Friday, May 28, 2010

Can't Even Think of a Good Title

My birthday started early this year . . .

Clayton woke us up with a scream at around 2 am. He was acting like he needed to throw up, but we quickly realized something else was wrong because his pupils were fixed and dialated. Long story short, he was transferred by ambulance to the hospital, where he remained unresponsive. While tests showed no change in his CT Scans from normal checkups, he was taken to surgery around 6 am for exploration around his shunt to see if it was malfunctioning. While the actual shunt was still working, the catheter at the top of the shunt did seem to be clogged and a new tip was placed at the top of the shunt. He came out of surgery intubated and sedated.

It took all afternoon for him to rouse enough for them to fill comfortable with extubating him (removing breathing tube), and he is still very sick. His right hand (his only "good" extremity) seemed to be contracting and stayed fisted most of the day. It is worrisome that neurologically something still isn't right. He still acts nauseated and has a slight fever. Blood cultures from this morning show positive for infection, but are being repeated to confirm results are true and not from the test accidentally being contaminated.

He has asked for Daddy and Momma this evening (or I should said YELLED for Daddy and Momma!), so we are encouraged that he is coming around. Please pray Clayton continues to get better and all neurological damage, if any, is healed. And please pray for Brian and me. We are beyond emotionally drained from watching our child fight these battles. There is no way to describe the fear and dread that comes when he ends up back in the hospital. It seems the longer he is free from the hospital, the harder it is to watch him have to go back.

I know there are many prayer warriors out there storming Heaven on Clayton's behalf---thank you everyone for loving our little boy and for being willing to literally MOVE Heaven and earth in prayer!

14 comments:

Erin said...

Ashley, I know this sounds completely strange, but I have been where Clayton is before, and I would just like you to know that I'm here for you if you need to talk. Feel free to connect with me via e-mail or Facebook or wherever you can find me if you just need a listening ear!

Feel better, sweet boy!

Patti H said...

Ashley I have not stopped thinking of our little man Clayton since I got your email early this morning. I am praying for you all please keep us posted when you can.
Hugs

Michelle said...

Ashley - you guys are in my prayers. It's so hard not knowing, I'm really at a loss for words.

Kristin K Stock said...

Ahhh my sweet Ashley. I am certainly saying tons of prayers for my sweet little pal Clayton. Love you all and miss you.

Anonymous said...

oh ashley, i'm thinking of you all around the clock. please keep us posted when you can, know that we're all here for you and lifting you up. big hugs sweetie.

Stacy said...

I emailed you earlier but I will post here just in case you miss either...my heart is with you Ashley. I will keep Clayton in my heart and thoughts. Sending my love

Yankee said...

Sending prayers your way.

Mona said...

Sending prayers for Clayton!

Donna J Harrigan said...

Sending lots of prayers.

Georgina said...

Oh Ashley. I am praying for you and your family.

Lorna said...

Ashley, it's been ages since we've talked but I heard about Clayton today and haven't been able to stop thinking about him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Hugs & Love, Lorna

Ginkelmier said...

I have Clayton's painting on my desk along with my own grand kids and often think of him. My prayers and uplifting thoughts are with you all!

Anonymous said...

I hope Clayton is improving...Ive kept you all in my thoughts all weekend - ((HUGS))

christy

Melissa said...

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family are coming from Texas.