Tuesday, August 17, 2010

And the beat goes on...

...the beat goes on
drums keep pounding rhythm to the brain
-Sonny & Cher, "The Beat Goes On"

So Jay's surgeon came in today and sprang a pop quiz on him. Yesterday the plan for today was for Jay to rest and then repeat the echo tomorrow. Well apparently, the surgeon was so happy with his progress he wanted to speed up Jay's transition off ECMO if possible. So that meant another echo today in front of the whole team of docs, fellows, ECMO techs, nurses and the janitor just for good measure.

We don't have any official word yet, but it looks like Jay is procrastinator like his dear, ol' dad. His heart function appears similar to yesterday, so apparently he was partying with the guys last night instead of studying. He again did really well when they turned down the ECMO support to 25%, but right now it's not clear that he has enough function to completely come off.

Then, just a minute ago, the surgeon came in and turned the flow completely off! No gradually reducing from 100% support to 75% to 50%. He turned it off the way we'd turn off a faucet, without any warning or anyone else watching - it was kinda "Hmmm, let's see what this does." EEEKK!!

But the beat goes on! Jay's heart kept pumping just fine and the rhythm stayed normal, though his blood pressure did drop a bit. It's rebounding now, as is my own heart which spent the last few minutes in the back of my throat somewhere.

So, no real news though they are discussing taking him off ECMO tomorrow. We're still waiting on that, but we will update you as we know more. That would be a huge HUGE step, and while we absolutely want to make that step as soon as we can, we also want to know that he is ready. So say a little prayer that his heart continues to strengthen throughout the afternoon and evening tonight.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

:) :) :) :)
What else can I say? Big smiles here. Praying he gets strong enough to go solo.

Love,
Aunt Ali

Ann Lawrance said...

I'm so happy with Jay's readiness for a pop quiz--keep on top of things Little Guy!
I love you,
Annie

Anonymous said...

I love checking the blog and finding good news! Keep up the rest and recovery, Jay!

Lisa

Sush said...

Knowing your family and extended family...pop quizzes, tests, even Finals and Vet School and Grad School exams are a given 'A+'! Jay's got game!
Prayers and love beaming your way...
xoxox,
Susie

Anonymous said...

My stomach twisted up reading this...what all the way off????? I guess it was good that they didnt give a warning- no time to panic. I am so happy with this news. I promised him a choc chip cookie if he did what he was supposed to yesterday, give him two or three if Mary Catherine can look the other way! Hugs and high fives all around.
Crystal

Anonymous said...

We have had all of you in our prayers. This sounds good but I know that you still have a ways to go. We will continue to pray and hope for the best for all of you.
Love,Tony and Toni

TOJ said...

Yay, Jay!!!!! You rock, my little friend. I'm sending you and your heart a great big superty dooperty ala peter t hooperty hug!

blair said...

how wonderful!!!!! what a treat to read!

Uncle Jimmy said...

Way to go Jay!!! Looking forward to you getting stronger quickly because we have a tile job to do in your mom's kitchen and I need you help. Two sets of eyes are always better then one!

Jamie said...

Yikes! Just reading about the surgeon turning off the machine made ME almost need to be on the ECMO machine! I am glad it went well and that he is continuing to pass his tests. Continuing to send lots of Colorado love...

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful (and scary) thing. Go Jay! Go Jay! Continued prayers for Jay and all his family.

Debbie Gilland

ANAPatterson said...

GO JAY! We are praying for you and your parents. Jen and Derek you are stronger than I. I would of hit the surgeon. I dont care if he was the best in the world...Atleast clue me in this is my kid your messing with. Thankfully Jay showed him a thing or two. Again GO JAY! We all know you can do this! Keep it up buddy! Rest today so tomorrow you can show them you will pass the test.

Anonymous said...

We are so glad that Jay keeps beating on. We love him. We are praying for tomorrow.

Dee and Bob

Urbanna said...

Way to go , Jay! We will pray for continued improvement! Urbanna & Archie

P's mom said...

Great work Jay!!! Keep it up! This is awesome news!!!

Anonymous said...

Way to go Jay!!!! So glad to hear that there are improvements coming your way. Still praying along with so many others!
Sara Jackson (FBC Formations)

Anonymous said...

Oh WOW! That was a surprise but glad that he is rallying to the challenge. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers!!! We are so glad that you are keeping us updated on your blog. You are an amazing writer!

Anonymous said...

Way to go Jay! My grandmother told me that once when she felt the spirit of God, she slid across the floor dancing,(soomething Mrs. Inez Holton would never do). After reading this Blog, I slid across the floor in praise and so I wondered if her movements looked like the electric slide and the moon walk all in one? Tears of joy my dear friends tears of joy!
Melissa

Anonymous said...

Way to go Jay. Way to rise to the challenge. Praying tomorrow is a wonderful day full of miracles.

Anonymous said...

Everyone in my family - well there are only 3 of us - but, we all rush to the computer at some point to get the "Jay" news! So thrilled to read it today. What a little trooper, and of course, Mom and Dad are too.
Here is praying that tomorrow is an extraordinary day!!
Hugs,
Neva and the fam