The Mathews

The Mathews

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Busy Beyond Belief!







Hello NIM 8! Andy was moved to NIM last night at 3:00 a.m. He's officially out of intensive care - no more tubes, pokes, or excessive wires. For now he simply has to be hooked up to a few monitors while his back continues to heal.

The neurosurgeons are happy with how his back is healing and they hope he can be on his back later this week. Once he is able to be on his back he will have to have a bladder and kidney test to see how much control he has of these organs.

Andy is holding his own as far as spinal fluid goes. Once his back was closed, we had / have to watch for swelling of his head. This type of swelling would indicate that the fluid was collecting in his brain - too much fluid results in too much pressure on the brain. If this occurs, Andy will need a shunt. For now the doctors are continuing to watch him closely. He will have a head ultrasound on Thursday to see if the ventricles are increasing in his head where the fluid typically collects. We pray that they remain small and he goes shunt free!

Andy is thriving! He is one cute kid - now that his swelling is down from the surgery. His first pictures all showed his puffyness from the surgery and red cheeks from the tape that held on his tubes. Now we can see the true Andy!

We met his physical therapist today and learned a few stretches that will help in Andy's recovery. So far they have seen muscle strength in his hips, knees, and a little in his ankles. His right leg is stronger than his left, but his left can currently feel more pain. All of these can change day to day, but we remain optamistic regardless - he'll definitely need therapy this we are sure of.

On to Robby news! Our sweet boy continues to win the hearts of all the nurses at the hospital - they seriously stop by Andy's bed and comment on his photo (although they say the same thing about Andy as well).

Robby's consult at the Ears, Nose, and Throat doctor was bitter-sweet. His doctor didn't think the recommendation to remove his annoids and tonsills should be done. There is no evidence that it will truly help Robby sleep, so now Tom and I have to decide if we have the surgery or not. Do we listen to one specialist or the other???

Robby Quotes of the week - I thought they would make you smile!



- "Mommy, don't put staples in your belly - that's just silly!"



- "I'm pumping too Mommy!"



- "Andy can't have my tractor; he only gets milk."



- "I love Andy - he's a cool dude!"






Here are some photos - I know - it's been forever, but we've been crazy busy!



3 comments:

  1. Glad to hear you got to move to NIMS! We liked it better over there. Of course you guys will be home before you know it! Andy is sooo cute! I can't wait to meet him!

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  2. Dawn - thank you thank you for the updates. Andy is gorgeous, you guys make such pretty babies. And as Tommy said, he does look like Robby. Continued best wishes. Tom and Carol

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  3. Dawn, I have been reading through your blog and am amazed at your strength. I can see where Andy gets his from! I am praying for you all every day and am so happy to see things are going well. Hope I get to meet the little guy some day :) God bless!!!

    *Danielle DeWitt*

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