Journey to China

This blog documents the Spitlers' progress towards the adoption of Xia Ping He (Noah Spitler) from the PR China. It also documents Noah's medical process in pursuit of a total repair to his CHD (congenital heart defect).

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Brave Boy; Day of Drama

Hi All,

It's been a long Saturday full of drama. Noah got only 5 hours of sleep last night, and really needs some rest, so that is yet another prayer request on an already long list. (Thanks!)

For the good news: The regularity efforts worked out last night and all throughout the day today - so thanks again for the prayers - Noah's stomach complaints are basically gone as his system began running in a more normal manner. His appetite returned, and although he's gotten sick 3-4 times today, he has retained a lot of food! The dietician ordered all sorts of high-calorie items; Oreos, milk shakes, chocolate pudding, and pasta. We've actually had to restrain Noah's eating lest he over-do it and get sick. So, eating has been great.

Noah went on three walks today! That might seem trivial to many of you, but it is a very proud accomplishment around here. It takes a lot of energy for Noah to walk this soon after surgery, so everyone here is impressed. As he walked through the ICU, many of the nurses and doctors cheered him on (it was very cool).

On the difficult side of our news, we learned that sometime this week Noah contracted a Staph infection. This is rather serious, especially for people with weak hearts. The good news is that of the types of Staph, Noah has the less serious one - one that can be treated with antibiotics (Nafcillin). We'll know more on Monday, but this could delay our return to Georgia and/or require Noah to stay on an IV for a few weeks. Thank God it isn't the MRSA type (which penicillin cannot fight)!

A possible source of the infection is a place on Noah's chest where one of the 3 chest drain tubes used to extrude. The tube was removed earlier in the week but unfortunately, the wound got infected (I'll leave out the details). So more drama followed when a surgeon came and performed a "mini-surgery" on Noah's chest to clean this infected area. Following that, a new IV had to be inserted - to replace one in Noah's right arm that had stopped working.

So, as you can see, we had some good events today, but there have also been many needles and tears. Please thank God for healing Noah's lungs and allowing his digestive system to clear. And new to the list are requests that his battle against Staph be won and he get some rest.

We are grateful for the excellent medical care that the LPCH professionals are giving Noah. It is truly humbling - the care is so good and everyone is so genuinely interested in Noah and his recovery. Noah's Sunday School class (Cynthia Waters and Angela Johnson) mailed out a huge "We Love You, Get Well Soon" banner and it hangs as a great witness to many here. And for your prayers and e-cards: great thanks! By God's help (only) are Robin and I getting through such exhausting days (as you might imagine).

Adam

PS. Despite all today's challenges and his infection - as you can see, Noah looks great in the picture!

8 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

We are still praying. Noah looks great in the picture! Tell him Alan says "hello". We are going to beat this one and have him home soon. the Hendrix family

July 23, 2011 at 10:51 PM  
Anonymous Kim & family said...

So happy he's eating and walking! I hate to hear of the infection & will be praying specifically. We are praying for you two also, as I am sure this is extremely hard for you.
We love & miss you all!!
The Riners

July 23, 2011 at 11:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Noah, Eat some Oreos for me! We are still praying for you and hope you can come home soon! Love, Uncle Clay, Aunt Stacey, Zach & Nick

July 24, 2011 at 10:57 AM  
Anonymous Mrs.Ruth said...

I was glad to hear that Noah is up walking and eating. He really looks good and I know that he will continue to improve. Was glad to hear his digestive system has worked its way back to normal. I know the staph infection will be gone soon with the help of antibiotics. Will continue to pray for you all. Tell Noah I said hi and I love him.

July 24, 2011 at 12:14 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

We are praying for Noah daily! Thank you for the updates. We will pray for that infection to be gone! Hurray for Noah walking around. If he keeps this up, he'll be at Splash before he knows it!! ((HUGS))
Robin, we are also praying for strength and grace for you and Adam, that God will supply ALL of your needs according to his riches in glory, by Christ Jesus.

July 24, 2011 at 1:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Noah, we love you and will continue to pray for you. You look very happy & handsome in your picture. Please eat extra Oreos dunked in milk for all of us!! Uncle Scott, Aunt Cynthia, Mary Beth, Christy, Michael and Scotty

July 24, 2011 at 3:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So glad to be able to catch up on Noah. After being at CentriKid all week and going straight to Athens to help Ashley and Matt to move in their house I have struggled to keep up. We prayed for Noah and you all in our prayer times at CentriKid and of course I think of you and pray for you often. Hopefully I will be able to have more internet access this week and keep up. He looks great!!!!!Take care, Susan Allen

July 24, 2011 at 11:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise The LORD for HIS Work in your lives!

This is a superb little man, who is BLESSED, beyond measure, to have such sacrificial parents, who do just as much for this son by adoption as you undoubtedly would do for your birth-daughters.

You are such WONDERFUL examples of the Grace of The LORD Jesus Christ, Who loves HIS adopted children fully, and beyond measure. (Nahum 1:7)

In Christ,

Stan Haselton :)
(Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41;10,13)

July 25, 2011 at 12:22 AM  

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