Back in the PICU

Toby is back in the PICU again (they moved him back there Tuesday afternoon (January 30th, 2007) after some breathing episodes he had). He's been holding his breath when he's upset, and dropping down his oxygen levels (little stinker!), and the last time he did it, the PICU doctor thinks it's possible that he aspirated a small amount of saliva and this blocked his airway causing him to drop oxygen and turn blue. They moved him back to the PICU to be able to watch him better and put him back on the C-PAP. They're also going to do a CT scan this afternoon to check the ventricles to see if his shunt is malfunctioning again. They're already talking about trying to take off the C-PAP tomorrow (Thursday). We've also been asking the question about why his sodium levels dropped in the first place a few weeks ago, and the PICU doctor thinks his shunt was already malfunctioning when we first arrived at the hospital, which would cause his electrolyte levels to be out of balance. It's possible, I remember thinking his head felt a little swollen, but not really knowing for sure what normal fontanels (or soft spots) should feel like, we just didn't know. Now we do! :) It will be up to the ENT (ear, nose, & throat) doctors to figure out what to do about his vocal cord paralysis, and swallowing difficulties. Originally they were planning on doing a video swallow study on Friday, but this may get pushed back until he improves with his breathing.

Bruce and I just want to thank so many of you - family, friends, co-workers, and complete strangers for praying for us and for Toby. Thank you for signing our guestbook also - It is so encouraging to us to read your thoughts and entries. We will continue to keep everyone udpated. - Carrie