Monday, February 11, 2008

I Spoke Too Soon :(


Turns out that Charlie did have some news and I'm not sure how to feel about it just yet. The results from his CT scan came back and showed a significant increase of fluid build up in his head. One of the folk from Neuro-Surgery came in and gave us the news. So in the morning he'll head back to the PICU and have a drain placed in the soft spot on his head. Hopefully this will help improve his condition. We're not sure how long the drain will be in but there is a possibility that if Charlie has scar tissue or protein build up issues he will get one permanently that drains through a tube under his skin down to his abdomen. The reason we are told that this is necessary is that something is blocking the natural drainage or flow of the CSF, (Cerebral Spinal Fluid) and is causing it to pool. Maybe scar tissue, maybe inflammation, or maybe damage done from previous swelling but for now we don't know. I'm hopeful that this will be a good thing and help Charlie make a move in the right direction and get him out of the stagnant pond of thalamic storms. I know how tired I am of watching him work his guts out just to breathe; I can't imagine how he is suffering. Pray hard tonight.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am praying my guts out. Love, GK

Meghan said...

maybe a setback, maybe a move forward. either way, i'm praying more than ever. love you guys. hang on to each other...

Anonymous said...

Rob & Angel - We crashed the Stapley family trek up to Maddox and Utah State to see the Warren Miller Ski Movie with you a few months ago. Chad and Teri have kept us updated on how Charlie is doing (and how you are doing) plus we check your blog many times a day looking for updates on this cute fella. Our family has been praying for you and your family and I have shed tears over some of your posts and laughed out loud over reading other posts (Rob's mother-in-law post is hysterical - so is the monster truck post... which, by the way, they are coming to the Energy Solutions Arena this weekend). Hang in there - you have many, many friends you don't even know about hoping and praying for you daily..
Paul & Lori Obray

Anonymous said...

Rob & Ang
I wish that I could think of something profound to say that would help comfort and ease your worry but alas I am at a loss. But we want you to know that we love you and support you and would do anything for you. You are continually in our prayers and extra prayers for sweet little Charlie.

Love. Rod & Deirdre

Megan and Alyvia said...

I just read your post and wanted you to know that Alyvia had fluid in her brain as well, (Her CSF wasn't draining properly and caused swelling in her ventricles and her brain stem) she had to have a drain put in (her's was a lumbar drain.) She really did do better once she had the drain in to relieve all that pressure. Slowly, but surley her mental status improved....I really hope putting a drain in helps Charlie too. It seems like you guys just can't catch a break...but like you said, this really could be a good thing.
My friend sent me this scripture yesterday: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
I know that this is really in the Lord's hands right now, and you just have to do what you can to help Charlie. Keep your faith strong, it's Charlie's turn for a miracle now.

Anonymous said...

u dont know me, wrote u once before.
praying for u as hard as i know how, and so does my partner and kid.

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