Yesterday, the surgeons discharged William from the hospital. I am so amazed and thankful that William has made much progress since his surgery on Wednesday.

Tuesday evening: Admitted to the hospital for IV fluids at 9 p.m.

Wednesday: Preparation for surgery began at about 8:30 a.m. After recovery, William went to PICU (pediatric intensive care unit). William was in PICU for about 24 hours where he received excellent one on one care. That evening William blew bubbles, which helped keep his lungs clear and reduce the chance of getting acute chest syndrome.

Thursday: That morning, the nurse removed the tube from William’s nose that went down to his stomach. William was placed in a regular room and oxygen was removed from his nose. He later ate two popsicles.

Friday: Dr. T. reported that William’s spleen weighed in at 174 grams which is about three times as big as a normal child’s spleen. I was somewhat speechless yet even more assured that JT and I made the right decision for our son. That afternoon, William got up walking for the first time. Initially, he took baby steps then the steps gradually increased as he walked over to the play room. He sat up on his own for well over 90 minutes. William had clear liquids for the first time on Friday… chicken broth for breakfast and dinner, beef broth for lunch, breakfast shake, apple juice and Sierra Mist.

Saturday: William had cream of wheat for breakfast, but he did not really care for the taste. How can you blame him? That stuff is nasty. JT spent the night with William on Friday and I got a little rest and peace at home. Keisha spent the night with her aunt. That afternoon, I took the bus down to the hospital and spent the rest of the day with William and JT. William made a lot of progress that day. In fact, when I arrived, him and JT were in the playroom. The doctors upgraded William’s diet to anything he wanted. I filled out William’s menu for dinner and Sunday just in case he would be there. Early in the evening, William passed gas and had his first bowel movement. You would never think a parent would be so happy for her son to have a bowel movement, but JT and I were thrilled. It meant that William’s stomach and digestive system were back to normal after the splenectomy. And of course it meant that William could come home.

Today: I am exhausted, but thankful and blessed to have William at home. We will probably keep him out of daycare for about two weeks, so he can have time to heal at home. JT and I are very fortunate to have our moms, his sister and my aunt also help out over the next two weeks. I will catch up on sleep one day *smile*

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