Thursday, December 3, 2009

Graduation

As of around 11 this morning, Magnus is no longer in intensive care for the first time in his life!

Since he no longer had his chest tubes, they decided to transfer him to the step-down unit this morning. Things are happening fast. They've been increasing his feeding rate every three hours, and the plan is still to try a bottle on him tomorrow. They told us that most kids who have this surgery do go home with an NG tube, but I am holding out hope that he might be able to feed well enough without one.

Magnus was also supposed to be switched from his high-flow nasal cannula (that blows air in his nose to help him breathe) to a low-flow cannula, but while we were waiting for the respiratory therapist to make the switch, he decided to just pull out his cannula on his own, and did fine with it, so he's just breathing room air now.

He's also getting transitioned off all of his IV meds and onto oral medications. They're hoping to have that all done by tomorrow, and then the only line he'll have left will be his NG tube.

And with all of this happening, they're even starting to talk about when he might go home. Someone said to us that maybe Wednesday might be the day, which would be kind of funny because that's his original due date, December 9th. We're thrilled that it looks like he'll be home soon, but of course it's also a bit daunting...not the least because this means we have to figure out how to install his carseat!

13 comments:

  1. Jen, that is SO AWESOME!! I knew with a name like Magnus he was going to be a total rockstar, but who knew he would earn that title so quickly???

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  2. We so happy that he's doing so well AND removing his own oxygen supply, too! Perhaps he can install the car seat.

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  3. What great news! I brought up Magnus's graduation present this afternoon but I had just missed you both,he looks so awesome! Please let me know if I can help in anyway with getting things set up for Magnus's to come.

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  4. That is EXCELLENT news! Step-down is a great step up for heart babies and a giant leap to getting them home. Hope came home with an NG tube, but it didn't last long...don't worry about changing it either, it's not nearly as scary as I thought it would be.

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  5. This is awesome!!!! I can't wait to be able to meet him... I want to make 100% sure I'm over my cold/flu and I'm still coughing. But once I'm better I am completely at your disposal!!!

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  6. Wow, ripping out his own oxygen supply, I like this kid! Jen, I am so happy for you that things are going so well. I can't imagine how stressful and sad this whole experience has been for you guys, and every time I read these wonderful updates it just makes me so happy for all three of you. Congratulations on all the great progress.

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  7. Happy 2 week birthday Magnus! I'm so happy to hear he's continuing to do well.

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  8. That is fantastic - Magnus removing his own oxygen! When you give him that bottle he'll probably want to hold it himself, while studying his ABCs. Good job!
    Nancy

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  9. Holy smokes Jen! I can't believe how well he's doing...so good to hear! I'm so happy for you guys!

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  10. Glad to hear how well he is doing!

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  11. Reading this excellent news is the perfect way to start off the day. I am thrilled to hear how well Magnus is doing and that he may be able to go home soon!

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  12. Excellent news! What does Magnus want for Christmas?

    Jen, at a prior job employees were able to donate personal time in cases of special need to help out a co-worker. People could donate any chunk of time they wanted. If allowed, maybe it could get you another day or 2 or more of leave.

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  13. That is just the most awesome news. I'm thrilled for you!

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