Home at last

There were hearts all over our house when we arrived home! Sweet letters from all Weston's friends! Weston was so surprised!! It was awesome!!

And we're out!!!

Can you believe 5 days ago we were just getting started. Now its all done! I'm so pleased with how amazing everything went. I have no doubt it went so well because of all the love, thoughts and prayers that were given on Weston's behalf! Thank you ALL!

Chip the clown

Chip the clown came in as we were getting ready to leave. Weston loved it! Magic tricks, bubbles, and puppets! Weston laughed for the first time in awhile. Thanks Chip!

Headed home

Weston requested French toast for breakfast this morning... Happy day! The dr came in and said his morning X-ray looked stellar and he could go home today if he wanted. It didn't take long before he was smiling about the thought of his own bed and no 5 am X-ray. ( or was that me that was excited about my own bed and no 5 am X-ray?)

Midnight

Its midnight and I'm sitting here watching my sweet boy sleep so peacefully. His heart rate is 70  o2 sats 98% on room air! I feel like crying right now. He looks so comfy.  I feel such a sense of gratitude for the dr's who spent years in school to learn how to fix things that are broken. I wonder if they knew how they would impact the lives of their pts. They have given Weston a new lease on life. He can't wait to get home to play and run. 

Post op day 3

Today was actually a pretty nice day! Weston is off all narcotics. He is just taking Motrin and Tylenol... That's so amazing to me. Wes and chad have watched football all day.  Couldn't ask for anything better. Weston has walked the halls and taken a couple of wagon rides to get some fresh air.  His echocardiogram came back with everything looking and working great. The plan is to come home tomorrow sometime. I can't believe how great his recovery is going.  

Updates

Still haven't heard on how the echo went.  I'm thinking we will know more in the morning when the drs make their rounds. No news is good news I suppose. Today we have battled with nausea. The pain meds take away the pain but the also have side effects. It's a balancing act. Still haven't walked the halls or had solid foods.  I'm thinking Monday or possibly Tuesday morning for discharge.  He is anxious to go home.

Ultra sound echocardiogram

Echo completed. Just waiting to hear from the cardiologist for results. Weston seem much more calm now that the chest tubes have been removed. Everyone loves his reindeer slippers. 

Chest tube out

They have pulled the chest tube which has been the greatest source of his pain. He is resting for a minute. He should start to feel better soon. The dr has ordered an ultrasound to check on valve function.  That will take place later today.  He has been talking a little more. He wants to watch football later today. He said he hopes the utes win and that Dres Anderson will score a touchdown for him. He told chad he didn't want to watch the byu game.... He's still our little ute!

Post op day 2

I now remember why I don't work the night shift anymore. LONG NIGHT! Labs at 0500. Along with a chest x-ray. It was Weston's first time getting up out if bed. He was amazing. He was able to walk to the scale to get his weight weighing in at a  woppin 44lbs and then sat in the wheel chair down to X-ray. He didn't enjoy it much but he did it! It's going to be a good day!!  Our nurses have been great! Love primary children's.

Visitors

Grandma and grandpa came to visit. They brought a fun gift bag... Utah pjs, games to play while recovering, best of all reindeer slippers. The nose lights up when you walk. Woot woot ! 

Update

Nov 22, 2013

Day one post op. The night went really well. He slept off and on and was able to have his pain controlled. After surgery he developed a 1st heart block...essentially the electrical current in heart was having a difficult time communicating with the top and bottom chambers of heart causing an abnormal heart rhythm. He has had a normal sinus rhythm since 3 am. Chad and I were able to go home for a few a hours for some much needed zzzzz. I arrived just as the drs were rounding. I love being a nurse and understanding report:) yeah me! His central line and arterial line were then pulled, along with the foley cath. At 930 we were transferred to the children's surgical unit on the 3rd floor room pod m treatment room. That's where we will be staying for the remainder of our time at the hospital.  Weston has been able to drink water and apple juice. Also pee on his own. ( that's the nurse in me getting all excited about body fluids:D). I will post throughout the day for updates! Thank you all for you thoughts, prayers and love!

Cardiac ICU

Finally get to see Weston! He asked his nurse if she has ever had heart surgery. He is sedated now. He said he's thirsty and his heart hurts:( everything is going well.... So happy to see him!

Dr Rusty Eckhauser

Surgery complete!!!!!!!! Dr said everything went as planned! A 23 cm valve was place and is function well! He will probably go to the ICU still on the ventilator due to his sleep apnea... Yeah!!!! Chads teasing me because I hugged the dr! Just sharing the love. He saved my baby:) 

Off bypass

The valve is complete!!!! The bypass machine off! Echo looked good! The dr is closing. He should be out to see us in 1 hour!  Thanks for everyone's love and support!

Bypass

Just went on bypass... Anticipate 75 min to repair valve and go off bypass. The valve is called an Edward bovine valve. I thought they used pig valve but, apparently it's cow. MOO who knew?

Bypass

Just went on bypass... Anticipate 75 min to repair valve and go off bypass. The valve is called an Edward bovine valve. I thought they used pig valve but, apparently it's cow. MOO who knew?

Checking in

Just heard from the OR... Weston went to sleep well. All ivs placed and just made incision:/

Headed in for surgery...

It's 1:20.. Weston headed back to surgery. He received versed which helps to calm him down. Thank goodness for that! He was very scared. They will place a central line and an Iv in the OR. We will get hourly updates. Surgery will last anywhere from 4-5 hours. Mainly scar tissue removal will take the majority of the time. He will be on bypass for 75 minutes.  His heart won't be completely stopped while on bypass which helps with recovery and start up.  

On our way!!

Pre op work done

Well our day started at 5:45am with Weston coming into our room stating,  "mom and dad I'm nervous"   Who wouldn't be?  After all the prep work was done at the hospital Chad and I are exhausted.  Weston wants to go play with friends at home.  Go figure? 

Pre op class

Weston got to put on all the garb.  Surgery scheduled for 1:30.

Pre op work up

Mrs Wahlberg's 2nd grade class

Today Weston got to take his special penguin to school! All of his class mates made a wish and place a heart into Pangy. Now they will be with him at the hospital. Thanks for being great friends!!

Build a bear

We went to build a bear to get a buddy to take to the hospital. They left the back open so all Weston's friends can make a wish and put a little heart in him!! Weston picked out a penguin. He wanted a Santa outfit because its close to Christmas. He also got an elf outfit, reindeer pjs. Slipper and a back pack to carry him in. 100$ later :/ we're set! Wow

I am Weston ...Hear me roar!