For the first time, he looked comfortable and appeared to be sleeping soundly:
Henry had his second EEG today. We discussed the results and a lot of other questions that we
had with the pediatric neurologist, neonatalogist, two residents from Children's Memorial
Hospital, and the OB that delivered Henry. The EEG showed improvement over the first one from
Wednesday. His results are not yet normal, but at least we are headed in the right direction.
Henry has a brain injury, the details of which are not yet known. We cannot heal Henry's brain,
he has to do that himself. This healing will be a tough job, but babies are capable of miracles.
The only thing that we can do is ensure that Henry has the best possible chance of healing.
The overall strategy for helping Henry is this:
1. Control his seizures.
2. Get him eating real food produced by his loving mother.
3. Monitor his development.
Within the next couple of days, Henry will have an MRI. Given that the initial CT scan showed blood
in the intraventricular area of his brain, we will look for the MRI to answer three basic questions:
1. What areas of his brain have experienced ischemia?
2. Are the passages for allowing blood to leave the brain clogged?
3. Are the passages for circulating spinal fluid clogged?
The answers to these questions will not alter the current strategy for helping Henry, it will simply give us more information about what he is experiencing.
Other good news is that Hank's kidney and liver functions are returning to normal. Our neonatologist is no longer concerned about them. This is a good indicator that even if his intestines were also damaged, they will heal. He should soon be ready to drink his mother's milk.
Henry had many, many visitors today. Here are pictures of some of them:
Isabella and Will Doyle stopped by with their mom and dad, Angela and Mike.
Gramma Judy got to say goodnight.
And perhaps the best news of all, we finally got to hold him!
6 comments:
OK, so I am in tears at the pics of you finally getting to hold him 3 days after you were supposed to. I have everything crossed for your beautiful little man and I know you will all get through this. Henry is so lucky to have you two as parents. Sending heaps of love and positive energy your way,
Pen (James, Luke & Ilia) x
Dear Meade,
Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy! I am thinking of you and your baby and am hoping that Hank has a speedy recovery. He is a cute little guy!
Lots and lots of love,
Becky Straub
Lucky to have you as parents is an understatement! And it's great that you're taking the time to document these first days of your journey with Henry -- not merely for those who love you, but for yourselves so you won't forget these amazing days. Henry is in the best hands --
Fondly, Ken
Dear Meade and Sean,
I am so encouraged to read the Day 3 blog entry. It's true: babies DO work miracles! I know several who started out with problems and ended up completely fine. Hank seems to be on the right track. My whole family is pulling for him and you. We send you lots of love and support. Thanks for keeping us posted, Sean. You're a very good writer.
Sue, Alison, and Erica
Sean and Meade-
SO GLAD you finally got to hold "Hank". It is such a sweet feeling and seems to help baby and mom and dad all at the same time. Hang in there. Miracles happen!
Colleen
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