Shunt Revision #2

Last Sunday Tucker was vomiting immediately after every feed. We were very concerned obviously because he didn't have a fever and this is one of the signs of shunt malfunction.  We took him to Seattle Children't Hospital.  They did x-rays and a CT scan and found that his right ventricle was 2 mm larger than his last scan in January. The following morning they did a Haste MRI and the right ventricle was even larger than the night before. 2 hours later, approximately 11:30am on 4/16/11 (which happens to be me and Liane's first wedding anniversary), Tucker went in for surgery for a shunt revision. Surgery went well, they found that for whatever reason the right ventricle wasn't draining as well as his left. They said the two ventricle's weren't communicating. Dr. David Bower, who we love, did his shunt revision. They also found that both the resevoir and catheter in his brain were not operating. So, the only part that was working was the catheter that goes down to his belly. They put in a brand new shiny shunt. This one though goes into both ventricles. The day after surgery, Liane got a stomach virus. She later went home. Tucker still wasn't holding down his formula, so they assumed he had it too. Liane went home and got rest for the night. The next day, I got the virus. I know, it just keeps getting better. Liane started to feel better so she came back. Liane's parents came to see Liane and the little guy, and Lee stayed the night.  They are so supportive and we are so lucky to have them.  My amazing Uncle Ted and Aunt Ruth, who live very close to Children's, came and picked me up. I crashed and recovered at their place, and got to watch a Mariner game. Well, I did fall asleep in the 7th. The next day, Wednesday if you're keeping track at home, they released us around 11am. After getting home, Tucker threw up his next 3 feedings. So, we loaded up the family and headed back to Children's about 8pm.  They assumed he still had the bug, and connected him to fluids. We would be released once he started holding down food. They ruled out a shunt malfunction since his fontanel felt normal.  The next day, Thursday afternoon they sent us home. Tucker ate about an ounce an hour which was our goal. He slept well.  Today, Friday he is doing good  Eating almost 2 ounces every 1-2 hours, holding most of it down, and taking good naps. Oh, and smiling a lot which he's known for.  We've received so much love and support through text messages and Facebook. And thank you Mom and Dad for always being a phone call away and making me feel like your right next to me.