Thursday, April 09, 2009

PICU Day 2

Just when we think we've been through it all...

Noah decided to bring some excitement to the small community of La Salle yesterday. And he did it in true Noah fashion. One moment we were watching Treehouse, and the next moment Noah is coughing up large amounts of blood. It happened so suddenly...I began suctioning...and suctioning...but he just wasn't stopping. Never have I felt quite the urgency I felt right then. We have been in really bad situations, but I have always driven Noah to the ER myself, knowing that because of where we live, it is just as fast as waiting for an ambulance and going with them. But this time there was no way I could get him to the hospital with the constant need for suctioning...I called 911. Yes, there was a moment, (or moments) of pure panic, but the adrenaline took over. When the paramedics arrived, they took one look at Noah, covered in blood, and we were in the back of the ambulance on the way to the highway to meet the helicoptor. That part I certainly wasn't expecting!! How surreal to think about it all now...the helicoptor landing in the middle of the highway...police...firemen...traffic lined up. Those are images I will not soon forget. Because of policy, at first they were not going to allow me on the helicoptor, but thankfully they decided to make an exception. And so we had our first helicoptor ride (I think Brad was pretty jealous) and within 4 minutes, before I could even comprehend what was happening, we were at the airport. Here we were met by another ambulance who took us to Childrens. We were definately the talk of the hospital, and we even heard the story on the news that evening. How bizarre that we just happened to have a helicoptor standing by...amazing how God watches over Noah. It was wild...crazy and very frightening, but how thankful we are for the way it all worked itself out.

During the transport to hospital, Noah's bleeding/coughing did settle. Given Noah's history, at first everyone assumed this was a GI bleed, however, he was not bleeding from his NG tube(until later, when he had swallowed blood). Once in the ER, Noah was resuscitated with fluids and was settling nicely. He then had another episode of cough/bleeding, and it was at that point that we all decided that it looked like pulmonary hemorrage (bleeding from his lungs) and he was transferred to PICU. His xray showed some definate lung changes as well. CPAP was started to put pressure into the lungs and help stop the bleeding. We also started the pentoprazole again, just to cover him in case there was any GI bleeding. He did have one more episode yesterday evening, but since then the bleeding has stopped and he is now stable. Once again, he is happy on his CPAP and his work of breathing is much improved. As to why this happened, no one can give us an answer. His bloodwork all looks okay...no clotting issues that would have caused the bleeding. Of course, his Enoxyparin (blood thinner) puts him at higher risk for bleeding, however he is on a pretty low prophylactic dose. There was some talk of scoping him to look for a source, but the risk of anesthesia right now is far too great. So if he continues to remain stable, we may have to settle with never knowing the reason behind this new issue.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Once again, we are looking at another holiday in hospital which is very disappointing. But we are thankful...so very thankful to have our son with us this Easter. Praying for a boring, uneventful holiday weekend.

8 comments:

Maroo said...

It is early here. But I woke up honestly worried that Noah may not have made it through the night! I need more faith in this little guy and the very BIG God we serve! How thankful I am that there were so many ways to help him! We continue to pray here. Now my office knows about Noah (helicopter boy from Canada - the cute one) and they are praying, too. Tell Brad, Joshua and Kailyn that I am also praying for them and I am sorry that Noah has another hospital stay over the holiday. May we all remember that today we are thankful that God sacrificed His Son for us. A sad remembrance, but He is risen! May you guys feel overwhelming peace this Easter weekend.

Anonymous said...

I echo Maroo's prayer. God's amazing grace is so evident in Noah's life, and the way he carries all of you is simply amazing. Noah is becoming more and more famous, and touching more and more people. What a boy!! God, thank you for the cross, and for your most precious gift. Because of you, we have hope!!

Kim said...

Nichole, I tearily read your update as I know it is so very difficult to be in the hospital once again over a holiday. Know that many people are praying for you and may you all feel covered with God's love and protection. Like Maroo and the other reader said...we have HOPE, in a gracious God who cares for each one of us...no matter how small and scared we feel...His hand is upon all of us! Love you all, and special hugs to my Bean...

Anonymous said...

Brad & Nichole, my children and I are praying for you. We were so upset yesterday to read how bad off Noah was doing but we praise God for this report that he is STABLE and will be praying he gets better.

Noah is never far from our thoughts or your family. God bless you.

Kristie

Jamie said...

Wow - talk about excitement! I'm glad things are stabilized and going better, but I wish you didn't have to stay in the hospital over Easter :(
And yes - I'm sure Brad must've been jealous about the helicopter ride!!

Linda (khalana) said...

We're definitely praying for you here! I'm so sorry that you're having to stay in the hospital again... Give that little cutie some extra hugs. :)

Jules and Danny said...

Nichole, Brad and family,

I am a new reader. I came across your blog about a week ago while reading an adoption blog I follow, and it has taken me a week to go back to the beginning and follow your emotional journey from the beginning! My husband and I lost our son, born in October of '08 at only 22 1/2 weeks.
I am amazed at the strength and faith you and your amazing boy have shown.
As I read your story from the beginning, I knew that Noah had fought until the recent posts, so while I was anxious to read each new post... I knew that he had made it through yet another traumatic and extremely difficult time. And then you would share a post about his love of life and the love you all have for him and I would see his beautiful smile.

As I got closer to the most recent posts, I became much more anxious as I read. From the first day I added Noah and your family to my prayers. You are an amazing family, with such strong children. I will continue to pray for you and good news for Noah and your family.

Julia (in Toronto)

Christie Tuttosi said...

Today I bow down and worship the God who sacrificed His son for us, and I thank him for his grace and love. I thank him for saving a pitiful sinner like me, and for loving, protecting and watching over my children... and yours. I lift you all up into His mighty hands.