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I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

My Arms Will Soon be Full Again...



SEVEN days!! You read it right.  Seven days until my arms will be full again!  Carter’s traction and fixators will come off on May 22nd.  We are beyond thrilled.  I can not wait to hold him!  He will still have a long road ahead of him, but I will at least be able to hold him in my arms.  I will be able to soothe him and comfort him. Something I have not been able to do since March.   Once Carter’s fixators and traction come off, his legs will be put in a cast.  They usually do not put a cast on, but Carter has proven how tough he is and they know how bad the withdrawal process is going to be on him.  They usually do what’s called the mer-man wrap after the traction and fixators come off.  The Mer-man wrap is an ace wrap from the hips to the toes.  It is used to keep the legs straight and from being pulled apart.  Carter is strong enough that he would more than likely take the Mer-man wrap off, which could cause damage and possibly cause his surgery to fail.  We all feel that placing cast will be a much safer option.  His cast will start at his thighs and go to his toes. There will be a bar between his legs that will keep him from opening or closing his legs.  Right now, we are not sure if they will be able to do all of this in Carter's room or if he will have to go back to surgery.

Everyone has told us to please understand that we still have a LONG way to go.  Carter still has to be safely weaned off of all of the medications that he is currently receiving.  We could easily be in the PICU another month.  Carter is on so much medication that his body will need to safely adjust to not having the medications.  He will also have some mobility restrictions that he will have to follow.  Another step of recovery is that he will have to have his Ureteral Catheters (Catheters that go up his ureters to his kidneys) removed.  They will do this then wait a few days and remove his supra pubic catheter (catheter that is draining his bladder).  After removing all of the catheters, the doctors will closely monitor Carter’s kidney and bladder function.  Carter’s bladder has never held urine, so we are not sure how it will tolerate urine.  There is a chance that his urine could reflux back into his kidneys and cause kidney damage.  They will do many ultrasounds and monitor his urinary output to make sure this does not happen.  Carter will not be able to leave the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) until he is completely off the Dexmedetomidine and Midazolam. All of his other pain and sedation medications have to be scheduled every 4 hours also. 

We know Carter still has a long way to go, but are just so happy that we will be able to hold him.  Our Nurses and Doctors have made a countdown on Carter’s care board in his room.  It currently says 1 week. I am ready for tomorrow when it says 6 days! They have all repedeately told us to get ready for a fight.  The weaning process is going to be tough.  Our goal is to keep him safe while withdrawing.  Even if we are here another month or 3 months we will continue to patiently wait.  The countdown is on! As always…To Him be the Glory!!!

I am positive if Carter knew what is going to happen in 7 days he would be making some of these faces!!!









19 comments:

  1. I am so happy for you! Words cannot express the joy I feel in my heart for you and Carter. Even if he can't smile now soon his face will be lit up with delight! Just think of how that precious baby is going to feel when you pick him up. God is so good and I can't wait to see a picture of you holding him in 7 days. Tommor will be 6, then 5, then 4... Still praying!
    God bless you, Lola

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  2. AWESOME news!!! So exciting! I pray that Carter's recovery continues to go smoothly and that the next 7 days fly by for you all!

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  3. This is great news! Even though all of you still have a long way to go, I know that being able to hold and hug your sweet boy will be a blessing.

    May God continue to be with you.

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  4. So happy for you and your sweet little man!! I can only imagine what you and Brandon have been thru!! I know it will be a wonderful moment when you get to hold him?? As you said To God Be The Glory!!!

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  5. This is awesome news. The touch of a mom and dad and being wrapped in their arms cures a lot of things. I know it will heal you and Brandon also. Y'all have been going through cuddle Carter withdrawals as he's been so sick. God is so good and knows just how to brighten our days. Still praying...Carla

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  6. All I can say is praise the Lord!! You must be thrilled to know that in a few more days you'll be able to hold and cuddle your precious little boy, who has been through so much. I will continue to pray that the withdrawal process will go smoothly.

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  7. The Hatcher Family --- Dandridge, TNMay 15, 2013 at 6:19 PM

    Wonderful news! It will be so good for all of you to get to comfort him and hold him!!! We continue to pray for the rest of this process to go safely. IPFC!

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  8. That's the best thing I've heard all day. Everytime I read your posts, I know all you want to do is hold him in your arms...and now you will be able to in 7 days. YAY!!!!

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  9. I'm so happy for you all. What good news.
    Shirley Jenkins

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  10. That is wonderful news!! Each day is getting closer to getting this sweet baby home! I am so excited for him and all of you. BUT like you said still a long journey and with God you will all get through it. Prayers continue for sweet Cater, you, Brandon,the rest of the family and the hospital staff!

    Thoughts and prayers for all!

    Marie Ross

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  11. Great news!! God be the glory!

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  12. Rock on lil man! So happy for you all. Keeping the prayers coming!

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  13. Great is The Lord! Such wonderful news. Prayers continue.

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  14. What wonderful news! Both Carter and you (and of course, Brandon) are going to feel so much better when you can envelope him in a hug. Continued thoughts and prayers!

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  15. You have my great condolences! Your son, in his pictures seems like his defect hasnt effected his happiness at all.
    If you have difficulty finding your way through this obstacle. There is a book called "Journey Through Heartsongs"
    . This book is written by a Young Boy named Mattie Stephanek. He has a Rare disease, and he has been writing poetry since he was three. Amazing, I know. God will help you through this I know. His angels are working to save him, and they guard him with much care. I just came to Brandon Middle School and It seems like when I heard about poor baby carter, I just burst into tears. Such a beautiful, and unique creation. Stay strong!

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  16. When I read your story, I was struck by your strong faith and the beauty of your relationship with God. I can conclude that GOD knew EXACTLY who He would entrust Carter to.
    "I would have lost heart had I not seen the blessings of the LORD,in the land of the living". You are blessed! Praying for your continued strength and unfailing faith in God's grace in every circumstance.

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    1. JUST WANTED TO ATTACH MY NAME TO THE PREVIOUS COMMENT

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  17. Yes, the previous comment says it all and I cannot say it any better. I will continue to "pray for your continued strength and unfailing faith in God's grace in every circumstance". A mother's love cannot be explained in words. You are all in my prayers and my heart.

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  18. What an adorable little boy...I admire your strength... :)

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