URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE GET ON YOUR KNEES FOR OWEN & PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We found out this afternoon that the intensivist and cardiologist are both leaning toward a tracheotomy and oxygen/ventilation therapy for Owen. It hit me like a ton of bricks- I heard that saying before but never felt the impact of it like I did today. Owen had a heart echo done today and it revealed that his pulmonary pressure is still about 100%. It is possible that he has some blockage in his heart. They suspected that Owen had an infection, but were bewildered when his blood gases almost instantaneously improved following intubation on Wednesday morning. Owen did start feeds today at about 6:30 p.m. He started at 5 mls. an hour on continuous feeds and the plan is to increase the volume by 5 mls. every four hours until a goal of 20 mls. is reached. Dr. Tieves estimated that we would be here in KC at least another month- maybe more. They are afraid that Owen will not live without the trach procedure, but have also explained that they aren't sure how successful or beneficial it will be. The positive pressure from the ventilator is something that helps the pulmonary hyertension and chronic lung disease because it helps to make the breathing easier. This is a lot to digest. We are hoping to get a consultation with the pulmonologist tomorrow. We are supposed to have a special meeting with the various care providers on Monday regarding the upcoming plan. According to Dr. Tieves, she said she's about 75% sure that Owen will be needing a trach. I feel drained and heavy hearted thinking about the possible surgery. Our baby has been through so much in his short life. I am totally drained, but I wanted to get the word out so that everybody could start praying and activating their prayer chains.
Scott will be making his weekend trip up to KC tomorrow and Mom will return home. Please pray for their travels. Please pray for sweet Lily and Sarah Egan as they travel to Cincinnati for upcoming surgery. May God go before them and prepare the way for them. I ask even now for healing in Lily's body and progress through the procedures. Pray for Owen's lungs and heart. Pray for good coordination between the various care providers. Pray that God would protect Owers. Pray for restful sleep and comfortable rest. Come against the spirit of fear. Pray God's will- because above all that is what we want. Pray strength and endurance for our family.
God Bless-
Shannon, Owers, & Maumau