7-19-06 Children's Hospital
We're sorry for being so out of touch. The last week has been a whirlwind for us. We transferred to Children's Hospital Monday and have been getting adjusted to the very new environment here. Burke is in a regular hospital room which he shares with a roomate. We (along with the nurses) are his caregivers 24 hrs/day...this is much different that the NICU environment where we could leave him with his nurse and go out to do things like sleep/eat/etc. Nate and I are now taking shifts around the clock and thankfully we are less than a 5 min walk to our condo so can go home to sleep. There have been many doctors, specialists, consultants and teams of people in and out to see us. They come in and out all day and it's a bit overwhelming! They are re-doing many of the tests that were already completed in Tacoma just to be "sure" that things are still ok. Burke had a rough last few days and they have stopped his feedings of breastmilk until they recheck his esophagus and make sure it's still not leaking. He had extra secretions in his nose and mouth and started spitting up more. He also had episodes where his heart beat went too low and his oxygen saturation decreased where we need to stimulate him and put oxygen near his face to get him to breathe. He bounces right but but it's incredibley scary and intense for us to see our litte guy go through this. Needless to say that with everything going on, we are a bit on edge and in need of much prayer for strength, endurance and peace.
The new doctors have told us that Burke will need a lot of time to start eating normally. It'll be up to him to tell us how much time he needs so we may be in the hospital another month or so. Nate starts work again next week so this may pose another logistial challenge. I thankfully am off work until December so can be here to care for him. We appreciate your outpouring of support and offers to help. If you would like to visit us, please call the hospital directly 206-987-2000. Currently we're in room G-4018 bed 2. Here is the website to the hosptial http://www.seattlechildrens.org
The new doctors have told us that Burke will need a lot of time to start eating normally. It'll be up to him to tell us how much time he needs so we may be in the hospital another month or so. Nate starts work again next week so this may pose another logistial challenge. I thankfully am off work until December so can be here to care for him. We appreciate your outpouring of support and offers to help. If you would like to visit us, please call the hospital directly 206-987-2000. Currently we're in room G-4018 bed 2. Here is the website to the hosptial http://www.seattlechildrens.org
Comments
I do keep little burke and the two of you in my prayers. Hang in there.
-derek
What are some ways people can help your family? Do you all need meals, errands to be run, coordination of any activity that we all do on a daily basis and take for granted like bill paying and grocery shopping? How about Laundry. Just list some things we can do. Nothing is too small.
I look forward to visiting you soon (with Nick too of course) I am still waiting on Kathy and Alex's little one to decide to come out. She was due the 15th but no rush, he can take his time.
Peace to you both. I will continue to pray for all of you and for Gods strength to supernaturally infuse Burke and your love for eachother in such a taxing time.
All my love,
Aunt Layci