Day 7 - "Me want to go home"
After 7 days in the hospital, Hudson is OFFICIALLY HOME!!!
Hudson's chest fluid reached ideal levels and doctors removed his final chest tube yesterday morning. We knew he was experiencing pain with the tube still in but didn't fully realize the difference it would make in his activity once it was removed. His energy immediately increased and his appetite and thirst immediately improved. Within a few hours, he refused to lay in his bed and wanted to constantly walk around the halls with his family. He was literally returning to his normal self right before our eyes and clearly ready to go home. Ashley told Hudson that he was able to go home soon now that his tubes were out. He grabbed his superman, tucked him in and turned to him and said "were going home, now smile big superman" 😊
Once his chest tube was removed, the doctors ordered an X-ray, EKG and echo to confirm his function looked good before heading home. All three looked great and this morning we were given the green light for official discharge. Hudson's cardiologist stopped in before we left and said he couldn't be happier with the results from this week's interventions.
We were sent home with a concoction of medicine and know there is still a long road to recovery. He is limited to 500-700 mL of fluid per day for interim future as means to regulate internal fluids and electrolytes post Fontan. Additionally, his physical activity is limited for the next 6 weeks (good luck to us). He will be back for a post op visit mid next week and then will determine path forward on frequency of visits and adjustments to medicine thereafter.
It has been a very long week, but there is no way we could have made it without the prayers and support of family, friends and coworkers. We are forever grateful for the generosity and support. Additionally, the doctors, nurses and Children's hospital staff were simply incredible and made us feel comfortable throughout the many ups and downs of the week. It is a place we hope to be away from for a very long time but a place we will always hold very close to our hearts. We will always try to pay it forward so other families and CHD patients can have similar amazing experiences as we did. It is a blessing to have Hudson in our lives and we are so excited to begin the next journey with him.
You got this Hudson!! We are so proud of you!!
Hudson's chest fluid reached ideal levels and doctors removed his final chest tube yesterday morning. We knew he was experiencing pain with the tube still in but didn't fully realize the difference it would make in his activity once it was removed. His energy immediately increased and his appetite and thirst immediately improved. Within a few hours, he refused to lay in his bed and wanted to constantly walk around the halls with his family. He was literally returning to his normal self right before our eyes and clearly ready to go home. Ashley told Hudson that he was able to go home soon now that his tubes were out. He grabbed his superman, tucked him in and turned to him and said "were going home, now smile big superman" 😊
Once his chest tube was removed, the doctors ordered an X-ray, EKG and echo to confirm his function looked good before heading home. All three looked great and this morning we were given the green light for official discharge. Hudson's cardiologist stopped in before we left and said he couldn't be happier with the results from this week's interventions.
We were sent home with a concoction of medicine and know there is still a long road to recovery. He is limited to 500-700 mL of fluid per day for interim future as means to regulate internal fluids and electrolytes post Fontan. Additionally, his physical activity is limited for the next 6 weeks (good luck to us). He will be back for a post op visit mid next week and then will determine path forward on frequency of visits and adjustments to medicine thereafter.
It has been a very long week, but there is no way we could have made it without the prayers and support of family, friends and coworkers. We are forever grateful for the generosity and support. Additionally, the doctors, nurses and Children's hospital staff were simply incredible and made us feel comfortable throughout the many ups and downs of the week. It is a place we hope to be away from for a very long time but a place we will always hold very close to our hearts. We will always try to pay it forward so other families and CHD patients can have similar amazing experiences as we did. It is a blessing to have Hudson in our lives and we are so excited to begin the next journey with him.
You got this Hudson!! We are so proud of you!!
Day 6 - Step by Step...and Roll
Hudson had another outstanding day today as his appetite, energy and communication increased dramatically. He had a great night sleep (all on room air!) and woke up on a mission. He immediately started eating, drinking and talking and didn't stop all day long. It is clear his renewed O2 levels and subsiding pain have provided the foundation for the fast turnaround. The doctors highlighted his progress during morning rounds and laughed as Hudson put the pressure on them as he asked "when is me going home?" :)
At first, Hudson absolutely feared any type of physical movement and despised any mention of getting out of bed. He would immediately scream "No!" or "me want mommy!" which proved to be a large barrier for us as parents to try and overcome. We know he needed to move to improve but hated seeing him in pain as a result. However, Hudson is clearly ready to have fun again and is not letting the remaining chest tube get in his way. His favorite thing is to ride in the step-down unit's wagons and carts and we have strategically used them to motivate him in physical activity. He started off small with just a few steps but has ramped up to multiple times a day and cruises the entire floor. Today was first time he walked the entire hallway with no assistance or pauses and O2 levels stayed elevated throughout. The day ended by HIM asking to go for a walk, which included a pit stop at the floor's fridge to grab a popsicle! It must have given him even more energy as he decided to show off to medical team and began his "me super fast" walk/run. While he was wild with just 80% O2 levels before, we are scared at what 100% O2 levels will now bring us...he is going to be NUTS!!!
The doctors shared with us today that Hudson looks really good and are impressed he has bounced back so fast. They said if fluids decrease overnight, they plan to remove his remaining chest tube tomorrow, perforn Xray and echo and then target to get discharged on Friday so we can be home for the weekend. In the meantime, we are keeping his spirits high with visits from his siblings, aunts/uncle, cousins and grandparents. Today he was able to play with Shanna, Roscoes, Ben, Lyla, Grandpa and Grandma. He feeds off the visitors and it undoubtedly keeps him fighting!
There are many little things we have come to appreciate during Hudson's journey. However, none are more powerful than his simple messages to us. Tonight out of nowhere he gave us another when he said "Mom, me happy everyone is wearing me shirt" 😊 We are too Hudson. Keep fighting buddy!
At first, Hudson absolutely feared any type of physical movement and despised any mention of getting out of bed. He would immediately scream "No!" or "me want mommy!" which proved to be a large barrier for us as parents to try and overcome. We know he needed to move to improve but hated seeing him in pain as a result. However, Hudson is clearly ready to have fun again and is not letting the remaining chest tube get in his way. His favorite thing is to ride in the step-down unit's wagons and carts and we have strategically used them to motivate him in physical activity. He started off small with just a few steps but has ramped up to multiple times a day and cruises the entire floor. Today was first time he walked the entire hallway with no assistance or pauses and O2 levels stayed elevated throughout. The day ended by HIM asking to go for a walk, which included a pit stop at the floor's fridge to grab a popsicle! It must have given him even more energy as he decided to show off to medical team and began his "me super fast" walk/run. While he was wild with just 80% O2 levels before, we are scared at what 100% O2 levels will now bring us...he is going to be NUTS!!!
The doctors shared with us today that Hudson looks really good and are impressed he has bounced back so fast. They said if fluids decrease overnight, they plan to remove his remaining chest tube tomorrow, perforn Xray and echo and then target to get discharged on Friday so we can be home for the weekend. In the meantime, we are keeping his spirits high with visits from his siblings, aunts/uncle, cousins and grandparents. Today he was able to play with Shanna, Roscoes, Ben, Lyla, Grandpa and Grandma. He feeds off the visitors and it undoubtedly keeps him fighting!
There are many little things we have come to appreciate during Hudson's journey. However, none are more powerful than his simple messages to us. Tonight out of nowhere he gave us another when he said "Mom, me happy everyone is wearing me shirt" 😊 We are too Hudson. Keep fighting buddy!
Day 4 & 5 - A Tale of Two Days
Yesterday was one of the toughest days in Hudson's journey thus far. He refused to eat or drink as the pain from chest tubes and incision were too much for him to overcome. We were forced to give him pain meds to help ease the pain but it would make him nauseous forcing him to have no interest in food or drink. It became a vicious cycle that seemed to never end.
The doctors did give approval to remove his middle chest tube as it met daily fluid threshold. It was removed in AM, but unfortunately the removal comes with a trip to Radiology to confirm successful removal and no air in chest cavity. Hudson was able to stay in his own bed during the trip but had to transition from bed to X-ray table when we arrived. The awkward movement was too much for Hudson's tight chest and he writhed in sheer pain. He screamed hysterically, blood pressure skyrocketed and coughed uncontrollably for several minutes. He was exhausted by the time we got back to his room and slept most of day. He showed no interest in anything and began to slip back into the depressed state based on his lack of physical comfort.
In addition to Hudson's pain yesterday, he started to experience blood oxygen desaturation (de-satting) throughout the day. Coming into Friday, Hudson's typical O2 levels were between 77-83%, much lower than the typical 99-100% we have as a result of his cardiovascular anatomy mixing fresh & old blood. One output of the Fontan surgery is it elevates the O2 levels substantially for Congenital heart patients and allows them to experience ample circulation of good blood throughout body extremities. Hudson's O2 levels were in the high 90s immediately post surgery so we were left guessing why they were starting to decline in past few days. The X-ray confirmed the tube removal was completed with no issues but highlighted that part of Hudson's lungs were still collapsed post surgery. Coupled with shallowed and struggled breathing from the tube/incision pain, medical staff were forced to give Hudson narcotic pain meds and place him back on oxygen to help bring his O2 levels back up. This added to an already exhausting day...
While yesterday was a low point, today was a turning point in Hudson's recovery. The narcotic pain meds from night before took edge off and allowed him to sleep through the night. He woke up with a refreshed mood, urinated and passed bowel movement and began to "ask" us for something to drink. He was relaxed and joked with the nursing staff while enjoying some cartoons throughout the morning medical rounds. As part of this, the doctors confirmed chest tube #2 of 3 met criteria to be removed. All of these were clear signs today was going to be a good day.
The chest tubes were removed late morning and for the rest of the day Hudson created a new routine of walking, drinking fluids, watching movies and sleeping. He repeated this cycle multiple times and ended up reaching daily drinking limit of 500 mL and completed four trips walking down step-down unit hallway. Each time he built up his stamina and his pain decreased substantially. He started to build confidence and the compliments from all of us helped spur personal momentum for him. He ended the day with a bath, blowing bubbles and watching the Reds game with Dad. Our Hudson and his outgoing personality were officially back!
It was a fantastic day of milestones and none more significant than Hudson's saturation levels rising to new heights. They climbed throughout the day following him expanding his lungs by walking and coughing up excess fluid. Just after dinner, Hudson's saturation levels reached 100% for the first time in his life which caused for a mini-celebration of Adriaticos pizza and him being placed back on only room air. He is now steady at 95-98%. We couldn't be happier!!
It has been a very long two days and even longer knowing we have not seen sunlight since Friday. However, we are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel and are hoping to be able to be discharged soon. The only thing holding us back now is final chest tube and increasing nutrition. We are praying all goes well in days ahead so we can get Hudson home to be with Harlowe and Oliver very soon.
The doctors did give approval to remove his middle chest tube as it met daily fluid threshold. It was removed in AM, but unfortunately the removal comes with a trip to Radiology to confirm successful removal and no air in chest cavity. Hudson was able to stay in his own bed during the trip but had to transition from bed to X-ray table when we arrived. The awkward movement was too much for Hudson's tight chest and he writhed in sheer pain. He screamed hysterically, blood pressure skyrocketed and coughed uncontrollably for several minutes. He was exhausted by the time we got back to his room and slept most of day. He showed no interest in anything and began to slip back into the depressed state based on his lack of physical comfort.
In addition to Hudson's pain yesterday, he started to experience blood oxygen desaturation (de-satting) throughout the day. Coming into Friday, Hudson's typical O2 levels were between 77-83%, much lower than the typical 99-100% we have as a result of his cardiovascular anatomy mixing fresh & old blood. One output of the Fontan surgery is it elevates the O2 levels substantially for Congenital heart patients and allows them to experience ample circulation of good blood throughout body extremities. Hudson's O2 levels were in the high 90s immediately post surgery so we were left guessing why they were starting to decline in past few days. The X-ray confirmed the tube removal was completed with no issues but highlighted that part of Hudson's lungs were still collapsed post surgery. Coupled with shallowed and struggled breathing from the tube/incision pain, medical staff were forced to give Hudson narcotic pain meds and place him back on oxygen to help bring his O2 levels back up. This added to an already exhausting day...
While yesterday was a low point, today was a turning point in Hudson's recovery. The narcotic pain meds from night before took edge off and allowed him to sleep through the night. He woke up with a refreshed mood, urinated and passed bowel movement and began to "ask" us for something to drink. He was relaxed and joked with the nursing staff while enjoying some cartoons throughout the morning medical rounds. As part of this, the doctors confirmed chest tube #2 of 3 met criteria to be removed. All of these were clear signs today was going to be a good day.
The chest tubes were removed late morning and for the rest of the day Hudson created a new routine of walking, drinking fluids, watching movies and sleeping. He repeated this cycle multiple times and ended up reaching daily drinking limit of 500 mL and completed four trips walking down step-down unit hallway. Each time he built up his stamina and his pain decreased substantially. He started to build confidence and the compliments from all of us helped spur personal momentum for him. He ended the day with a bath, blowing bubbles and watching the Reds game with Dad. Our Hudson and his outgoing personality were officially back!
It was a fantastic day of milestones and none more significant than Hudson's saturation levels rising to new heights. They climbed throughout the day following him expanding his lungs by walking and coughing up excess fluid. Just after dinner, Hudson's saturation levels reached 100% for the first time in his life which caused for a mini-celebration of Adriaticos pizza and him being placed back on only room air. He is now steady at 95-98%. We couldn't be happier!!
It has been a very long two days and even longer knowing we have not seen sunlight since Friday. However, we are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel and are hoping to be able to be discharged soon. The only thing holding us back now is final chest tube and increasing nutrition. We are praying all goes well in days ahead so we can get Hudson home to be with Harlowe and Oliver very soon.
Day 3 - Some Thumbs Up, Some Down
Today was a long day of many ups but also many downs. It started off great with Hudson sleeping most of the night, only waking once to go potty. Nurses removed his neck and arm arterial IVs which were starting to bother him and no longer needed for meds. Given his progress and reconfirmed vitals, the doctors gave us the clearance to head to step-down unit later in day...36 hours post surgery. As the head cardiologist put it to us, this round was a "hotel" stay in the CICU rather than a motel like the previous two surgeries.
We were thrilled to see Hudson progressing so quickly, but knew with Hudson a curveball would come. That curveball was thrown mid morning when Hudson began to look and act quite depressed. He was visibly getting tired, verbally and emotionally upset and didn't have his normal smile. We knew he was still experiencing some pain but he just wasn't himself. My sister Shanna and brother in law Ross stopped to visit and were able to get him to smile here and there, but it was clear something was bothering Hudson.
It didn't occur to us until later in day what was causing him to be so upset. Jeannie and Patrick brought Harlowe and Oliver up to visit early afternoon. They saw him first in the CICU and then helped to transfer him to the step-down unit. The step-down unit is a bit more flexible environment so Harlowe and Oliver started playing cars with Hudson. Within a matter of minutes, Hudson's smile erupted and his outgoing spirit filled the room as he was laughing and playing with his older siblings. We always knew how close he was with Harlowe and Oliver, but it never dawned on us that he could miss them so much so quickly. It was so awesome seeing his spirit renewed but unfortunately after 30 minutes Hudson tired and had to rest.
After the siblings departed and he woke from a lengthy nap, we focused our efforts on Hudson's eating and drinking. To our dismay, it was an ongoing endeavor. We tried every trick in the book: bartering, promising toys, playing games, airplane, etc...but Hudson just wouldn't have it. He refused every drink and only had a handful of snacks throughout the day. He simply couldn't focus on food as the chest pain from tubes and incision was starting to supersede any hunger. The nurses were able to calm his pain with a small dose of meds and Hudson immediately began to return to his normal self. He drank some juice and milk, watched a couple movies and tried a few bites of dinner. Most importantly, he built up enough confidence that by 7 PM he was ready to take a ride on the floor scooter wagon. With athe help of a couple nurses, we scooped him out of bed (complete with all chest tubes and monitoring wires in tow) and had him take his first steps post surgery towards the wagon. It was clearly painful but he refused to stop. He rode the wagon for a few laps around the floor and then promised the nurse he would walk back to his bed if she took one more lap. He honored his commitment and took an additional ten steps by himself back to his bed to rest for the night. Just 48 hours post surgery, Hudson was able to do something we never thought possible and our journey towards recovery took a gigantic leap forward.
We are excited for the week ahead and look forward to the day we can all go home, Thanks for the continued prayers and support..they are clearly working and we are so thankful to have you in Hudson's corner cheering him on!
We were thrilled to see Hudson progressing so quickly, but knew with Hudson a curveball would come. That curveball was thrown mid morning when Hudson began to look and act quite depressed. He was visibly getting tired, verbally and emotionally upset and didn't have his normal smile. We knew he was still experiencing some pain but he just wasn't himself. My sister Shanna and brother in law Ross stopped to visit and were able to get him to smile here and there, but it was clear something was bothering Hudson.
It didn't occur to us until later in day what was causing him to be so upset. Jeannie and Patrick brought Harlowe and Oliver up to visit early afternoon. They saw him first in the CICU and then helped to transfer him to the step-down unit. The step-down unit is a bit more flexible environment so Harlowe and Oliver started playing cars with Hudson. Within a matter of minutes, Hudson's smile erupted and his outgoing spirit filled the room as he was laughing and playing with his older siblings. We always knew how close he was with Harlowe and Oliver, but it never dawned on us that he could miss them so much so quickly. It was so awesome seeing his spirit renewed but unfortunately after 30 minutes Hudson tired and had to rest.
After the siblings departed and he woke from a lengthy nap, we focused our efforts on Hudson's eating and drinking. To our dismay, it was an ongoing endeavor. We tried every trick in the book: bartering, promising toys, playing games, airplane, etc...but Hudson just wouldn't have it. He refused every drink and only had a handful of snacks throughout the day. He simply couldn't focus on food as the chest pain from tubes and incision was starting to supersede any hunger. The nurses were able to calm his pain with a small dose of meds and Hudson immediately began to return to his normal self. He drank some juice and milk, watched a couple movies and tried a few bites of dinner. Most importantly, he built up enough confidence that by 7 PM he was ready to take a ride on the floor scooter wagon. With athe help of a couple nurses, we scooped him out of bed (complete with all chest tubes and monitoring wires in tow) and had him take his first steps post surgery towards the wagon. It was clearly painful but he refused to stop. He rode the wagon for a few laps around the floor and then promised the nurse he would walk back to his bed if she took one more lap. He honored his commitment and took an additional ten steps by himself back to his bed to rest for the night. Just 48 hours post surgery, Hudson was able to do something we never thought possible and our journey towards recovery took a gigantic leap forward.
We are excited for the week ahead and look forward to the day we can all go home, Thanks for the continued prayers and support..they are clearly working and we are so thankful to have you in Hudson's corner cheering him on!
Day 2 - Progress but Pain
Hudson had a relatively calm first night in CICU. Following surgery, he was experiencing some instances of heart arrhythmia. The doctors believed it was simply caused by the valve portion of the procedure and expected it to subside within the first 24 hours, but it still caused us to be concerned heading into the overnight hours. It was a long night as we were still full of adrenaline & nerves, but thankfully Hudson was able to rest most of the night after they removed his intubation tube. However, they warned us to be ready for Day 2...
With Day 2 we experienced the spectrum of emotions from happiness to pain, but overall much progress in Hudson's recovery. The day started strong as they were able to remove Hudson's catheter, reduced/eliminated oxygen and began the process towards weaning him off his medications. Additionally, Hudson was given the green light to start eating and drinking, but unfortunately he is on an extremely strict fluid restriction limit of 500mL per day meant to reduce fluid levels in upper body cavity typically caused following this heart procedure. Fluid allowances will gradually increase in coming days but for right now it is another annoyance Hudson has to deal with. Not fun when you are always thirsty :(
Hudson's pain tolerance and endurance was tested to the max. This was first tested as we began to sit his bed up in effort to flush out fluids from his chest tubes and minimize risk of pneumonia. He did great with this initial range of motion and even was feeding himself ice chips, watching movies and playing with his favorite toys.
As the day progressed, the chest pain from open heart surgery and chest tubes was starting to hit Hudson. He was on mixture of Morphine drip, Tylenol and Toradol but given the dosage cycles there were a couple times where the pain was severe enough that Hudson expressed his discomfort. On one instance he was in so much visible pain that we moved him to a rocking chair so Ashley could hold him, but the transition requiring four peoples assistance to the chair exacerbated the pain. Once he got there he quickly relaxed, took a nap and even gave us a "thumbs up" as a sign that he was fine. Later in the day, Hudson refused to urinate in a diaper and wanted to go on "big boy potty". The pain from movement to the potty and sitting position caused him to dry-heave, but Hudson wouldn't give up. His determination was simply incredible to watch and inspiring to us all.
By the end of Day 2, Hudson had made so much progress that the doctors and staff gave the green light to start weaning further off meds and said we were headed to the step-down unit sometime tomorrow. Never in our wildest dreams did we think that 24 hours after surgery that Hudson would only be on Tylenol and Toradol and we would be spending just 1.5 days in the CICU. The recovery time in the Fontan is truly incredible and the fight of our Hudson is nothing short of superhuman. We are so thankful the journey thus far has gone so well but know it is still a long journey ahead to full recovery including 6 weeks of restrained physical activity, restricted fluid intake and multiple medications to sustain new heart circulation. We still don't know how long of a stay at Childrens we will have this time around, but hopefully we can stay on sane trajectory from first 24 hours.
We simply cannot thank everyone enough for all the prayers and willingness to help Hudson's journey. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. Special thanks to those who attended mass yesterday and who sent pics and videos to Hudson as he has loved watching them all day today during recovery. Below are a few of his favorites!
Upward and onward to Day 3!
With Day 2 we experienced the spectrum of emotions from happiness to pain, but overall much progress in Hudson's recovery. The day started strong as they were able to remove Hudson's catheter, reduced/eliminated oxygen and began the process towards weaning him off his medications. Additionally, Hudson was given the green light to start eating and drinking, but unfortunately he is on an extremely strict fluid restriction limit of 500mL per day meant to reduce fluid levels in upper body cavity typically caused following this heart procedure. Fluid allowances will gradually increase in coming days but for right now it is another annoyance Hudson has to deal with. Not fun when you are always thirsty :(
Hudson's pain tolerance and endurance was tested to the max. This was first tested as we began to sit his bed up in effort to flush out fluids from his chest tubes and minimize risk of pneumonia. He did great with this initial range of motion and even was feeding himself ice chips, watching movies and playing with his favorite toys.
As the day progressed, the chest pain from open heart surgery and chest tubes was starting to hit Hudson. He was on mixture of Morphine drip, Tylenol and Toradol but given the dosage cycles there were a couple times where the pain was severe enough that Hudson expressed his discomfort. On one instance he was in so much visible pain that we moved him to a rocking chair so Ashley could hold him, but the transition requiring four peoples assistance to the chair exacerbated the pain. Once he got there he quickly relaxed, took a nap and even gave us a "thumbs up" as a sign that he was fine. Later in the day, Hudson refused to urinate in a diaper and wanted to go on "big boy potty". The pain from movement to the potty and sitting position caused him to dry-heave, but Hudson wouldn't give up. His determination was simply incredible to watch and inspiring to us all.
By the end of Day 2, Hudson had made so much progress that the doctors and staff gave the green light to start weaning further off meds and said we were headed to the step-down unit sometime tomorrow. Never in our wildest dreams did we think that 24 hours after surgery that Hudson would only be on Tylenol and Toradol and we would be spending just 1.5 days in the CICU. The recovery time in the Fontan is truly incredible and the fight of our Hudson is nothing short of superhuman. We are so thankful the journey thus far has gone so well but know it is still a long journey ahead to full recovery including 6 weeks of restrained physical activity, restricted fluid intake and multiple medications to sustain new heart circulation. We still don't know how long of a stay at Childrens we will have this time around, but hopefully we can stay on sane trajectory from first 24 hours.
We simply cannot thank everyone enough for all the prayers and willingness to help Hudson's journey. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. Special thanks to those who attended mass yesterday and who sent pics and videos to Hudson as he has loved watching them all day today during recovery. Below are a few of his favorites!
Upward and onward to Day 3!
Day 1 - Surgery Update
After a very long day, Hudson is now resting in the CICU. Dr. Roosevelt Bryant and the rest of the staff performed a miracle once again as Hudson underwent atrioventricular valve repair, pulmonary artery division, hepatic vein reconstruction and the Fontan procedure in a span of 9+ hours. We were able to join Hudson around 7 PM in his CICU room as he started to awake from anesthesia. They were able to remove his ventilator around 9:30, but are monitoring his pain and sedation to ensure right balance for recovery.
It will be a very long next few days with many ups and downs but we are beyond proud and thankful for Hudson's fight thus far. It was one of the best feelings we ever experienced when we had the opportunity to give Dr. Bryant a hug following surgery. He didn't have to say anything, his smile said it all. He knew surgery went well and Hudson pulled through once again!
We have been overwhelmed by the prayers and support from family, friends and coworkers all day as we sat waiting for Hudson's results. We will provide more updates (and stories) after we get through this critical first 24 hours but words cannot express how thankful we are to have our son with us and experience the love from all of you. We are beyond humbled and forever grateful.
It will be a very long next few days with many ups and downs but we are beyond proud and thankful for Hudson's fight thus far. It was one of the best feelings we ever experienced when we had the opportunity to give Dr. Bryant a hug following surgery. He didn't have to say anything, his smile said it all. He knew surgery went well and Hudson pulled through once again!
We have been overwhelmed by the prayers and support from family, friends and coworkers all day as we sat waiting for Hudson's results. We will provide more updates (and stories) after we get through this critical first 24 hours but words cannot express how thankful we are to have our son with us and experience the love from all of you. We are beyond humbled and forever grateful.
Prepping for Surgery #3 - The Fontan
“Sometimes, real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.”
It was just three short years ago that we faced similar circumstances as Hudson headed into his first and second surgeries in an effort to fix his “broken heart”. At that time, the doctors prepared us for the worst and outlined the obstacles Hudson would face with his confirmed diagnosis of Heterotaxy and multiple congenital heart defects. We immediately experienced the range of emotions, from frustration and doubt to anxiety and fear.
However, over these past three years we have come to realize Hudson’s strength, determination and fight for life far exceed his physical limitations. He has overcome every obstacle in his way and has inspired those around him in ways we couldn’t have ever imagined. He has strengthened our faith and brought the utmost pride, happiness and joy to our lives.
Our family is forever indebted to the thoughtfulness and support each of you have provided to us as we prepare for Hudson’s third open-heart surgery on Friday, August 11. Your cards, prayers and kind words have been an enormous lift to our spirits. This is Hudson’s biggest challenge yet, but we will get through this…and it is with the support of people like each of you that will make it come true. The Allen family can’t thank each of you enough.
It was just three short years ago that we faced similar circumstances as Hudson headed into his first and second surgeries in an effort to fix his “broken heart”. At that time, the doctors prepared us for the worst and outlined the obstacles Hudson would face with his confirmed diagnosis of Heterotaxy and multiple congenital heart defects. We immediately experienced the range of emotions, from frustration and doubt to anxiety and fear.
However, over these past three years we have come to realize Hudson’s strength, determination and fight for life far exceed his physical limitations. He has overcome every obstacle in his way and has inspired those around him in ways we couldn’t have ever imagined. He has strengthened our faith and brought the utmost pride, happiness and joy to our lives.
Our family is forever indebted to the thoughtfulness and support each of you have provided to us as we prepare for Hudson’s third open-heart surgery on Friday, August 11. Your cards, prayers and kind words have been an enormous lift to our spirits. This is Hudson’s biggest challenge yet, but we will get through this…and it is with the support of people like each of you that will make it come true. The Allen family can’t thank each of you enough.