Henry's Chest is Closed!!

Another major hurdle passed this afternoon.  The surgical team came to the PICU late this morning and closed Henry's sternum.  We expected  it to take approximately 1 hour (although just 20 minutes for the actual surgical portion).  They put about 30 signs outside the PICU stating that it is closed for a procedure. Essentially Henry's bedside was a mini OR.  The surgeon gave us the risks associated with the procedure, with the 2 main ones being - he doesn't tolerate the increased pressure on his heart during the attempt to close so they would have to abandon mission and leave him open or that he would not tolerate the pressure in the hours after the closure and they would have to go back in to open him up again.  The surgeon said both were unlikely, but again, you only know this to be true with the passage of time.

For parents who may be going through this, one thing to prepare for (not sure how you can) is the roller coaster of emotions each time there is a procedure or something to pose increased risk to your baby or child.  Today and also on the OR day, we knew the amount of time they expected for each procedure.  Both times, and for reasons NOT related to complications, the time came and went when we expected to see the surgeon - both times, we were over an hour longer than expected.  We were initially able to talk ourselves off the ledge -- they were just delayed starting, or maybe they forgot to give us the update..... then you start looking for the surgeon or someone you recognize as related to the procedure team as a sign they are finished... then you start to feel adrenaline and a bit of panic at the thought that something might be wrong.. If you are me, you sometimes really take leaps into the realm of fear -- is that a social worker or priest coming to give us bad news?  Certainly not productive, but perhaps if you know there are lots and lots of reasons that things take longer - other than complications - it might help stave off those panicked feelings. 

In any case, we are happy to report that chest closure for Henry went well.  The next hours will tell if he tolerates it, which hopefully he will.  From here, our next milestone will be weaning the ventillatory support (ie- gradually cutting down his breathing support until they can take his breathing tube out - this is the one taped in his nose and the reason why most of his face is covered in white tape).  They will likely start attempting the weaning in the next 24-48 hours.  We will also be looking, soon, to transfer back down the hall to the NICU.

Thanks again for all your support everyone.  More updates later.