HEATH called me this evening!! He was on Carrie's lap watching the NC State basketball game and he decided to call his "Gran Sarah". He even talked to me a little bit before a giggling Carrie took the phone. She said Heath loves to play with her phone and the next thing she knew the phone said, "Connected to Sarah Christie". What a great way to receive good news!
Heath had another good day. He had just finished another bottle and had a jar of applesauce. Heath was flirting with the nurses and had lots of smiles! He no longer has a pic line! The only "connections" he has are his heart monitor leads and the O2 meter on his toe! Wow!
Chris stayed with him last night, which unfortunately proved to be a restless night due to Heath's pic line moving around and setting off alarms. However, Carrie is going to stay with Heath tonight and most of the day tomorrow. Grandma Pat is going to have some Heath time this evening and give Carrie a dinner break.
Carrie's mom and brother got lots of things done for Carrie at her house today. Christmas decorations are put away, laundry is done and the house is cleaned. What a gift!
Carrie had some wonderful time with Ella Brooks today as they joined Aunt Sarah for a girls lunch. Good medicine for everyone.
Carrie hopes to send me some recent pictures of Heath. I look forward to posting those and continuing to report good news!
With continued gratefulness,
"Gran" Sarah
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
More Good News
Carrie sent me a text today with more good news....Heath was able to drink from a bottle today! This news is HUGE in his preparation for going home. They seem to think that Heath will not go home before Tuesday but his progress is going quite well. Heath was also "smiley" today-always good medicine for Heath and the Tuttle clan!
I hope to continue to report good news as Heath continues to improve.
Blessings, "Gran" Sarah
I hope to continue to report good news as Heath continues to improve.
Blessings, "Gran" Sarah
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Late update from Carrie
Carrie sent me a text with an update about their PICU neighbor. She stopped by the PICU as she was leaving the hospital and discoverd the baby girl is in surgery and currently waiting on the heart to arrive that she so desperately needs! Another miracle! She and Heath are only 4 days apart in age and the Tuttles have spent much time with her family in the waiting room. Carrie said that Duke will have done 3 pediatric heart transplants in 4 weeks when her surgery is complete!
Carrie asked again for folks to please pray for this family and baby girl receiving the heart as well as the donor family. As Carrie said, "we have come oh so close to imagining the grief that they are experiencing right now."
Carrie is waiting for Ella Brooks to come home with Uncle Jamie from her wonderful New Year's visit at Ama and Grandp Strow's house. She had a fabulous New Year's visit (and sleepover) with her cousins and family. She is doing remarkably well.
Carrie closed with this comment: "We are unbelievably grateful for our familes and friends who have made this journey with us. And, we are grateful for the prayers and support from people all over the country, and even the world. New Year's blessings to you all. Love, Carrie"
Blessings, "Gran" Sarah
Carrie asked again for folks to please pray for this family and baby girl receiving the heart as well as the donor family. As Carrie said, "we have come oh so close to imagining the grief that they are experiencing right now."
Carrie is waiting for Ella Brooks to come home with Uncle Jamie from her wonderful New Year's visit at Ama and Grandp Strow's house. She had a fabulous New Year's visit (and sleepover) with her cousins and family. She is doing remarkably well.
Carrie closed with this comment: "We are unbelievably grateful for our familes and friends who have made this journey with us. And, we are grateful for the prayers and support from people all over the country, and even the world. New Year's blessings to you all. Love, Carrie"
Blessings, "Gran" Sarah
New Year's Day
Carrie called this afternoon for another good update. She reported that Heath had eaten another jar and 1/2 of baby food yesterday! The therapists were thrilled and surprised! Heath did not try a bottle today but will likely wait until tomorrow when the occupational therapist can come by and be present. All in all, he continues to do well. The doctors would love to send Heath home without a feeding tube and it looks like Heath agrees! Carrie even said Heath is giving out a few more smiles- always good!
Carrie and Chris were going to enjoy some dinner together with Heath in his room. Ella Brooks was going to enjoy an evening with "Ama" (Carrie's mom) and Grandpa Strow. Chris took the "day shift" today and Carrie was able to go home and get a few things done and catch her breath!
Carrie did request prayers for the family of the baby next to the Tuttles when they were in the PICU. They have been through this journey hand-in-hand with this family and they continue to hope and pray for a good outcome for this baby as well.
Baby Heath continues to make progress and ring in 2009 with a determination to get better every day! I hope to update more tomorrow!
New Year's Blessings!
"Gran" Sarah
Carrie and Chris were going to enjoy some dinner together with Heath in his room. Ella Brooks was going to enjoy an evening with "Ama" (Carrie's mom) and Grandpa Strow. Chris took the "day shift" today and Carrie was able to go home and get a few things done and catch her breath!
Carrie did request prayers for the family of the baby next to the Tuttles when they were in the PICU. They have been through this journey hand-in-hand with this family and they continue to hope and pray for a good outcome for this baby as well.
Baby Heath continues to make progress and ring in 2009 with a determination to get better every day! I hope to update more tomorrow!
New Year's Blessings!
"Gran" Sarah
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Brief but GREAT news!
I just received a text message from Carrie that reported " Heath just ate 3/4 jar of applesauce. Maybe bottle tomorrow. Maybe home on Monday or Tuesday?"
This is TREMENDOUS progress for him even since yesterday! I just wanted to share the good news. Carrie will call me later this afternoon so I will update more then.
The New Year looks to be one filled with HOPE!
Blessings,
"Gran" Sarah
This is TREMENDOUS progress for him even since yesterday! I just wanted to share the good news. Carrie will call me later this afternoon so I will update more then.
The New Year looks to be one filled with HOPE!
Blessings,
"Gran" Sarah
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday Morning
I had a lovely visit with Baby Heath and Carrie this morning - in a REGULAR room! When I arrived however there was a flurry of activity and Heath was very fussy (frankly, I don't blame him!). He continues to improve but is very sensitive to sensory stimulation and becomes quite emotional. He saved all his little smiles for his mommy this morning and them promptly teared up- his emotions were a little overwhelming for him! Once the doctors and nurses left Heath's room and it became less hectic, Heath settled down for him mommy to eat her breakfast and for Gran Sarah to rub on that sweet little head of his and look at those big brown eyes I love! He quieted down and was able to sleep a little. I hope it gave mommy a break-even if for just a little while.
Heath's new favorite toy is an empty syringe he has been holding for 5 days and refuses to give up for anyone. So, the therapists have become very creative in using the syringe to help him re-learn some fine-motor skills. Because of the lengthy (and necessary) sedation, Heath is undergoing speech, occupational and physical therapy to learn how to be a 10 month old again. He is certainly getting "up to speed" well but tires easily, so they take it step-by-step.
Heath is still being weaned off of the pain meds but withdrawal symptoms seem much better. The are adjusting his feeding amounts to make him more comfortable and still treating him for high blood pressure. All in all, Heath continues to make amazing progress. Since he is in a regular room however, Carrie and Chris are rotating day-night shifts because someone must be with him all the time now. Heath is most easily comforted by his mommy and daddy so they like to stay close!
Uncle Jamie and "Nana" arrived as I was leaving- two special people who have been successful in coaxing a smile from our sweet Heath. He is doing amazingly well but of course has a long way to go. The Tuttles continue to be incredibly thankful, a bit tired, and so grateful that they can begin to look forward. The idea of going home with Baby Heath is both thrilling and terrifying- emotions Chris and Carrie are trying to adjust to.
Please continue to keep the Tuttles in your prayers.
With a grateful heart,
"Gran" Sarah
Heath's new favorite toy is an empty syringe he has been holding for 5 days and refuses to give up for anyone. So, the therapists have become very creative in using the syringe to help him re-learn some fine-motor skills. Because of the lengthy (and necessary) sedation, Heath is undergoing speech, occupational and physical therapy to learn how to be a 10 month old again. He is certainly getting "up to speed" well but tires easily, so they take it step-by-step.
Heath is still being weaned off of the pain meds but withdrawal symptoms seem much better. The are adjusting his feeding amounts to make him more comfortable and still treating him for high blood pressure. All in all, Heath continues to make amazing progress. Since he is in a regular room however, Carrie and Chris are rotating day-night shifts because someone must be with him all the time now. Heath is most easily comforted by his mommy and daddy so they like to stay close!
Uncle Jamie and "Nana" arrived as I was leaving- two special people who have been successful in coaxing a smile from our sweet Heath. He is doing amazingly well but of course has a long way to go. The Tuttles continue to be incredibly thankful, a bit tired, and so grateful that they can begin to look forward. The idea of going home with Baby Heath is both thrilling and terrifying- emotions Chris and Carrie are trying to adjust to.
Please continue to keep the Tuttles in your prayers.
With a grateful heart,
"Gran" Sarah
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday Evening
Chris was gracious enough to call and give me another update. Baby Heath is adjusting well to the step-down unit. Chris said that Heath could "feel" the anxiety level drop when they moved to the step-down unit and he crashed and slept very well!
Chris and Carrie are alternating spending the night with Heath. Heath is consolable pretty much by Mom and Dad only so they are staying very close. Heath did try to pull out his pic line but was (thankfully) unsuccessful! Heath did have a short-lived victory- he pulled out his feeding tube while sitting in Mom's lap no less! Tricky little fellow....but the feeding tube did have to be put back. He has managed to gain one pound since being in the hospital-another victory! (I think he has a secret stash of Christmas cookies!).
Heath's withdrawal symptoms have improved but they are still having challenges with his blood pressure. The doctors are controlling Heath's blood pressure with medication and are trying to figure out the source of the problem. However, all the heart "numbers" continue to look great. Heath is also having some tummy discomfort in the morning for a couple of hours so they are adjusting his feedings a little to try to make him more comfortable.
Chris reported a few small smiles from Heath and his improving interaction with them. So, the good news continues. The Tuttles continue to have quite a road to travel but they are so grateful to have come this far. They are enjoying being with Heath but the days are tiring. They seem to juggle life hour by hour!
Dr. Genie Martin is planning on visiting the Tuttles tomorrow and I am looking forward to a visit on Tuesday. Thank you for your love, prayers, kindnesses and more. Baby Heath continues to improve and heal-and we continue to rejoice.
Blessings,
"Gran" Sarah
Chris and Carrie are alternating spending the night with Heath. Heath is consolable pretty much by Mom and Dad only so they are staying very close. Heath did try to pull out his pic line but was (thankfully) unsuccessful! Heath did have a short-lived victory- he pulled out his feeding tube while sitting in Mom's lap no less! Tricky little fellow....but the feeding tube did have to be put back. He has managed to gain one pound since being in the hospital-another victory! (I think he has a secret stash of Christmas cookies!).
Heath's withdrawal symptoms have improved but they are still having challenges with his blood pressure. The doctors are controlling Heath's blood pressure with medication and are trying to figure out the source of the problem. However, all the heart "numbers" continue to look great. Heath is also having some tummy discomfort in the morning for a couple of hours so they are adjusting his feedings a little to try to make him more comfortable.
Chris reported a few small smiles from Heath and his improving interaction with them. So, the good news continues. The Tuttles continue to have quite a road to travel but they are so grateful to have come this far. They are enjoying being with Heath but the days are tiring. They seem to juggle life hour by hour!
Dr. Genie Martin is planning on visiting the Tuttles tomorrow and I am looking forward to a visit on Tuesday. Thank you for your love, prayers, kindnesses and more. Baby Heath continues to improve and heal-and we continue to rejoice.
Blessings,
"Gran" Sarah
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