Caelen did great in both the OR and the cath lab. Dr Spray moved the ECMO cannula from his neck to his chest without incident, and even closed his chest too, which is unusual, but cool, because I really don't want to look at his open chest. The reason he didn't do it in the chest first is because when he came in at 4 am, Caelen desperately needed oxygen and the neck was the fastest and "easiest" way to do that, thus stabilizing him and readying him for the OR and cath.
He also checked out the Fontan and said there are no issues that he could visually see. So off Caelen went to the cath lab where they found nothing to correct. His Fontan circulation and fenestration are working perfect, but he does have too much flow going across the fenestration, mixing in too much blue blood and causing lower sats. The reason he has too much flow across the fenestration is because of the high pressures in his lungs.
So what this means is that the lungs got overloaded with fluid and he crashed because of fluid, but not because of physiology. Boo that there wasn't anything to "fix", but good because his physiology is fine. So right now he is stable, and the goal is to keep him on ECMO for the next 24-48 hrs, diurese him to get the fluid off his lungs and just allow his lungs to heal.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the amazing prayers today. What a difference a day makes. Please keep praying for Caelen's lungs to heal.
Amazing news! So glad to hear he's moving forward. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteMary and Chuck
So thankful that his Fontan circulation is working perfect. Boo on the wet lungs. Praying that the next 24-48 hours his lungs will get the rest that they need to work perfectly once he's off ECMO.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandmother added Caelen’s name to the prayer for Divine Mercy at St. John’s Church is Westminster, MD. My Father told Caelen’s story to a group of "prayer warriors". Many people all over the state are praying for Caelen. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love to you all,
Brian, Jamie, Maddie and Audrey
Thanks for the update, Katye. Caelen is an amazing little boy, for sure. I remember some long nights with him but he always pulled through. I will keep praying for him everyday. Continue to keep us posted, dear friend....
ReplyDeleteThinking about you all. Glad to read today's update. What a strong, brave boy.
ReplyDeleteHi Katye..I never took care of Caelen but worked on the unit when he came to us at Childrens in DC. I remember how strong and resiliant your son was on many days when he was not feeling well. I am sure that it has been a very long road for your family but I am so happy to see how big he has gotten and to see him smile in all the pictures that are posted. He is so lucky to have such a strong mommy and daddy and I am know you feel equally blessed to have such an amazing son. His story is one of the reasons I love being a nurse. Please know that Caelen and your family are in my prayers today.
ReplyDeleteTake care
Jiggy