The ups and the downs....

The ups...
So Wednesday we had a good day.  Jackson's electrolyte and blood gas numbers started going in the right direction.  He had a blood transfusion (which was fully expected for him - it was never a question of if, but when)  and an adjustment on his ventilator settings (which happens every few days) and pic line was placed (main line that is used to give medication) but otherwise his day was quite stable. We left for home feeling hopeful of a new "normal" day

Then the down...
Thursday morning we received a phone call to get to DSM quickly.  Once we got there we found a pediatric surgeon examining Jackson.  Jackson had always had some fluid in his gut cavity but it had started to grow.  The only option we had was to put a drainage tube into his abdominal cavity and drain the fluid out.  Before this happened, the surgeon explained to us that he was expecting to see intestinal fluid come out of the tube which would quite possibly mean that some or a large portion of his intestine was dead and non-functional.  If this was the case, the doctor said little Jackson would not probably make it very much longer.

Then the up...
The fluid that came out was not intestinal fluid but a clear "water-ish" fluid.  The surgeon is not sure where it came from but it does mean that the intestines are not necessarily damaged!  Jackson will have more abdominal scans to see if they can find the source of the fluid as well as check the intestines for damage or deterioration; but either way it is a great sign that it was not intestinal fluid!  Fluid is still draining, so we are hoping to find out soon where this is coming from and why is it happening

Another up!
Thursday night, both Ben and I were able to "hold" Jackson for the first time - The nurse had to weigh him as well as change the bedding - both times, we were able to lift him up off his bed for a few seconds.  It was a great feeling to be able to handle him a little more - even though it was very short and there was no cuddling or anything like I am anxious for.

All of this has happened by 2pm Thursday.  We ended the day with numbers continuing to go in the right direction.

Looking forward --  they are watching his abdomen for more fluid build up & working on what that fluid is and where it is coming from.  Jackson's kidney's are not functioning to optimum capacity and so they have a specialist from Blank's Children's Hospital coming in for a consult sometime today.

Please keep praying for our little boy; he could really use some stable days for a while.  We could also use prayer for his fluid levels to remain in line, for the doctors to discover the source of the fluid, and for Jackson's kidneys (and all internal organs) to be functioning as they should.

For those of you who will read this today(Friday) please pray for my dad - as he is currently in surgery for his by-pass.  We expect it to take around 5 hours (done around 5pm) but it could take longer, and recovery will take some time.  

Thank you all again for all the love and support we've received from so many people.   We're frustrated, and are in a constant limbo of emotions, but we know that we are in good hands.  We know God cares for us, and for Jackson - and at the end of the day - that is what matters.

Gma & Gpa Terlouw - (Annie's parent's)