July 21, 2007

Saturday:

We have had an amazing day. As we said yesterday, Michael switched to CPAP, which is an air support system that pushes air into Michael's lungs, but Michael does all the breathing on his own. Well, this morning was the first time since surgery that Michael's lung showed up completely clear. In fact, his lungs appeared a little over-inflated. Assuming that the x-rays continue to be clear, and this wasn't a fluke, then this is a message that Michael needs to be kept clear of the ventilator and needs to do the work on his own to manage his lungs.

And, more importantly for Michael, he got a mobile above his warmer. I wish you all could have seen how entranced he was with the shapes and colors above him. It is a whole new dimension to his world, and he is so cute with his fascination. This will make the nurse's lives easier, as there is something other than them (and Mom and Dad) to keep him entertained.

We are hopeful that Michael will be moved to a crib soon, as he will have more entertainment options there. Getting rid of a few more tubes and wires is a prerequisite. Hopefully, his PCP line (line in his leg that delivers his IV nutrition and medication) will be removed before too long. And, if his x-rays remain good, and the need for blood gasses goes down, the arterial line will come out of his arm, which means that we will be able to HOLD HIM again soon. What a great day that will be!

We've had been warned numerous times that surgical recovery was likely to be an up and down road, with some setbacks. Ever since the second surgery, though, we have had all forward steps. It seems incredible, but the news gets better every day. Hopefully, all the bad stuff happened the night of the first surgery, and it will be an up road all the rest of the way. We will have to see.