Tuesday update - May 7th

Theo's hands have been behind his head for a week

I will keep this post short and sweet, since there have been no major changes since yesterday.  Theo's belly is still massive, and we are still waiting for bowel movement.  The surgeons said that "it could be days" and the PICU doctors said that "it could be weeks" before they start moving. It's still not clear if the distension is caused by ileus (sleepy bowels that typically follow abdominal surgery) or a bowel obstruction, and no one is eager to take him back to the OR until there is reason to believe that there is an obstruction.

Theo's kidney function is stable, and his urine output is still good.  The doctors are adjusting fluid and medications in order to get him to pull off more than he is given, in the hopes that swelling will decrease.  Theo's comfort level still seems good, and we are starting to do some infant massage and movement of his limbs to remind him what it feels like to move.



Right now we are in a waiting game until Theo's bowels start up again or we have more conclusive evidence of a bowel obstruction.  We're all hoping that he'll start passing gas very soon.  In fact, we are under strict instructions to call the surgeon as soon as we hear Theo pass gas, so that the surgeon can make a special trip over to hear the "music to his ears."

Our prayer requests are the same as yesterday, with a few additions: please pray for patience for us as we wait.  Please pray that nothing else will go wrong.  Being in an ICU is a roller coaster, and with every little thing monitored every second, it is not always easy to keep perspective. So prayers for perspective would be great, too.

If I don't update the blog in the next few days, it means that there have been very few changes.  I know so many of you are praying for poop (seriously), so you can be sure that I will let you know as soon as that prayer is answered!

Ever since we found out that Theo may not be born healthy, we've had friends and family rally around us and provide all kinds of support.  My family has been great the last two weeks, and we were so sad to see my mom leave today -- she has taken great care of all of us.  Whitney leaves tomorrow, and we are going to really miss her.  She is an amazing woman, and such a trooper to deal so gracefully with all of the pain she is in.  I am so sad that she has not been able to see Theo vibrant and full of energy with her kidney.  We're already anticipating her visit this fall for her 6-month check-up.  

We can't thank you all enough for your continued prayers and support.  We are eagerly awaiting the day when we can share great news with Theo's fan club.