Saturday, November 13, 2010

In St. Paul

I apologize for not updating sooner. For those of you who follow Kristen's blog, you know that Matthew has been very sick for a while now. We were readmitted to the hospital on Monday, and then dismissed on Thursday. While he was admitted, they started him on TPN, an IV nutriton. We were hoping starting this would help the vomiting. It didn't seem to get any better. He continued to vomit, but the staff was sure it was most likely due to secretions. So they sent us home on Thursday. Friday, a home health nurse came out and didn't think Matthew was well enough to be at home. She called our pediatrician, who wanted to see us in the office. When we went to the office, our pediarician felt that we had exhaused our tries in Omaha. Our GI on Omaha has said that there is really nothing else he can do for us. So in talking with our pediatrician, he said we had two choices. Choice 1 was to try to make him as comfortable as possible, and eventually he would vomit enough that his esphagus would tear and he would bleed ubtil he passed. Option 2 was to get a second opinion from another GI doctor. We have a working relationship with Minnesota,and option 1 was not an option for us. So our Dr called MN and told us to pack a bag and get tot the hospital. There was only one problem, there was a huge snowstorm coming through. The sitiuation felt desperate enough that we decided to make the trip. My parents offered to take the kids and so Steve and I and all the kids packed up and got on the road. It was a long trip..a trip that normally takes 6-7 hours took us 9. We arrived in St. Paul around 3 am. Our pediatrician called the ER doctor to tell us we were coming and so they were expecting us. The trip was not easy for Matthew; hevomited most of the trip. We were quickly settled and lab work drawn. His hemoglobin was better than we thought and hwe didi not require a blood transfusion.
GI and neurosurgery has come to see us today. They believe that he is a tough case, but that they have some ideas and some more things they can do for him. We are doing ultrasounds, xrays and will be doing blood tests. They are also going to tryh to do his scope and involve an ENT doctor with this procedure to see if they can figure out what is wrong. Today was a better day than yesterday, though we haven't really changed anything. My blog is blocked from signing into on the hospitals internet network, so I was able to type this up on my phone. Please excuse any typos. I will do my best to get you updates as I have founf out just how many people care so deeply for us. Yesterday was very tough for us, but today we feel refreshed and in a safe place. We appreciate your prayers. We know God is in control. The franticness of yesterday has been replaced with peace today.
We are hoping for aquiet day tomorrow and hopefully less vomiting ( today has been still a lot of vomiting bit bot as much blood loss). As long as they can keep him stable, Monday will be a big day of tests.
Thank you for praying!..we love you all very much!

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jill- we are praying around the clock for Matthew. I'm so glad to hear that today was a more peaceful day. I know that Monday can't get here soon enough. We love you all and are thinking of you constantly.

Mrs. V said...

Praying hard for you all.

Sara said...

Kadyn and I are praying hard for Matthew!

Katie said...

Praying for all of you!

The James Family said...

Jill - we are praying for all of you. We trust that God will bring you the right doctors that will be able to help Matthew. He is such an amazing little boy and his smile just makes all who sees his picture smile! Praying for peace for you, wisdom for the doctors, and rest and healing for Matthew. Matthew is so lucky to have parents like you guys who will fight to get him the best care and not just taking the doctor's word that there isn't anything that you can do!!

Anonymous said...

Dear family, I am praying for your little son and send all my best wishes from Austria to USA.
Brigitte

Diane said...

Thank you so much for the update. It sounds like the doctors are determined to figure out what is going on (as well as you and Steve). You are awesome parents and I pray that God gives you strength and a healing hand over Matthew. **Hugs**

raintree's village said...

Hi Jill. I was up overnight thinking about you. I hope that the docs up there can bring some relief to Matthew and then, consequently, to all of you.
You are always in our prayers.

Kristen said...

My mind is with you ones...meaning I think about you constantly and when I'm talking to someone here I lose my train of thought quickly. I miss you so much and wish I could be with you. We are praying and expecting God's healing hand on Matthew.

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you! Glad that the older kids got to go hang out with your parents & do some fun stuff. That is an ease to your mind we're sure. Please do let us know if there's anything you need help with on the home front. We'd be happy to do so. But most of all we count it joy to keep you before our Heavenly Father through prayer. May the medical staff figure out just what is best for Matthew...and may you feel God's arms of love surrounding you at every step. (We have also passed along a request for prayers for Matthew to our mailing list with Echoes of Mercy.)

Roy & Renee
Vanessa:)
Adam, Crystal & Miles

Mandie B. said...

Jill, you and your family are in my family's thoughts and prayers today and always. I just wanted you to know that!

Brad and Amy said...

Brad and I continue to pray for Matthew. I'm so glad that you made it to Minnesota safely and that Matthew is in good hands. I hope that Monday brings some answers and solutions.

Grandma Cindy said...

Jill - Madison and I have been praying for all of you and the medical team... and will continue.

Jane said...

Jill-My boys and I continue with our prayers for Matthew and your entire family. My prayers also are extended to all the physicians involved in trying to help Matthew! Please give Matthew a hug and kiss from Nurse Jane! Your friend, Nurse Jane

Anonymous said...

Jill - so sorry to hear Matthew is struggling. It must be reassuring to be have him in St. Paul. Praying for you and your family. Denise

Anonymous said...

Dear Jill, Steve & Family:

We are glad that you guys made it safely to MN. We are praying for you guys and Matthew and for the doctors to be able to help Matthew. We are sure that the rest of the kids are having fun with Grandpa and Grandma!
May God give you peace.

Jeff, Cindy, Megan and Christian

Angie said...

Praying so hard for Matthew!!!

Grandma S said...

Prayers continue.

Gabriella said...

I came to learn about your little boy through Kristen's blog. I prayed and prayed yesterday all night long. I also held my little one's hands together and prayed for your Matthew during our bedtime prayers. May you be given strength during this time. And may Matthew be healed. God bless.

Keeslermom said...

I heard from my read headed step son that he was having fun at Grandpa's. Can't wait to see you both back, and everyone feeling good again.

Lindalivinglife said...

I'm for option 2 too. Can't believe you did that entire update on your phone. Whatta women! Offering up my prayers for all of you. God speed to a swift recovery.

Dawn in Indiana said...

You don't know me, but I am praying for your family (I found you through Kristin's blog). God is great and powerful... I pray that He will wrap you in His arms, hold you tight and heal your child. God's blessings,
Dawn

Josephine said...

Praying for a good day tomorrow, so that they can do all the tests they need and find something conclusive and useful and figure out how to stop the vomiting. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sherrie said...

Your family is in my prayers as you walk this road of uncertainty. One thing you can be sure of is that our Lord will give you the peace that only He can give as you pray. Little Matthew is one of His treasures! Praying for a speedy diagnosis and complete healing...
(a friend of Vanessa S.)

Kendra said...

I follow through Kristen's blog, and am praying for little Matthew. I pray for healing, quickly!

Anonymous said...

Steve and Jill,
Our prayers are with you 100%. Please give Matthew a hug from us. I will let Dad know.

Love you all,
Jerry and Melissa

Anonymous said...

Praying for Matthew.

Barbara

Anonymous said...

I don't know you or your family, but a blogger I subscribe to linked to here. Will pray for you guys- hope things get better!