It seems that every time I return to Riley's room after a blog post the outlook changes. This has been quite a rollercoaster day. When I got back, Dr. Karl and the PICU attending were in the room. There are concerns about the virus Riley has had and the fact that he still has a rash on his chest. They went back to examine the blood tests from his cath and saw an increased level of white blood cells which indicates a viral infection. Furthermore, they were worried that Riley hadn't been eating or drinking much in the days after the cath. As a result, they've decided to postpone surgery until Riley can fully fight off the virus. There is just too much risk and it's best to play it safe.
We should be contacted tomorrow with a new date, hopefully it will be in the next two weeks. We told them we'd like it to happen as soon as possible, no more delays than necessary. Unfortunately we'll need to start over again before the surgery - new blood tests, new echo, new x-rays, etc (no new MRI needed though). The donated blood also won't be available for the surgery, it's too far out and it will go into the general population. We'll be able to give blood again in the days before the new date.
We're going home in the next hour or so as soon as we're discharged. My Dad and Suzanne's Mom went to the airport to pick up my Mom, and he'll need to take her first to San Carlos since we can't fit five adults in the car. He'll come back and pick us up. Unfortunately both grandmothers will be leaving town on Sunday and it looks like they won't be here for the surgery.
Psychologically it's a big blow. We've mentally prepared ourselves for the procedure and we're in a hospital state of mind. Having to wait for days or even weeks will be difficult, and having to go through all of the pre-op crap again will be equally frustrating. We know it's the right decision and Riley's best interests are in mind. We'll let you all know when we have a new date for the surgery.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Surgery has been postponed
Posted by Ken Norton at 3/08/2006 06:42:00 PM
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6 comments:
I cannot imagine how exhausted you 3 must be and I am so happy that I can be here now to perhaps help so you 2 can get some sleep at least. It is bittersweet and so grueling for our special boy. I love you all.
Grammy Peg
It is so frustrating...hang in there guys. As an odd twist of fait, I have a kid tonight (i'm on night shift) in our PICU post B-T shunt.....thinking of you guys....
lots of love
That's Fate..F-A-T-E, not fait...its 2am here in Boston, what do you want?
Hang in there, I know how it feels to be prepared and then have to reschedule because this happened with one of Amanda's surgeries, but it so much better for him to be healthy before surgery. Our prayers are with you,
Linda, Sabrina and Amanda
{big sigh}
It must be such a letdown to have to wait again. We're so sorry.
The only thing I can say is, try to relax this weekend and enjoy the time with your families. And take advantage of the wealth of baby-sitting resources that will be at your service for the next 3 days!
Oh yeah, and Sopranos starts Sunday night, so there's a little something to look forward to. :-)
Hang in there.
You guys, we're so bummed you have to deal with this delay. Now that your family won't be on the scene as much for the next round, please let us know how we can help. Your personal taxi? Your personal chef? Your personal answering machine? Your personal food delivery service? Whatever we can do to help--please let us know.
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