Ezras NICU – Page 3 – The Hannon Family

The Dawn of a New Week

Posted on January 30, 2011May 29, 2011 by Dave

We had a good quiet weekend. I was able to spend a lot more time holding Ezra and Lauren got to see Atreyu more. Today we even got to get out for a little bit and see the sunshine, something that we haven’t seen much of lately. A former coworker of Lauren’s lives down here and offered us dinner and a movie while she watched Atreyu. She has a daughter about the same age as Atreyu, so it was nice for the both of them to play together. Lauren and I got to go see True Grit, which was really good. We hardly go to the movies even when were home, so it was nice to have a quick date.

We are hopeful, and pray that this is the week that Ezra gets to have his final evaluations and gets clearance to go home. It still seems a long way off, but it is possible.

The Way We Live

Posted on January 28, 2011May 29, 2011 by Dave

For the past 25 days we have been staying at the Renucci Hospitality House. It has been very convenient because it connected to the hospital. This is good and bad because you never have to go outside, and you never go outside. They have a nice kitchen where we can prepare our meals and many service groups serve meals to all the guests. Laundry is onsite and they even have a playroom where Atreyu can get out some energy. Apart from that it is a lot like living in a hotel room, which gets old even if you are on vacation.

My work space is kind of cramped but I at least have a window and am able to be productive 40+ hours a week. As much as we long for our own house we are grateful for such wonderful accommodations.

Lauren talked to the plastic surgeon today about when we could have the rest of the Doctors do their consultations. He said that the wound is starting to blister a little, which is a normal part of the healing process, so he has to stay off his back for now. We are still hopeful that by the end of next week we might be able to get those doctors to see Ezra.
Ezra seems to be stronger now then ever, he is recovering so well from the shunt surgery. We can feel the pressure relief in his head, which has got to be a good feeling for him. Since I work a lot during the week, I am looking forward to spending a lot of time with Ezra this weekend.

The Day After

Posted on January 27, 2011May 29, 2011 by Dave

Today Ezra went down for a CT scan and some X rays to check the shunt placement. Instead of having to go in a transporter bed he got to go in a stroller all bundled up. The scan showed that the shunt was good and he is doing really good today. He is eating well again, he’s off pain meds and tomorrow he will be back off the antibiotics.

The physical therapist came by to help with some positioning because he is getting to lay on his stomach a little more now rather than just his side. Now we are trying to get a consult with orthopedics and urology, but it has been difficult getting the communication clear between all of Ezra’s doctors. At this point that is all that is keeping us from being able to come home.

Surgery day is finally over

Posted on January 26, 2011May 29, 2011 by Lauren

We are getting ready to go to bed and start a new day.

Ezra is doing great. I stopped by tonight to say hi and we were able to take him off the vent. He started breathing great on his own and later tonight he can start eating again. Now the next step for the shunt is praying for no infection. Infection doesn’t normally happen, but sometimes it does. I really hope it doesn’t happen to us.
Thank you for all the prayers today and encouragement. We have so much great support around us.

In Recovery

Posted on January 26, 2011May 29, 2011 by Dave

Ezra’s shunt surgery went really well. It only took about twenty minutes for the actual procedure. We talked to the neurosurgeon and it will only take about a day to heal from this procedure, so it won’t add to his stay. From a neurological standpoint Ezra is cleared to go home. We just have to get everyone else to sign off. Hopefully by early February well be back home.