Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Charlie update

Not too much change from yesterday. We are feeling so utterly relieved that all of the testing on Charlie's heart has come back normal. His aorta is slightly enlarged but the cardiologist came back to reassure us that she didn't think it was problematic (and someone's aorta has to be in the 98th percentile!). We will take him back to her for a repeat echocardiogram in 6 months, though.

It's also looking less likely that Charlie has an infection. His blood work has looked good and his blood cultures also look fine. That said the blood cultures only tell us he doesn't have sepsis and they still don't rule out pneumonia. This morning Charlie had another chest x-ray and unfortunately, as on Sunday, it was inconclusive. We're waiting on the final report from the radiologist but at this point it hasn't told us much more. Given how well Charlie is doing in every other way (gaining weight at a great pace, good colouring, happy and not fussing, etc) the doctors are much less concerned that there is anything too concerning going on. The question is whether we should stay for an entire week so Charlie has a full course of antibiotics in case it is pneumonia or whether we should go home and see what happens knowing that he's thriving in every way and the most scary causes have been ruled out. 

It's looking more likely that we will be discharged sooner rather than later, which is a big relief on many levels, not least because this is a horrible time for Rafi. This morning the first thing he said was "I want to see mummy", which is heartbreaking when I can't be there. 

^^^^^ Well, in the midst of writing this, Charlie's Dr. came in to chat with us and he agreed that it was safe for us to go home. Such a huge relief. So I'm now home on the couch with Charlie, who's napping and eating like a very healthy little boy. Indeed at this morning's very early weigh in (for some reason he had to be weighed at 5am), he was already 8 pounds 4 oz, well over his birth weight. One of his Drs said that he looked much plumper than on Sunday, and he really does seem to be with his chunky little arms. I'm looking forward to his legs developing those baby rolls.

Here are a few pics of the past few days. Rafi was super happy to see his little brother. He's going to be very happy when he realizes we're all home.  

Thanks to everyone for being so kind. A friend from work brought over some food for Raf and Rich last night, and we were very lucky to only lose power for a couple of hours. I suddenly feel utterly exhausted so I'm looking forward to a few low-key days and a better night's sleep!








6 comments:

  1. Oh, Alex, what an ordeal. :( A local friend's 2nd child had similar rapid breathing without explanation, though the hospital wasn't friendly (nor trusting) and kept him for 10 days "to be on the safe side." I'm glad Charlie looks to be in the clear and you get to rest a bit at home. I'm sending you love and keeping you all in my thoughts...

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  2. Oh, Alex, what an ordeal. :( A local friend's 2nd child had similar rapid breathing without explanation, though the hospital wasn't friendly (nor trusting) and kept him for 10 days "to be on the safe side." I'm glad Charlie looks to be in the clear and you get to rest a bit at home. I'm sending you love and keeping you all in my thoughts...

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  3. Bless them both! So glad to hear this news and hoping you get some better rest and Charlie keeps well. Big hugs to all x

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  4. Tears of joy!! So glad you are home. Charlie looks great. He glows! -Violet

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  5. I'm so glad you're home!! Enjoy the family snuggle time!

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  6. Alex, I'm so so glad you're home. The pictures are beautiful - he looks healthy and happy to be home! Hopefully you all can get some rest and just spend time focusing on new family bonding.

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