Procedure Update

Benjamin's Cath procedure went very well overall. I shall start at the beginning though so that you know all that has occured in the past 24 hours.

Benny's cath procedure took about 4 hours, as we were told it would. It was a long boring day at the hospital for me, as I had no one there. Needless to say, time went very slow. After his procedure I had to wait an additional 2 hours before I got to see him. When I finally did get to see him, he looked good, just sleepy is all. He looked comfortable and in no pain. I didn't stay too long because my mom had the girls and my plan was to return later that night after the girls went to bed. However, I was so tired by then that I just decided not to go. I called to check on him before I went to bed and was told that they started him on Hepirin to help thin his blood because the circulation in his left leg (the leg they used for the cath) was not up to par. His temperature in his left leg was very cool and they couldn't find his pusles. So, I went to bed just hoping that it would work and that we could still bring him home today. Around 3:45am this morning, I got a call from Dr. El-Said (the doctor who performed his cath) informing me that they were going to be starting him on a stronger drug becuase the heperin wasn't working. It had been 5 hours and they saw very little improvement. They think that he had a clot in his leg. Since there are more risks with this new drug, Dr. El-Said told me that they would be staying by his bedside over the next 4 hours to monitor him, which I must say made me feel more reassured, and that they would keep me updated on any new developments. Try falling back asleep after that phone call!

Around 7:30am, Dr. El-Said called again and informed me that the new stuff worked great and that he had greatly improved. His temps in his leg were normal and they were finally able to find the pulses. I was quite relieved to hear this! They took him off the drug and put him back on Heperin, but because he had this new complication, they decided it would be best to monitor him for another 24 hours. So, he will be spending one more night in the hospital tonight. Though I am sad that my poor Benny has to be apart from me another day, I know it is in his best interest.

My visit to him today made me feel so much better. He looks great, is moving around like a champ, and even cracked a few smiles for his momma! Thanks so much for all the prayers and I will let you know any new news!!