Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Surgery Update #6 (End of Day 1)

10:00 - Carson was all set up in his Cardiac ICU room about 4:30 or 5:00 and we were finally able to go in and spend some time with him.  He is still hooked up to an insane amount of machines (20+ at best guess) and he has two dedicated nurses with him 24/7.  One nurse is dedicated to ensuring the ECMO machine pumping and oxygenating the blood the way it needs to and the other is dedicated to making sure all the other vitals/fluids are just right.  Carson's game plan for the rest of the night is to stabilize so that we can try again tomorrow to start weening him from some machines.  Despite all of this Carson still has his sweet face and is quickly winning over all the nursing staff.

Kelli and I were up at the hospital until about 10:00 or so and will now try (emphasis on try) to get some shut-eye before heading back to the hospital in the morning.  He is scheduled for a full suite of labs, tests, and scans (Sono, EKG, etc.) in the morning, after which we'll get a chance to see how his heart is performing and how much longer he needs to be on the ECMO.

Overall, all the nurses and doctors have been great at taking the time to explain the purpose of each of the surgery steps, procedures, medications, and machines and why they are needed to make sure that Carson recovers the way that he should.

Thanks again to both of our parents for hunkering down at the hospital with us all day and for all of you who have been helping out and praying for our little Carson to get better.

Included below is a picture from earlier this morning (don't worry, it was before the surgery)


7 comments:

  1. All our thoughts and prayers for ya'll...and for Carson to be back up playing soon! Where was his operation done...if you don't mind my asking... or please email at hawkertinger@gmail.com. we would like to do something to make him feel more at home! -Christine unversaw

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  2. Hello Koch family! We just wanted you to know we are praying for quick healing of Carson. May God's wings of mercy surround you all and keep you comforted during this trial. Always lean on HIM! God bless, Chrystal

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  3. Kelli, I will be praying for sweet Carson and your family. Our little Neely Jane will be having her AV Canal defect repaired in October. Hope you guys were able to get a little rest tonight.

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  4. What a sweet boy! Our youngest daughter (5) will have surgery to repair a hole in her heart on September 13th, so we'll soon be able to relate to what you are going through. We'll definitely be praying for Carson as he recovers.

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  5. I am standing with you in faith and prayer for His healing power to renew Carson today. Carson is in the prayers of many — and in the arms of the One who is faithful.

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  6. Thanks for the update. We're praying for Carson, the Doctors, and you guys. Not sure if you got my text, by we'd love to come by and bring you guys food tomorrow (today) / pray with you, and see y'all. But I also know you guys may not want company. Give me a call / text whenever you get a chance and let me know when we can come see you guys. :)

    Rick, Abbie, and Noah

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  7. I checked for an update first thing this morning! I will continue praying for sweet Carson, specifically for his heart to function perfectly and on its own soon!! Trusting in God to carry your family through this difficult time, and for Him to bring y'all through it all stronger, closer, and healthier than before!!

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