Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Little Rock Star

Today is the day after little Sam’s big surgery, and he is THE MAN! His nickname around here among the nurses and doctors has been “Rock Star,” and this tough little guy has certainly earned it.

Since his surgery, he has been hooked up to what can only be described as the commanding bridge of the Starship Enterprise:

He was breathing so well this morning that the doctor decided to start weaning him off the ventilator today. However, they may have moved things along too fast, because his blood gas and his oxygen saturations dropped a little this afternoon, so they had to up his ventilator once again.

As Jason and I were warned, these 48 hours after surgery are absolutely critical, and they’re full of tiny “tweaks” in the many, many medicines and interventions he’s receiving. A “tweak” to a cardiac intensivist means adjusting the amount of oxygen that reaches Sam’s brain and kidneys, or lowering one of his drips to improve heart circulation…definitely not the kind of “proofread your essay for comma splices” tweaks that I’m used to. But considering that he, at four days of age, endured the most complex heart surgery performed at this hospital, I’d have to say that I feel the same way as the doctors—impressed.

Also, Sam is enjoying his first meal today and finally getting to test out his gastrointestinal system! He can’t eat by mouth yet because of the ventilator, but he can enjoy a tasty one millimeter-of-breastmilk-per-hour meal via the NG tube. As he squeezes my finger and looks up at me with blinky, sedated eyes, I’d have to say that I think he’s liking his first meal just fine.

We still have another tenuous 24 hours to go before drawing any kind of conclusion about how well Sam has endured the surgery, but we’re hopeful he will keep on rocking.

25 comments:

  1. Well, I am totally impressed with your little rock star. This seems really encouraging. Still thinking about you guys constantly!

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  2. I'm very thankful to hear he's doing fine. He is definitely a little Rock Star :)
    You all are in my prayers.

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  3. Rock on! p.s. maybe it's the angle of the photo, but he has some seriously big feet!

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  4. I'm so glad to read this post! (Note that I, like Jason, had never posted on a blog before yesterday's comment, and now I'm checking this one every chance I get.:)) I still don't know what kind of account I have to have to make my name appear in the title here, but I'm thinking that Sam's pretty in touch with technology and may be able to teach me when he gets out of there. Those are some incredible pictures. Kristin, I'm so glad to hear your voice and see how you and Jason are holding up as you support your kiddo. Keep on keeping on over there.
    Carolyn

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  5. go sam, go the distance. eye of the tiger!!!! love you guys soooo much! you're in my thoughts constantly.

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  6. So glad you are keeping us abreast of your incredible son's journey. We'll keep pulling for you all. --Tom S.

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  7. Kristin, my Mom sent along the link to your blog as I have been asking her daily about you. I have read every word on it and am so impressed with you and your husband's strength (and writing!). You are great parents to adorable Sam! We are thinking about you constantly... Katie Gantz Corbin

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  8. I've been going nuts all day waiting to hear how little Sam is doing. I'm also secular and don't really pray...but I think about you guys constantly. Sam is truly under my skin--the cutest, most courageous little guy in the world. My best wishes are with all of you. Thank you for keeping us informed. (I wish I had something profound and life-altering to say.....)

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  9. Hoping that the next few hours pass quickly and uneventfully...sweet dreams little buddy.

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  10. Thanks so much Kristen and Jason for keeping all of us who care so much about you and Sam informed. I believe our little rock star has major rock star parents! I sense this communal mindset at school sending positive thoughts your way. In addition to our department, several teachers outside the department have approached me to ask about Sam. The sincere compassion and best wishes for your family are very evident. Although it's hard not being with you at the hospital, the blog is a real unifying force for those of us who care deeply for you. Much love, Sue

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  11. We are about to do our family devotions--Sam has been our focus lately. Sunday I shared his upcoming surgery at church; many prayers go out to the three of you. Enjoy the soft "blinky blinks" now--before you know it they turn into icy teenage glares! Rock on--Pam S.

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  12. Hi!! I know you don't know me, I got your blog address from a friend of mine, but I wanted to let you know that we're praying for you and your family. Also, I wanted to share a link to a website that some friends of mine have set up whose daughter also has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/babygirlmiller/createorsignin Their daughter, Corah, has already had the first two surgeries, so I thought their story might be encouraging to you. They also said that if you wanted to give them a call, they would love to talk to you. So if you want their number you can email me and I'll get it to you. Glad Sam's surgery went well - he definitely sounds like a rock star!

    Mandy Smith <><
    Mandykins79@hotmail.com

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  13. Precious little Sam! As I read the posts and his new nickname, I have Katy Perry's song (sorry Jason), "Baby, you're a firework..." stuck in my head. He has firmly rooted himself in all our hearts and your writing, your news sends happiness and prayers from all of us to all of you...just like a lovely night in July. Sending smiles...and maybe a new song? =)

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  14. I was out of town (and out of internet/phone range) for the last two days and thought often of Sam and his big day yesterday. I know it's minute-by-minute, but am so glad to read that he's doing so well. I can only imagine the range of emotions you guys are experiencing. Kris- Sam really is a tough little lion. (I happened to be describing our high-school acquired animal associations/familiarities to someone yesterday when asked about turtles!)
    Love and miss you!
    Allie

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  15. I wouldn't expect anything less than RockStar status from little Sam...he has the two of you as parents!

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  16. Hmmm. I'm going to try this again. I'm embarassed to say that none of my posts have been successful. I'm very proud of Sam. And you guys are amazing! Wish I could be there too. I'm so excited to meet Sam. I'm sure that he will be tube and wire free by then. Make sure you get some sleep! Love you!

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  17. Jason, KK, and little wolf man, we are continually amazed by all of your strength. Maybe we need to create some Chuck Norris t-shirts illustrating how much tougher Sam is than chuck Norris. We love you all so much and I can't wait to wrap you all in another big hug! See you soon.

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  18. I am so happy things went well with Sam's surgurey yesterday. I was on pins and needles yesterday checking your blog every hour until we got good news. The three of you are constantly in my thoughts. Keep on keeping on.
    Love, Uncle John

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  19. So relieved to hear it, Kristin! I kept checking the blog yesterday for an update so I was happy to read the great news late last night! Go Sam! We're all pulling for you!

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  20. Go SAM! I kept checking your blog yesterday and when I read this post I gave Sam a "Woo-hoo!". My thoughts are with you!

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  21. Tammi T. (mom of an HLHS boy)March 23, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    Samuel is a little "rock star". He is enduring a lot. Our family continues to pray for him but the wonderful thing is, he won't remember any of the surgeries a few years from now.

    By the way, I love the name Samuel. It is so appropriate given its meaning and his circumstances.

    We continue to pray for your precious boy!

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  22. You go little Sam! I heard about your family after Matt Hammitt posted your story last week. I understand your struggle. My baby had open heart surgery in May. Life in the ICU is a roller coaster. Stay strong and keep up the fight. Thank you for sharing your story.
    Emily Martinez, Huntsville AL

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  23. Of course a Leclaire is a ROCKSTAR. I hope the the 48-hour window closes with good news.

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