A MRI, Hospitalization, and Visit From Fred

We missed Kyle's weekly ER visit last week and couldn't stand being away from the medical center so long so we packed a bag and headed to the ER to say hi. We had such a good time catching up with our favorite MRI techs, residents and surgeon that we decided to get a room! Such fun! 

Not really. Kyle is vomiting. This is our third ER visit and second hospitalization this month. Not that you would ever see any emotional distress from Kyle. He laughed when he was strapped onto the MRI table and smiled when it was time for his "just in case" pre-op bath. He's been cooing and flirting with his nurse. He probably thinks the surgeon is his uncle and the MRI machine is a fun photo booth. 

I'm not doing as well. I'm tired. And worried. His MRI showed an increase in cyst size. Fred is back and wreaking havoc again. We were admitted last night and told it was possible he'd be back in the OR this morning. Thankfully, the vomiting improved overnight and it looks like we'll be going home this afternoon with a follow up neurosurgery appointment in one week. So, no surgery today. But maybe surgery next week. Or the week after that. Or the week after that.... sigh. 

We knew that life with Kyle would be an adventure. It's one we eagerly signed up for and would sign up for over and over again. He's such a joy and blessing. Just one snuggle from this sweet boy makes every moment spent in the ER, hospital, surgeon's office and OR waiting room absolutely worth it. We continue to put our hope and trust in Jesus and eagerly await the day our sweet boy can put the MRIs and surgeon visits behind him. God has big plans and a bright future in store for Kyle and we are so very proud of him. In the meantime, we continue to pray for peace, healing and rest. 

An Eventful Week

2 ER visits, 2 MRIs and one hospital stay. It's been a busy week. 

The fun started last Monday when Kyle woke up vomiting. A little bit of throw up isn't a big deal for most babies but it can very easily mean an ER visit for us. Once we hit the 3+ mark, Kyle was sent in to the ER by his neurosurgeon to be evaluated for increased intracranial pressure (read: another MRI). The MRI showed an increase in the fluid surrounding his brain and a "tiny" amount of blood but no signs of ICP. He was diagnosed with viral gastroenteritis and we went home. 

I spoke with the surgeon the following Monday about some concern over the bleed that showed on the MRI. He again assured me that it was inconsequential and everything was stable. Tuesday morning I left the baby to nap in his bouncer while I attended to the older boys upstairs. When I returned to check on him, I noticed he was not breathing and he did not immediately respond when I tried to arouse him. My screams finally startled him and he began breathing again. I put him in the car and headed back to the ER to be evaluated. They put in an IV and drew labs. Then we were sent for another MRI, which showed no increase in fluid but an increase in the amount of blood in the subdural space. Kyle now has bilateral subdural effusions that are mixed with blood -- but no ICP. (This was not the cause of his apnea spell but it means more frequent appointments and scans and increases the chance that he will need surgery to drain the fluid). All of his labs then came back clean and he was admitted overnight for observation. His neurologist came to visit the next afternoon and said that she believed he had a seizure. We are now awaiting a call to schedule a 23 hr EEG and are hoping and praying that this is not the case. In the meantime, we are keeping a close eye on him at home. He sees the surgeon again on Tuesday and has another MRI in four weeks. 

Kyle takes it all in stride and remains a very happy baby. We long await the day his MRI comes back clean and he doesn't have to spend so much time in doctors offices and in the hospital/ER. Until then, we are grateful for his medical team and that we live so close to the Medical Center. We really are blessed and believe that God has big plans for our sweet boy!