Amusement Parks

I have never been one to enjoy the thrill rides at amusement parks.  The log ride is about as far as I go in terms of hills and valleys and tummy-turning excitement.  Although I'd been preparing for less positive news of some kind, it's been a bumpy sort of day.

This morning Quinn awoke and focused on our faces for the first time in 6 days.  He is weak, but the physical therapist wanted to get him into an upright position in a special seat so he can start regaining muscle tone.  Although less than thrilled with the idea at first, he became interested in coloring, and playing with a new set of cars and watching daddy do fun tricks.  Quinn's first word was "uh-oh" and anything that involves us saying those words brings a smile to his face.

After some play time, I was able to hold him for the first time since Monday!  So wonderful.  Unfortunately, this afternoon we learned that his ammonia levels had risen back to 120 (normal levels are under 50).  He returned to the ER for a CT scan, and more blood work was ordered.  He was taken off the a high-protein feeding protocol, because protein digestion can be related to high ammonia levels.  He's now receiving glucose and breast milk.  Happily, as of this evening, his ammonia labs have come back at normal levels again, and he's doing well.

 

Quotes for the day from the various staff in the PICU: "I didn't think he was going to survive,""you can't get sicker than he was on Monday," "he's a rock star," and "miraculous."