After Surgery

Carter is doing great after surgery. Other than swelling up like a balloon and some bruising we have no complaints. They originally told us they would keep his completely paralyzed for at least 48 hours and on pain meds for at least a week. Well within 24 hours they stopped the paralytic and within 48 hours they stopped the pain meds. I was fine with the paralytic being stopped, but I questioned the doctor about the pain meds. He said Carter would let us know if he needed them. There were a couple times he moved today where it looked like it was painful, but other than that he looked very comfortable. One thing that has completely surprised us is that he has had great blood gasses and they have already started to wean his ventilator settings. Also he is only on 26% oxygen (the air we breath is 21%) this was a shocker to me as well. He has been more alert today and even smiled a couple times. Cutest thing ever!!! He is retaining a lot of the fluids so we need him to pee some more. He gained almost 10 oz. over the last 24 hours so pray for pee ;) His bowls aren't moving around that much which is normal after a stomach surgery. Once he poops he can start eating again.

We are so proud of Carter. It is so nice to see his face and he really looks so much more comfortable and happy without the tube in his throat. Thank you for your prayers.