Missing Big Brother's Birthday

Eron's Cake
Made by My Visiting Teacher
Di Cluff

Because one important item (bicarbonate levels) in Jereth's blood test was out of kilter yesterday morning the doctors feel a need to make sure it is stabilized and remains that way before sending him home. So we won't be going home today, and we will miss Eron's 13th birthday - which makes me sad.

Too much bicarbonate in the blood can throw off the blood's pH balance, making it too basic. Bicarbonate build up can be a side effect of the diuretic Lasix Jereth is taking for his heart, but that is usually accompanied by a change in sodium and potassium levels, which Jereth does not have right now. Bicarbonate can also build up when a person does not exhale carbon dioxide fully. With the floppy airway Jereth has this is a distinct possibility for him.

The cardiologist came by today because the doctor team on the infant floor wanted to bring in a specialist before making any changes in Jereth's heart medication. The cardiologist talked like he feels the Lasix dose is correct and he ordered a chest x-ray to compare to the ones taken last week.

After looking at the x-ray, the first cardiologist returned with a second cardiologist. They feel like Jereth looks good and may not need to be watched as carefully as the doctors on the infant floor seem to feel. Crossing my fingers that the cardiologists will be listened to and we'll be sent home without too many more tests - especially ones that require drawing blood from his veins.