Quick Morning Update

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Quick Morning Update

I just wanted to send out a quick morning update. So, our morning hasn't started as anticipated. Nolan has developed fluid around his heart that they are going to remove this morning. That means they will have to take him back to the operating room and open up his chest again; probably not entirely, just enough so they can drain off the fluid. It does seem to be causing his blood pressure to be on the lower side and he is having some difficulty weaning off the vent.

That will really be the focus today. They say that after the procedure they will continue the weaning process towards extubation, but honestly, I am pretty sure having your chest re-opened and then seeing how he responds to the fluid removal will be what our day consists of. I am continually reminding myself that this is a marathon - not a sprint. We really thought we would get the Berlin Heart and things would be back to the way he was (or even perhaps better!) Well, we will get there, eventually.

With that said, I wanted to send out this quick notice so everyone keeps Nolan in your thoughts and prayers during the day. With him being in critical condition, any surgery is risky. So extra prayers today are greatly appreciated. :)

I hope to bring good news later this evening!

3 comments:

BeeOctober 17, 2013 at 9:48 AM
Thinking of you all today. I hope this procedure goes smoothly, and you see some improvements within the next few days. I am sure that you really, really just want to see him start to return to his normal self; we all do! Right now, it seems he is doing it his own way, taking baby steps, and I bet it is the best way for him to heal. One step at a time. Slow and steady wins the race. As always, you're in my prayers. Sending lots of love your way! xoxo
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The Wintersteen and Mensch familyOctober 17, 2013 at 10:31 AM
Cori and Matt, We constantly have you in our prayers along with the nurses and doctors caring for precious Nolan.. We are sending out extra prayers and hugs to comfort you both during this waiting time... Just remember God is there with you by your side at all times...
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UnknownOctober 17, 2013 at 12:04 PM
Keeping Nolan and his whole TEAM in my thoughts and prayers.
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About Nolan

Nolan was brought by Life Flight to Hershey Medical Center on the evening of September 30, 2013. Earlier that day he went to the doctor for typical cold symptoms and was then sent to Susquehanna Health's Emergency Department for further testing and breathing treatments. After having many tests done, an X-ray showed what was believed to be an enlarged heart. An ultrasound confirmed this condition and he was quickly transported to the Children's Hospital at Hershey Medical Center. It was believed that Nolan was suffering from a viral infection in his heart called myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the myocardium, the middle layer of the heart wall. After going through a series of treatments at the Children's Hospital at Hershey Medical Center and not showing any improvement, the team of physicians felt best that he be sent to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.

Nolan was flown to Pittsburgh on Friday, October 4. After several days of observation, Nolan was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. He was placed on a ventricular assist device (Berlin heart) which pumped the left side of his heart. Nolan spent 101 days on the VAD. He received the gift of life on January 24, 2014. We are forever grateful to his donor family for such a selfless act. As their lives have changed forever, so has Nolan's. They gave him a second chance at life.