Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

Last night was Charlie’s best sleep night in days. He slept almost 4 hours and early this morning he got his heart rate down to 113 bpm. I don't think it has been that low since we got here. So I think Coop knows he has a big day today and is trying his best to be ready for it. The plan is to take him to the OR (PICU is still in a State Penn. status, overcrowded) between 0930 and 1030. From there he'll be in recovery while the sedation wears off and his vitals stabilize, then they'll bring him back to his room w/ a drinking straw stuck in his head. Ang and I are nervous but "cautiously optimistic" that this will help his brain heal. Dr. Brockmeyer the neuro-surgeon talked w/ us this morning and told us that in kids like Charlie they ultimately need a permanent shunt placed to drain the CSF into his abdomen. They won't place that right now because they are concerned about a continuing risk of infection.

14 comments:

Wilson 5 said...

OK, I am sending up multiple prayers at 0930 and throughout the day!! Hopefully this will bring about the change Charlie needs! Love you guys!!

Anonymous said...

My family and I are praying for Charlie and from now on smooth sailing and a quick recovery.

Anonymous said...

We have our fingers, toes, arms legs, eyes and everything else that we can cross, crossed. Also praying extra hard for Charlie.

Anonymous said...

Here in Missouri we will be praying and cheering for Charlie and his parents. You guys are awsome. No one ever said being a parent was easy and you're going through the worst test. Charlie is very lucky to have you for a mommy and daddy as you are lucky to have such a beautiful baby boy. We feel here in Missouri today is going to be a good day. Love and Prayers

Anonymous said...

You need to know that there are people out here that just happen upon your blog from random other links that are praying everyday for Charlie. I pray that you will soon be able to hold Charlie and see his sprakling eyes looking back at you and know that everything will be alright. Everything is possible with God.

Anonymous said...

Yep, it is me again! Just wanted you to know that Dr. Brockmeyer operated on my cousin who had a tumor on his brain stem a couple of years ago. I hear he is the best!!! My dad is his CPA so when my cousin was diagnosed with his tumor that is who my dad told them to see. It is comforting to know that Charlie is being seen by the best of the best. And I can tell you this based upon personal experience. I hope that this helps little Charlie begin the healing process.

Melanie Christoffersen Gardner

Anonymous said...

Hey guys, I don't know if this helps, but a close friend of mine has a daughter who had complications at birth and also required a shunt to be put in because of the fluid buildup in her brain. It was definitely the step they needed to take and took her very quickly to the next level of healing and functioning. Today she is a perfectly healthy, happy 4 year old. I hope this will be the case with Charlie. We are praying for you everyday and we love you!
Jen Pringle family

Anonymous said...

Many prayers are going up to Heaven right now!

Meghan said...

don't know if it really makes a difference, but doug brockmeyer is the best - or so i hear from all the folks on my trauma committee. he has been a speaker at my trauma conference for years on pediatric head injury - everyone loves him and raves abouth how great he is. i am praying for them both right now.

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you little man. Be strong.

Anonymous said...

Rob and Angel, I know the waiting is the hardest part sometimes. Our families thoughts and prayers are with you and everything that we can possibly cross is crossed.
The Llewellyn family

linds said...

we love you and are praying extra hard for charlie!

Anonymous said...

It is a beautiful day here in the Salt Lake Valley and I hope that means that today will be a great day for all especially for Charlie. Our Prayers are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I dont know you but I want you to know how much I am thinking about your family, my baby had meningitis at one week old and I so know what you are going through. I find myself dropping to my knees many, many times a day praying for charlie and his family. hang in there, i know the lord is with you, even if you dont feel like it all the time.