One down and one to go. Sitting here next to Walter's crib in the pediatric ICU, I can finally unwind a bit. Walter will be in the ped ICU overnight because he has a cough and is running a fever. They were having some difficulty getting his vitals regulated so of course Mom has had some stressful moments. His lungs sound good, but the docs are just being cautious. Tomorrow we should move back the burn floor.
Today they removed all his dead/damaged skin (about 500 cm. sq.). The area extends from his ankle to up above the knee circumferentially all around the leg. Then they applied an artificial skin that will serve as a matrix for the dermis (a layer of the skin) Hopefully, if all goes as planned, in 10 days they will go back in and harvest skin from his upper legs and graft over the artificial skin. The artificial skin has many benefits, but it also has some complications associated with it. Please pray that Walter's body does not reject this skin and that it does not become infected. Also pray that he does not develop pneumonia.
I know his leg will heal, and he will be walking and running again soon, but my mommy heart is very scared for his mind. His whole personality has seemed to change in the past 6 days. He has gone from and very loving and really rather calm little boy, to a very frightened and frantic little one. It may be normal for children this age who have traumatic experiences and long hospitalizations, but it is very hard for this mom to watch. I worry so much that he will never again be a trusting and happy little boy. I see him go into another place where no one can touch him or hurt him, and it makes me want to cry and take him in my arms and run all the way home with him. (OK, so at least a few blocks from the hospital.) The next 3 weeks, yes that is the expected stay, will be torture for his poor little mind. Please tell me he will not be scarred for life and that he will come to trust again.
So for now, thank you again for your prayers.
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Grab my Roses!
My Man and Me.....he is my reason for getting up in the morning, for making my home a beautiful place, for striving to be a better person. He is a kind and patient Daddy, a loving and attentive husband, and a truly dedicated veterinarian.
My first born -- and all that goes with it -- perfectionist, deep thinker, great helper, affirmation seeker, responsible big brother. He would give you his last toy if it would make you happy.
My second born, fun loving, colorful imagination, spontaneous, wild child. He has a big heart for man and beast alike, and a deep soul that I am only beginning to understand.
My third and "supposed to be last" child. He is my snugglebug, my binky boy, ice-cream and chocolate lover. He is my strong, brave little boy who taught us all the depths of love, pain, thankfulness, and sorrow when his leg was burned.
My baby girl --"Surprise!" last child -- she is all softness and light, smiles and hugs, beauty and warmth, and not about to be outdone by 3 older brothers. Watchout!
So Honored..... Thank You!
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5 comments:
Hang in there Wendy we are all with you in spirit. Don't be afraid to ask the staff for a psych consult (for the whole family), maybe they can give you some tips. Hopefully they have offered this already. Remember children are very resilient and I feel we don't give them enough credit. Walter is a strong boy and will probably not have much memory of this, one of the blessings of being so young. Hang in there!!! ~Tami Schwartz
Hi Wendy,
When my son was two he crushed part of his skull. We were in the ICU for a while and I saw some of the same behaviors from my little guy. However, once we got home and back into familiar surroundings his little two year old spirit came right back. I remember going to the Dr. to take out many stitches and my little guy was convinced the doctor would make him look back to normal when he took the stitches out. Obviously, that did not happen but yet it did not bother him...again. Being at home and back to normalcy brought back my little boy. Our children have great resiliency and perhaps, one of the reasons, is they have great coping skills going through the trauma. That might be what you are seeing in Walter, with naturally, a little bit of fear which would be expected.
You will get through this! Everyone used to say how did you get through it, etc. You just do. You are their mom and you are there for them. You can fall apart a bit once you get home and all is back to well...and that day will come. You will be home and you and your family will be going strong, one day soon. I'll pray for your strength each day and Walter's health and recovery.~April Pfaff
Some things in Walter's favor include the fact that his mom and or dad can be with him for most of this. Also there seem to be great therapists and play specialists there, maybe the latter can help with the fear?
I think he is going to come out of this alright.
We're still praying. Thank you for asking for specific things to pray for, it helps us to focus.
Dear Wendy: Your little boy and the rest of your family have been in our thoughts and prayers ever since we learned of the sad incident, I had not seen recent pictures of them, but what a beautiful and happy redheaded bunch, you are a wounderful mom, God will sustain you. We have not had the privilege to know your husband yet, but you have a blessed family. We love your parents and thank God for putting them in the lives of our children, there is not one week that goes by that the kids (now the older three, in Loma Linda in Med School, two already married and another wedding coming in July, always comment on their days of grade school with Mr. Meek. in the nicest and happy memories that they created in those days, and all the good and useful things they learned from such a dedicated teacher and your mother also in Pathfinders times. Your web site is well done and so pretty, your work (pillows you sell) so tasteful and from the pics well made too. When all this passes maybe I would like to order one of your products. I'll get in touch with you later. Have a rested Sabbath and leave your cares at Jesus' feet, you know: our babies are first his children, that has always given me comfort. He cares and knows more than us, cling to Him, He will heal Walter not only his ulcers and burns but soothe his little anxious heart, All of this will pass, and only be scars and memories, God will keep you and your loved ones, if there is anything else we could do let us know, Musa and Ellen Modad.
((((hugs)))) when my Nathan cut off his finger it was hard on everyone and he was a very frightened and cautious boy for awhile and while he now has a healthy fear of sharp things he isn't any different than he was before. Hang in there my friend and know I continue to pray for you all!
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