The dilation procedure is not one that produces immediately visible results, but is an important step to complete before the surgery. Matthew is scheduled to head into the OR sometime this morning for his Norwood procedure. Dr. Baird at Boston Children's is doing this surgery and we've heard many wonderful things about him.
This is very important, and also very major surgery (the link above explains this procedure). They will access Matthew's heart through a vertical incision in and separation of his sternum. He remains intubated from last night's procedure. The surgery should take 6 - 8 hours. Please remember William, Nikki and Matthew today.
They have taken my son back into the OR. It will take them sometime between 60 and 90 minutes to establish all of the central and peripheral access that this procedure requires and to set up a sterile field. We will hear from the OR again once they have made the incision.
ReplyDeleteDr Baird just came out to tell us that they are starting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping us updated William. You guys have lots of love, energy and prayers coming at you, from more places than you could imagine! Love you, little brother! :)
ReplyDeleteKeeping your son in our thoughts and prayers today for a successful Norwood.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing all of the updates! You all are in my prayers. With love, Sarah Kick
ReplyDeleteWe just go report that they are continuing to dissect and isolate all of the major thoracic structures and will begin heart bypass in about 45 minutes. They anticipate that he will be on bypass for about 3 hours.
ReplyDeletePraying for your little heart warrior!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updates!
ReplyDeletePraying for Matthew, the doctors, and you all.
ReplyDeleteMarla Daniels Behler
Praying for Matthew, the doctors, and all of you.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Marla Daniels Behler
Matthew is now on heart/lung bypass.
ReplyDeletethanks will for the updates on matthew...all thoughts and prayers are with ya'll and the doctors and nurses today. carla wright
ReplyDeleteI found this link on the FB Heart Parents site....I just wanted to let you know that 1) your son is adorable! and 2) he is in my thoughts and prayers today and throughout his recovery. My 1 1/2 year old daughter Kaylee had open heart surgery and now has a pacemaker. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I pray for peace and comfort for the parents and all family of Matthew as well.
ReplyDeleteHeart Hugs,
Katie Thompson
I found your Blog on FB Heart Parents site as well. Please know that you are in my prayers as you travel this Heart Journey. My son Jacob (10 months)has had 3 caths and two open heart sugeries. He had the Norwood about a month ago. He is doing great today! I pray for the doctors to acheive their goals for Matthew's surgery and for your family to remain strong.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Jen Gaume
Prayers for you all - thanks for keeping us updated!
ReplyDeleteNot sure why my last post didn't show up, but we were updated at 1:15 that he is still on bypass, and that everything is progressing as planned. We will be updated again around 2:30
ReplyDeletePrayers and thoughts with you all. Freda
ReplyDeleteI can hardly breath. I can't imagine what you and Nikki feel like.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteKathy, Chris, and Sam (HRHS)
Matthew is still on bypass, but they are close to being done with the repairs.Onese the repairs are finished they will perform an intrathoracic echocardiograph in order to measure the success of his surgery today. Our next update is scheduled for 3:30, but the surgical liason nurse seems to think that we will hear from the OR before then. On another note, Nikki had a follow up appointment today, and got a good report.
ReplyDeleteI love you guys stay strong...lotsa prayers from Indiana for you guys..
ReplyDeleteDr Drummond called so I could read her your post. She is driving a UHAUL from Gainesville. She is so funny. What would we do without her?!
ReplyDeleteMatthew is now off of bypass! The repair work is complete and his heart is now beating on it's own again! They are beginning to stabilize and close his chest as I type this. Thank you God!
ReplyDeletewooo hoooo!!
ReplyDeleteYay!!! That is wonderful news, Will! Stay strong and we will all continue to pray...Sarah K.
ReplyDeleteThank you God indeed!
ReplyDeleteDear Nikki,
ReplyDeleteI am praying for speedy recovery without complications. Your new baby son is so precious.
Much Love, Catherine Hanks
God is good!!! Thanks for all the updates I have been reading throughout the day. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you and praying for you. Aunt Marsha
ReplyDeleteAMAZING GRACE!!! THANK YOU FATHER GOD!!! THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteGenerally, after this operation, the chest wall is left open for a couple of days. We just heard from the surgery liaison nurse that they are going to try to close his chest completely depending on how well his heart tolerates it.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a long day!!!!! I worked off this AM, but, it's been impossible to sleep as we all have been on pins and needles over this surgery. Can't imagine what you all are experiencing. So blessed that things have been going well so far. We continue to pray to the Almighty for little Matthew's speedy recovery.
ReplyDelete"Babies don't come out of the OR in better shape than Matthew" according to Drs. Baird and Breitbart. The operation was a resounding success. They have decreased their expected recovery times slightly as well. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts throughout the day and into the future as we are able to assume care of our little man again.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome!! Sending thoughts and prayers to all three of you. Amazing news, Penny Richbourg
ReplyDeleteThank God for such a wonderful report!
ReplyDeleteWill and Nikki and of course little Matthew, AWESOME NEWS!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. We love you and are praying for continued recovery and success in this journey. You're doing a great job keeping all updated. Hope you are getting rest too!! Mama Karen and Aunt Cheryl
ReplyDeletePraise God!!!!! Matthew is such a little trooper!!!!! He's directed his life from the beginning and I only see good things to come from this little miracle. God Bless you all! Now, get some rest you two. We love you and are continuing to pray for a speedy recovery!!!! God is Good!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Dottie!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a good boy! (one day we will have to tell him that he has the power of praying Christians... for now we will just let him think he is a REALLY STRONG GUY) Good job Matthew!!... Aunt Janie is very proud of you!
ReplyDeleteWonderful news! So thankful for you all.
ReplyDeleteIt is great to hear that Mathew is doing so well. I will keep sending thoughts and prayers for his recovery. May God keep you all safe and in his arms.
ReplyDeleteDonna Rowell
What a champ! Awesome news.
ReplyDeleteWonderful News!!! God is always good and will always be there for you. Prayer is such a wonderful thing and I know that there have been lots of them going up for little Matthew as well as for Nikki and Will. May God continue to pour blessings on each of you. All My Love, Aunt Marsha
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear Will! Prayers for continued recovery for Matthew and Nikki.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing! Strong Matthew. So glad you all are reunited:). Sara Russell
ReplyDeleteTHANK Drs. Baird and Breitbart, the knowledge and skill of those two sets of hands, their years spent in medical school and refining their practice, and all the other outstanding resources and support at Children's Hospital, for so skillfully performing the operation and bringing Matthew through it with flying colors!
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Matthew.
ReplyDeleteGreat news
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful news....sending many prayers from Snad Rock, AL.
ReplyDeleteThat is great news! ~Will G
ReplyDeleteI am a feLlow heart parent and found this link through Fb heart parents. Matthew is beautiful and I am so happy that the surgery went so well! I will continue to say a prayer for a speedY recovery.
ReplyDeleteHeart hugs <3
Alyssa Sylvia
great news and it is so amazing what can be done to help our babies. My prayers will continue for Matthew, Nikki and William...God Bless!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear all went well. I knew when I saw his picture he was a tuff little guy. Look forward to meeting the new McClurg soon. Love you all, Jacque
ReplyDeleteVery thankful the first surgery went well ... that is great news .... Praying for Matthew and of coure Mommy and Daddy <3 hugs and love!!
ReplyDeletePraying for you Erin Mae. Thanks for being part of our lives. Love from Matthew's Mimi.
ReplyDeleteMathew and Nikki-I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you, little William, and the doctors that are working with him.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Becky Moore
Nikki, Will and Mathew, Love and prayers to you. We may be far away,but Gods ear is ever near, and we ask for complete healing, strength, love and peace during this time. Much love. Julia
ReplyDelete