Thursday, December 30, 2010

Surgery Recovery-Still in Progress

Jonah showing off his new shunt. He is super handsome. And maybe a little medicated:) I especially love seeing his duck-fuzzy hair.
The idea of a shunt is to put a valve into the right side of the top of his head into the ventricle (where the water is accumulating) with a tube attached to it that runs behind his right ear, down his neck, and empties into his heart. When the pressure is too great in his head, the valve releases the excess water. So no more headaches for Jonah!
I don't love pictures after surgery because he looks so out of it. But this is real life, my friends! He is naked in a bed warmer because he went hypothermic after surgery. He impressed everyone by being the COLDEST PATIENT EVER to be seen on their floor. Of course he recovered with many people bustling providing lots of help.


This morning we went to radiology for a ct scan and some xrays to make sure the shunt is in all the right places. He looks so little going into that huge machine.
Notice all the blankets? He's also got heat packs wrapped up in there. No one wants to see him get cold again.
Now we're just waiting for the ct scan and xrays to be read and for Jonah to be stable enough to come home. He isn't breathing great, but still doing it on his own. He is acting a little stressed. Dr. Kestle said we ought to wait a while until Jonah is fully ready. I agree. (Hurry Jonah!)
I am enjoying our stay at the hospital this time. Sometimes its super stressful. Last week when I took Jonah to schedule a shunt surgery it felt all wrong. This week I know this is exactly where Jonah needs to be and don't want to race home before he's ready.
We can do almost anything and be happy about it when we know its right, right? But next time I'll bring a change of clothes, a toothbrush (don't worry, they found me one) and a good book.

3 comments:

  1. He is so beautiful! Praying that someone found you a good book! Lots of love...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good books are essential to surviving for long periods in the hospital. I'd be happy to bring you one anytime!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I hate getting stuck at the hospital without stuff--happened with us and Lindsay...three days later I got a humanitarian kit from the nurses and had a shower! Whoo--hoo! You and Jonah are a sweet pair. Love the picture of him holding your hand. I really enjoy your updates. Thanks for doing that. We will continue to pray for you all. Love ya!

    ReplyDelete