Carter's Heart Surgery

Little man before surgery. Mommy got lots of touch time with Carter. Thanks Dr. Santiago. He told me it was because Carter Sat's better when we are touching him, but I think it is because he knew I needed that time with my boy.

Today we are going in to do surgery on Carter's heart to close up the PDA. I am going try and update everything on here today as the surgery progresses. Please pray for our little guy and the doctors.

2:00- Dr. Santiago is worried that his vien's won't hold up during surgery and for everything after. He suggest trying to get in a picc line again. If they aren't successful getting it in they will have to surgically insert one. They will make an incision in his neck and chest. We really hope they can get the picc line in so that Carter doesn't have to have more scars.

2:45- Dr. Santiago wasn't able to get the picc line in. They will surgically insert the iv during heart surgery which is scheduled for 4:00 pm.

3:00- Going back in to be with my boy before surgery. He looks great and held his Sats well during and after the picc line trial. He has been sucking on his feeding tube like crazy today. He must be so hungry going without food today and the next couple days.

5:15- The surgeon finally got here and they are going to begin surgery. The Broviac (iv tube) and heart surgery will take about 45 minutes total. Dr. Roughneen will be doing the surgery. He is the sweetest Scottish guy ever. Ashley is his nurse today I love her. Ashley said it is a good thing we are doing surgery today because he is starting to sat all over the place. He can be on the same oxygen level and sat in the low 40's when the PDA opens and then jump to sat up to 100 when it closes and it doesn't matter what settings they put him on he has to do it on his own and it is very nerve racking waiting for him to jump back up. I need to pump really bad, but that will have to wait until this is all over. Good luck Carter we sure love you.

All the Doctors and Nurses right before surgery. They did it all at his bedside so that they don't have to move him. It was pretty crazy watching them get everything sterile and ready for surgery.

6:02-
I am going crazy out here. It has been 45 minutes and haven't heard a thing. Ahhhhh!!!

6:45-
Hour and a half still no word. Making me very nervous. Keep fighting Carter.

6:50-
Dr. Finally came out. Everything went great. He held his blood pressure really well. All doctors were very pleased with how it went and said he did better than they expected. The PDA ended up being bigger than they thought so they said in a couple days he should be doing a lot better than he was before. Thank you Heavenly Father. They said he is nice and relaxed due to the muscle relaxer they gave him. Carter you are such a fighter and make mommy so proud.

10:00-
We are all home and beyond tired. Boston had a great day playing with Rene' in his words "it was so so so much funny Mommy. You should see me" Carter did very well after surgery his oxygen levels were back at room air (21%). Trav and I were totally shocked by this because we haven't seen his level in the 20's for over a week. Way to go Carter you are such a fighter.

Little Carter after surgery. Completely knocked out and doing great. The tube on his right side is the Broviac tube. His heart surgery was done on his back on the left side. I love this little peanut so much and feel so blessed to be his Mommy.

The power of Prayer is real. Thank you everyone for your love, thoughts, and prayers. We feel blessed beyond measure and have been so humbled by this whole experience. We hope to someday return the favor to all of you. Our Heavenly Father has been so close to us through all this and we know that because of our Savior Jesus Christ we will be able to get through this no matter what is in store for us. We love you all.