Once they did the ultrsound they were able to positively diagnose Ben with pyloric stinosis. It wasn't as clear as other cases because we caught it so early BUT now they could see that this was in fact the source of the problem and Ben would need surgery to fix it. They sent me straight from the ultrasound room on the 1st floor at EIRMC to the 3rd floor pediatric unit to have Ben admitted to the hospital. SCARY! This little mama (me) was a little bit of a mess but I tried to be tough and remind myself that this would make him all better and things would turn out okay. Mom and Linds took Abby and the other kids to play at Leos place, Rob got off work to come to the hospital, and we got things moving for Ben.
Thursday afternoon and evening was a long day filled with iv's, blood work, paperwork, nurses, doctors, and one starving baby. He wasn't allowed to eat all day for fear of him throwing up and postponing surgery AND for fear of him throwing up in surgery and causing horrible complications. It was scary to be told the risks and negative possibilities BUT comforting to know that he needed the surgery, these people were qualified to do it and if it went well then he would be a normal healthy boy in no time. After coordinating the pediatrician, surgeon, and anesthesiologist surgery was set for 9am Friday morning. it was a long night with a hungry baby. The nurses were nice and very helpful. it was nice to know how closely they were monitoring him. Rob went home and took care of Abby for bedtime and the sleeping hours then came back in time for the surgery. We were sad and nervous to let our tiny baby go into someone else's hands. It was kinda funny though- the surgical team consisted of 8 people. 8 highly trained and qualified adults tending to one tiny baby. The surgery went very well, they did what they needed to do with no complications. Ben's body responded very well and he has been recovering quickly. They started his recovery in the nicu (it was so amazing to hold him again and know everything was okay) then transferred him back up to the pediatric unit. They closely monitored everything. We were allowed to very very slowly start feeding him again and watch. Then feed again and watch. Then feed a little more and watch. He progressed from a quarter ounce of pedialyte (twice) to a quarter ounce of half pedialyte half formula (twice) to a quarter ounce of formula (twice) about every half hour. Then once he cleared those we were allowed to increase the amount to a half ounce, then one ounce, then two ounces about every 3 hours. He was keeping his food down and "processing" everything very well too. He was such a champ. He was sleepy at first and peaceful even when he's been awake and alert and he hasn't seemed to be in much pain at all. Rob stayed with him on the 2nd night while I went to go take care of Abby. We got a good nights sleep at the welker's house so we wouldn't be alone. After less than 24 hours post surgery they decided we could go home Saturday morning. Yay! Abby and I woke up and went to pick up daddy and Ben from the hospital. We're home now and doing good :) we're hoping and praying all continues to be on the up slope and that the sun will keep on shining :)
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The week before involved at least one solid projectile vomiting episode per day. Then He vomited thursday night, friday morning, friday night, saturday morning and 3 times saturday night...We were doing LOTs of laundry...
Text updates during this crazy week (there were more but these were the main ones that i had saved)
To my Mom 10:39 pm Sat Oct 27th 2012:
Hey Ben has thrown up a ridiculous amount three times in the past hour. He's looking pale and not great. We are taking him to the hospital. Just wanted to let ya know. We'll update you in the morning unless we need help sooner.
To my Mom 9:57 am Sun Oct 28th 2012:
Made it home around 4 this morning. Long night... They did blood tests and an ultrasound on him and the results took forever then were not totally conclusive. The projectile vomiting is obviously not normal. He might have a problem called pyloric stinosis which could take surgery to fix but they are not sure yet... it could turn out to be reflux or something else.
Luckily his fluids look good and he's not dehydrated yet. Just gotta work for some wet diapers. Today we're supposed to feed him one ounce very slowly each time to give hims time to process it then sit him up for the next hour so gravity can work with him on pushing it through his body. so he's gotta sleep in his car seat sitting up. We're just supposed to watch it all and talk to the doc on monday.
To Rob 9:00 am Mon Oct 29th 2012
So things went well I think. The doc looked at the labs and info from the er combined with the story of what happened and whats going on combined with Ben's weight and info from today. Right now Dr. Smith does not think it is pyloric stinosis. Some of the signs say yes but Ben has good weight gain and a few other factors in his favor. They want us to pick back up feeding him like normal and use a reflux medicine to see if that helps.We have to go in again Thursday for a weight check and keep the doc posted on things.
To Rob 10:30 am Thurs Nov 1st 2012
Everything that is going on with him is a bit weird and he lost a little weight since monday. They wanna redo the labs and see what they show today.
To the family 12:29 pm Thurs Nov 1st 2012
So our little Benjamin was diagnosed with pyloric stinosis today. He'll have to have surgery tonight or tomorrow. Keep the little guy in your prayers please.
To the family 3:49 pm Thursday Nov 1st 2012
His labs look good and he's finally got the iv fluids helping him out. I think we're finally about to talk to the surgeon and get an update. we'll let you guys know.
To the family 6:22 pm Thursday Nov 1st 2012
We've talked with the surgeon, anesthesiologist, pediatrician, and nurses... if all goes well through the night with his blood and vitals and fluids then we'll be in surgery at 9 tomorrow morning. That way they have a full fresh staff and optimal conditions. Not allowed to feed him until after then :( sad boy
To the family 9:26 am Sat Nov 3rd 2012
Ben is a champ! He did really well for these past 24 hours post surgery. He's eating and processing well so far. They're gonna let us go home :) yay! Hopefully all continues to go well when we get home. Follow up appts with doc and surgeon are set for the begining of the week. Thanks for all the prayers!
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| After our night in the ER... carseat lined with towels and plenty of towels and burp cloths on the ready... yes this was all necessary...he was puking ThAT much! |
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| Right around the time of the 2nd ultrasound from which they diagnosed him with pyloric stinosis. I didn't realize just how sad and sick he was looking until I looked back on this picture :( |
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| Newly admitted to the pediatric unit. Big sister gave him lots of hugs! (Plus she LOVED the play room up there) |
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| She was so concerned for little Ben. |
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| First night. Trying to keep him happy without feeding him. |
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| Looking a bit better already |
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| Snuggled up warm with daddy post surgery |
So so so glad to hear he is doing better. Nothing quite as scary as a sick baby! Especially a newborn!
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