Mo said...

I feel like I know you from reading Journey to Josie the last few years. These posts about Gabe's surgery are so moving, and you have been and will continue to be in my prayers.

Ashley O'Brien said...

Sweet Gabe! Look at those precious pink toes! Praying for you and your family and for that little stinker to get back on his feet QUICKLY! Bless his heart! :)