Our Quiverfull - No PICC

Sep. 11, 2007

No PICC

Sorry I couldn't update last night - I know a lot of you were checking and waiting! Noah went to PICU yesterday to get a PICC line under heavy sedation. After an hour and a half, they were unable to get a line. The poor little guy has 11 bruised owies on his inner upper arms. When they realised they weren't going to be able to get a PICC, they did try to start an IV while he was sleeping but couldn't find a vein that was even worth sticking - they were all still bruised from other attempts and/or blood draws.

Noah had a very hard time coming out of the sedation. He was absolutley unbearably cranky, and he didn't have decent head or trunk control for hours . . . so we had this crying little guy who was pushing off my tummy with his feet trying to launch himself over my shoulder, but had a totally floppy head. Ugh. We finally gave him some IV Benadryl and he slept for hours, but at about 2:45 this morning he started up again - he would sleep for 5 - 15 minutes, then wake up furious and unconsolable. (Starting to see why I couldn't update the blog LOL?) He gave up and really went to sleep just before 5:30 this morning and slept until 8:00. He is in slightly better spirits but definitly not a happy baby. I don't know if he is hurting or just feeling sick or just in a bad mood (very unusual for Noah).

No one really knows what the next plan should be. Different doctors have suggested different options. They might just go ahead and put in a new Broviac, but there is a big risk for infection. They might wait, but they risk losing this Broviac. They might try to start an IV and pull this Broviac with the thought that a few days without nutrition is better than more infection. His nurse also mentioned that she thinks that a different doctor may try for a PICC line again tomorrow. There are pros and cons to each option, but we are confident that God will direct the doctors toward the plan He thinks is best. The people who tried to do his PICC yesterday were Christians and were praying for him, and they were very sad that they couldn't get the line in.

Also of concern is the fact that he is losing weight instead of gaining. We don't really know why he stopped gaining back his lost weight, then started losing again.

Noah's doctor is working on trying to set things up for Philly. Please pray that if Noah is supposed to go there, then the details will be worked out without difficulty. It would probably be sometime next week before he went.

The children are all supposed to come up tonight, and I can't wait! It has been three weeks since I have seen them. One of our blog readers is bringing up dinner for the family so we can eat together. I might be too busy hugging and kissing and squeezing to do much eating!

Just having some time together with my whole family is the biggest blessing!!! I am so thankful that they are coming.

I will post again when we know what the next step is for Noah. In the meantime, please keep praying for healing from this infection and for wisdom and provision for continued central access.

Love,
Kate

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Comments

Sep. 11, 2007 - Happy family time

Posted by Patty

I am happy to hear that you will get to spend time with your family altogether. I'm sorry to hear about the PICC line. I am always praying for all of you. I hope the transfer goes well and seamlessly for you. You are a real rock. God bless you.

Patty and family