Baby Joey Update

First, thank you all SO much for your prayers and support!!! To say it brings peace and hope in such a time would be an understatement. It is how I breathe. I did not truly grasp the power of prayer until I found myself unable to remember any words but still knew I was surrounded by spiritual help.

I wanted to update and clarify what is going on with Joseph, as a LOT has happened!!! Joey underwent surgery yesterday (was it really just yesterday???) Tues to correct his aortic artery. The surgery went very well and Joey tolerated it all quite nicely. We were there as he started to come out of anesthesia and he opened his eyes nice and big at the sound of Daddy's voice!

Last night, several hours post-op, his tiny little body was so tired of fighting. His blood pressure and oxygen levels dropped. Although they were able to stabalize him with medications, his lactic acid and creatinine levels were climbing, indicating that his heart was still not strong enough to provide adequate circulation. They monitored closely all night and this morning made the decision to place him on a heart/lung bypass machine (EcHMO, for my medical friends.) Although he is not breathing on his own and is totally sedated and medically paralyzed, his own little heart is still beating, doing its best. This machine "simply" provides support by circulating and oxygenating some of his blood also. THe good news is that his kidneys are already waking up, a sign that the machine is doing its job.

Tomorrow (Thurs) he will undergo a procedure to correct his aortic valve, which is much smaller than it should be. This is what they suspect caused the problem last night. He will remain on the ECHMO throughout it, and until he stabalizes afterward. Their goal is to wean him from the machine gradually over the weekend. There is about a 60% success rate for kids coming off the bypass.

We have a VERY long road ahead of us, taking one day at a time. Sometimes one minute at a time. I am SO grateful for the prayers and practical support, an outpouring of LOVE and generosity. Joseph was baptized and confirmed Saturday by a brand-newly Ordained Fr. Mick Kelly, who has been back to visit us and offer his blessings and Holy Communion. This is a constant source of strength for us! Please continue to lift Joey up in prayer!