As most of you know, we've had a busy year. We knew we'd make it this far and we knew it would be hard, but we never knew how rewarding it would be! These stats are from Carter's birth (Nov. 2007) until the end of 2008. Here's our medical year in review:
6 Brain Surgeries
3 Other Surgeries
3 Code Blue's (full respiratory arrests)
16 Days of NG tube for feeding
114 Days on Oxygen
4 Failed Hearing Tests
3 Passed Hearing Tests
1 and only Failed Vision Tests
154 Therapy Visits
36 Doctor Appointments
25 Days Hospitalized
5 Days in Critical Condition
1 Blood Transfusion
3 Missed Holidays (due to being in the hospital)
8 ER visits
12 CT's
11 x-ray's
1 bout with Meningitis
1 bout with RSV
1 bout with Staff Infection
1 Ear Infection
4 Respiratory Virus'
Projectile Vomit several times a day
*and ten's of thousands of dollars out of pocket
But witnessed a miracle each and every day. He continues to grow and develop as he should. We've had a few bumps and delays in our path but we know every moment is priceless. We have grown so much as a couple and as a family. We never get bogged down on the little stuff like not sleeping or not going out. Our worries are different than other parents, we don't worry too much over an ear infection or if we are using the right diapers or whether we'll discipline like we should. We worry about Bug breathing all night, if he'll make it to adulthood or even adolescence, or when the next shunt malfunction will happen, and things like that. The constant worry is sometimes too much but we just focus on today and what's best for today.
I guess I better update the plan, we are going in for surgery on January 13th for 2 hernia's and eye muscle surgery. It shouldn't be a big deal, and if he does okay through the surgeries (meaning if he doesn't quit breathing or heart quit beating) then he'll be able to come home that night. Let's hope for the best. Keep praying!
