Cayman had her surgery this afternoon. The doctors were able to internalize her shunt this time. They completely removed it from her right side and put a whole new one into the left side of her head emptying into her heart. She's doing good. She seems to be in a little bit more pain than she usually is with a shunt revision, but that's understandable as they did work all over her body the last couple days: both sides of her chest, both sides of her head, and belly. In the E.R. it took 3 attempts before an IV successfully went into her tiny veins. Then it blew right as she was coming out of surgery so they had to start a new one. You can imagine how many bruises she has all over her body. It's hard seeing her so pale and bruised.
Before her surgery today she was smiling and talking though. I just love my baby's personality. She's such a happy little thing. I don't know how she does all this so well. She helps me be brave.
Sorry for the delay in the updates. I know I am usually much speedier about it. I'm feeling a lot of frustration right now. This is Cayman's 5th shunt surgery. Including her stomach surgery, she has now has had 6 surgeries in less than 4 months. It's an exhausting road and it's always the unknown of the future that drags me down. I have felt this heavy feeling before. It's not a healthy place I am aware. It keeps me from enjoying the parts of Cayman's age that are fun now. Mike wisely put it like this: "This situation is too large to live out of each day." That's true. It is a day to day thing. And I will get back to my more positive-mind set. I realize we have gotten very little sleep for awhile now. The move was exhausting and now our apartment sits with lots of unpacked boxes.
Mike, Cayman, and I are in dire need of another family movie night.
It's possible we may get to go home tomorrow evening. It all depends on how Cayman is feeling and the doctor wants to make sure she gets a full 24 hours of antibiotics in her. Since her shunt drained to the outside of her body, that does increase her chance of a shunt infection, so the antibiotics are important in helping to prevent that. We ask for specific prayers that she does not get a shunt infection. It is not a pretty thing. And thank you so much for the many prayers already! I think it's the reason why Cayman is doing so well!
I will try to post some pictures soon. I know how much everyone loves Cayman-pictures :o).
Shunt Revision #4
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Posted by Kristen at 7:58 PM
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What a trooper little Cayman is. 6 surgeries! I am glad that it's over and I pray that she doesn't have another for a long, long time.
Take care Kristen and try to find those blessed little moments of happiness that are tucked into each and every day :)
Kristen -
I wish I was there with you right now to help with some of this. But know that I will always keep you close in my heart and prayers! God knew from the very beginning that is was going to take 2 very special parents to love Cayman through this and he couldn't have made a better choice.
Cayman is one lucky little girl! Keep focusing on her smile and know that she is happy because she knows how much you love her!
You are all in our prayers every minute of the day! Not to much longer and I'll actually get to hold that precious baby girl!! I can't wait!
Love ya lots!!!
Love and miss you ones so much! I am ready to unpack more boxes if you want my help - just let me know when & what you want me to do. XOXOXOXO
Praying for all of you. May God bless and double or even triple every second, minute and hour of sleep you do get so that you may be as rested as possible. God please protect sweet little Cayman from a shunt infection and allow her to return home ASAP. I pray that they would get a family movie night and time to reconnect as a family. I pray that you would bless Mike and Kristen's marriage as they love on their little girl through all her medical troubles.
Lots of love!
I am sure you are all exhausted! Sounds like things went well today. It is so hard to watch your little one suffer. I remember after Miles' last surgery- he was in so much pain he could not sleep. Everyone kept saying (and I'm sure they say it to you too) at least she won't remember this! Just cling to that and the fact that once they get her shunt in the right place, she will continue to feel better and better. I'm praying for you all to sleep, heal and be able to go home to your new apartment soon!
I truelly hope she doesnt go through anymore surgeries. She hasbeen through just as many shunt revision surgeries in her 3 months of living as kadyn has in his year of life. Kadyn has in all had 8 surgeries..but still thats over a year and ur lil one in three months. I pray to god that this calms down for u guys. ((hugs)) from michigan
I'm so glad she's doing better. She is such a happy baby (from what you describe and her pictures). Remember, God only gives you enough grace to handle today. Take no thought for tomorrow. Tomorrow will take care of itself!! Praying for you and your family.
I love how you said it: "she helps me be brave." I think the Lord knows that sometimes we (parents) struggle to muster courage on our own...sometimes we need to see that things are ok with our children, so He gives them the ability to be brave, strong, and joyful. I wish I knew how to rely on Him for everything the way my children do. :) I'm praying specifically that Cayman's little system stays strong in fending off any infection, and that you are able to get some rest very soon. ((Hugs and lots of grape juice!))
Kristen, my heart is with you and your little Cayman and your husband Mike. You are so strong and that little Angel of yours sounds like such a fighter. Nobody would ever choose these problems, and sadly some people refuse to accept them and other people have to step in and take their place. And then there are the special ones who look at their baby and see first of all, just that, "THEIR BABY". And then second all the problems those dear little ones have come with. You are such an inspiration and your little daughter is just beautiful.
Kristen...you never cease to amaze me! You have such an wonderful heart...and more strength then anyone I've ever met....and it seems like Cayman is following in her mommy's footsteps! I'm praying for all of you.
Hugs and love,
Ang
Bless your hearts. i found your blog through Lisa's. I have a 22 year old with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Hospital stays are draining. We are praying for Cayman.
May your enjoy some hospital and surgery free time.
Sincerely,
Stephanie
I havet been able to read much of your blog yet, but I'm glad you found my blog so that I can now read yours! I can only imagine the stress all those shunt revisions put you through - we've had a couple of scares thinking that there was something wrong, but have been blessed so far that we haven't actually had to have a shunt revision, so I'm in awe of your strength. Yourlittle girl is beautiful, and her photos remind me so much of Avery as a baby.
Looking forward to reading more of your blog.
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