Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Still in the Hospital






Gavin is starting to come around a little, but will be in the hospital a couple more days at least. He is still on oxygen, which is running at 2 1/2 - 3 liters, except for when he is sleeping, then he is requiring more. He is coughing less, but still quite forcefully when he does. He seems to be feeling a whole lot better. He's sleeping less, "talking" more and even gave me a couple of smiles again! It is great to see him acting more like himself! I am a little worried that he is requiring so much oxygen, but hopefully this will come around soon too!

I now remember why I hate being in the hospital so much! Life is just too hectic! It's difficult rearranging schedules, finding people to watch our other boys, trying to make sure that they aren't being neglected during all of this too, running back and forth from home to hospital, not getting enough sleep, not seeing your husband except for in passing as you switch shifts,etc............Not Fun!!! We are doing well considering, but only because we have wonderful mothers who are always there for us! THANK YOU MOMS!!! I just hate feeling so spread thin and worrying how our other boys are doing because of all the craziness! I hope they are doing well, they seem to being doing well, but who knows?

Gavin has been able to stay in ICU up until now, but will have to move to the dreaded floor this evening! This will make things more difficult, but we'll survive I'm sure. I just dread going there because this is where Gavin had his stroke and where he wasn't observed as well as he should have been, so it's kind of scary.

I am a firm believer of there always being a reason for everything. So, I'm always looking for the silver lining of why things happen. I think being back in the hospital will make me more thankful for the health that Gavin has been having up until now and make me happier being 'stuck' at home. I had been feeling depressed about things and found myself trying to control things that were just out of my hands. I am going to look at this hospitalization as a gift from God. It may be stressful and not where I want to be, but I am learning a lesson and can actually say that I'm thankful for it! I had been feeling so anxious and not giving all of my fears to God. This time of testing has made me realize that my fears are just that, fears.....I can let them consume me, or I can let go and let God. My fear of being back in the hospital and having Gavin become sick were seriously consuming me and it didn't feel good at all! Now that Gavin is in the hospital, I can see that my fears were out of control and that I should not have worried so much! It will just be another lesson to add to my very big book! Hopefully some day I will be able to look back on this time and it will help me when I am in a state like I had been in! I always say that our boys are slow learners when it comes to many things, but obviously I am too in this regard! :)

I am happy to report that Gavin's heart condition has nothing to do with this episode. They did an echo of his heart yesterday and his heart function is good, his pulmonary pressures are still good and the leak in his mitral valve has not worsened at all! YAY! Another fear removed from my always thinking mind!

So, although not where I want to be, there is still A LOT to be thankful for! Thank you for the many messages of support! Thank you for your prayers! And, Thanks to everyone that has helped us or who have offered to help us! We are VERY BLESSED!


""Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."" Matthew 11:28-29

15 comments:

Annette Gysen said...

So thankful to hear that Gavin is making improvements and seeing pics of him looking good. I really believe that someday you are going to be able to look back and actually see how your boys are so well adjusted--in spite of? because of? (I'm still not sure in our case)all of this. Don't worry about them (easy to say, I know)! You and Joel have given them such a solid foundation--they know they are loved, they know God loves them, they see how you love Gavin, they see your example of faith--things most kids don't see quite that way but need to! They are being so well "educated." And I think you do catch on, Alicia--very quickly! And maybe others who read your testimony will learn and catch on more quickly too, as a result. We'll keep on praying at our house!

Anonymous said...

We are so glad to hear the Gavin is improving. We pray that he will require less oxygen soon. We pray for you and the family as well, especially as he is moved to "the floor". Your Faith in God will get you through all these trials. PLEASE let us know if there is anything we can help with. Do you need us to bring the boys or pick them up and keep them for a while? Let me know!!! Love The Hilton's

Cammie Heflin said...

Oh Alicia, I can so feel what you are going through since it was exactly a month ago that Addy was admitted and she's only been home a little over a week. I pray that Gavin continues to improve and your family is able to reunite with everyone soon!

ruehshouse said...

So glad to hear that Gavin is doing better. Matthew was really sick a couple of weeks ago and I was scared to death. With the head injuries he had at 4 months old I always worry about him when he is sick. I will be praying that Gavin gets home soon!! He is such a precious little boy!!! Your a great mom and your other bous are doing great I'm sure!! Thinking about you everyday!!

Love you--April

Amy said...

Aww, our buddy is looking good (minus that pesky mask that I hear he keeps trying to remove)! Once again, you amaze me with your positive outlook in this situation. Such WONDERFUL news that Gavin's heart looks healthy! Good luck juggling your hectic schedule and please let me know if there is anything - I mean it!!!! - Mark and I can do to help you through this little bump. We love you!

Alicia said...

Glad to hear things are slowly looking better for the little guy.
I too have had to learn lessons the hard way. It seems like I do this on an almost daily basis. Thankfully, we serve a very patient and loving God. :)

Continuing to pray,

Alicia

connie said...

Praying for healing for your emotions. I know that fear that slinks back in, after those traumatic times, but also know that we are healthiest when we can let go, forgive, and trust God to carry our babies for us.

Lacey said...

Oh my gosh, how did I miss that you were in the hospital. I read that he was sick, I usually look at my sidebar to see who's posted lately and I wonder if yours never updated for some reason. I'm so sorry, what a horrible friend I am. Jax had his brain injury in the PICU with a nurse sitting by his bed 24/7. But that doc is gone now, and I would still rather be down there because they get the job done. They find the problem and fix it, no watching and waiting down there.

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

I am so glad to hear that Gavin is feeling a little better! Those smiles are priceless, aren't they. :) I hope his oxygen needs decrease quickly and you guys can head home soon!

Anonymous said...

My Gavin is getting so big! He sure is a cutie.
He is in our daily prayers, and we pray for a speedy recovery.
Nicole Klumpp

HennHouse said...

We're praying!!

Shan said...

Glad to hear things are improving, hopefully little man keeps it up! It's inspiring to hear you talk about the silver lining. I'm glad you've found one and I have to say, it's a lesson I needed reminding in myself. How quickly we forget huh? Love and hugs to Gavin & the gang- Schlachters

Heather said...

Hoping and praying home comes quickly.So happy to see that yesterday was a better day and praying today things are even better.Keep looking for the silver lining.Sometimes it is the only way we can see ourselves through this stressful time.Our love to you all.Sweet pictures of Gavin .. even sick.

Tamara said...

Oh momma I am so glad to hear that this little man is doing better! I will pray that God will crush another fear as you go to this dreaded floor! I am thinking of you and praying for you sweet one! Love you much and I so wish i was there to support you in anyway you needed! So for now I will just lift you up in prayers! Love ya girl! Tam

Anonymous said...

It's nice to hear that Gavin is feeling better. I'll pray that he gets off of that O2 quickly!

That upper respitory infection must be running rampid all over the country. I know so many people that have it! It is so sad that our kids have a hard time handeling it.

Take care of yourself Alicia, and get better soon friend ;O) !