Two days ago, when I wrote my previous post, Matt was FABULOUS. Yesterday......not so much. He was tired and lethargic and, most frightening of all, really confused. He couldn't remember what time of day it was when he woke up, ordering Ramen Noodles at 8:00 a.m. because he thought it was evening. He complained of a more severe headache than he had previously, and just wanted to sleep. Neurosurgery ordered a C/T scan right away because of the confusion and headache and that came back perfect, so it wasn't a problem with excess spinal fluid. That was a relief! Once we started getting labs back, it became clear what the problem was. Matt's sodium was falling - and falling quickly. In the PICU and the first little while on the 'floor' (hospital lingo for a regular hospital room), his sodium was running higher than normal. It's common for kids to have low sodium after brain surgery, and Matt's situation is complicated because of his DI, which makes his sodium difficult to regulate anyhow.
Yesterday evening, when his sodium plummeted 10 points in 4 hours - and fell to a dangerous 124, he was re-admitted to the PICU. He spent last night there and his sodium seems to be stabilizing. It is still quite low, but hasn't fallen anymore. Hopefully he will get moved back to a regular room soon!
In light of this change, and even before the sodium began falling so dangerously low, Dr.Walker had 2nd thoughts about going in for another resection so soon. He decided he wanted Matt to be 100% stable with his DI before another surgery happens. So, it looks like we'll be going back home for Christmas, and having another surgery a little later. Dr.Walker was thinking January. We'll see what actually happens! We know another craniotomy is in Matt's future, but the specifics will need to be worked out. Once again, we appreciate Dr.Walkers caution in regards to our son. It is disappointing to go home without completely getting rid of the tumor, but we will try to be patient! Good things come to those who wait!
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10 comments:
Oh darn! I just hate that they'll have to go in and open him up again after this first incision's healed. But I'm sure things will work out. I hope Matthew is feeling better soon enough to enjoy a good Christmas.
Sending you love and prayers! Thanks for the update - I have been panicky all day 'cause I haven't heard anything! LOVE YOU ALL!
That is a let-down, but maybe it was just the right thing to find out at just the right time. You never know.
Well, Christmas at home sounds nice!
We'll keep you all in our prayers. I'm glad they figured out the sodium issues and hopefully he'll be feeling much better soon and ready to enjoy Christmas! I can't believe it's next week!
Oh no! Could you just add more salt to Matt's food? :)
But, seriously, glad Matt has stabilized. Wishing you all a speedy recovery!
We wish you all a safe and happy Christmas...sometimes things work out differently than expected, but for good reason. Good luck to you and Matthew's speedy recover. We think of you often and you are in our prayers.
Allison, hope you guys can enjoy some calm for a while over the holidays (as much calm as you can have with 5 boys) and that Matt will be as strong as he needs to be for that second round of the surgery. You guys are in our prayers.
We're praying for you and your sodium Matt!
Your Friend,
CJ Visick
Dang. That is definately a let down. BUT- better to safe right? And you get to have Christmas at home and that will be nice. We pray for you often and hope your Christmas is wonderful.
I know you are disappointed but seriously, christmas at home together, I can't help think that is a blessing. We will pray for his labs to stay stable. We have that problem with Josh, he drops at odd times and in odd combinations. He just had a transfusion for that exact reason. Well, I know you wanted it over but enjoy christmas. You are in our prayers, Ruth Jones, Joshua's mom
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