Grant's Surgery

We want to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts this last week as we had some unexpected events. Last week we had a wonderful time in San Diego celebrating Sharee & Cody's sealing. It was wonderful to be all together in the temple and to add Cody to the family. We apologize for not having any pictures, we forgot our camera but we did get video of the weekends events. Grant's baby blessing was last Sunday, Feb. 20, and we were so happy to have Mom and
Dad Young in town for the event. (Again sorry no pictures)
Grant had been vomiting after eating for about a week, including the time we were in San Diego. Although many people told us "this is normal, all babies throw-up" Christine was in tune with her motherly instincts and knew something was not right. On Thursday I went to work and Christine took Grant to visit his Pediatrician. The doctor immediately ordered an ultrasound of Grant's abdomen and told this might be very serious. Fortunately, the hospital was within walking distance from work so I was able to meet them there. The Radiologist confirmed the Pediatrician's suspicion and told us he definitely had "Pyloric Stenosis." It is a condition that occurs in babies between 3-6 weeks when the pyloris muscle that is at the begining of the small intestine becomes too small and constricts the opening between the muscle and small intestine, not allowing any food to pass through. As a result of Grant having this (undiagnosed) for at least a week, he was very dehydrated at this point and had lost 9 ounces due to his vomiting. We were admitted immediately and were told they would perform surgery. I cancelled my patients at work for the rest of the day and Friday, and we went to the Pediatric floor to prepare for surgery. At this point Christine and I were very scared. We were happy that his problem was definitively diagnosed and had a proven treatment but scared that the little guy needed surgery on his stomach.
Once we were on the Pediatric floor, the nurses had a very difficult time putting an IV in Grant's vein because he was so dehydrated. They tried each wrist and a foot before they got it in his forearm. Blood tests showed his electrolytes were too low due to the vomiting and surgery was delayed until the fluid from the IV could get them normal again. A friend from our ward came to the hospital and helped give Grant a blessing and our family of three all slept in the tiny hospital room. While there, we shared the room with two other babies and their mothers. Although we were sad for Grant's condition the blessing brought a sense of hope and faith. Grant's early obstacle seemed quite small compared to the other babies in the room.
The next day we were happy to learn his electrolytes were normal and his surgery was scheduled and performed at 5pm-6pm, it was difficult waiting for the surgeon to come out and tell us good news that the surgery was successful. The three of us again spent the night in the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit)and about 7 hours later, he was able to eat, and hold down his food; we came home that day from the hospital. We are so thankful for modern medical technology that was able to diagnose and treat this abnormality that occurs in about 1 of 500 white baby boys. I am thankful for Christine's persistence to advocate for Grant and make sure he was seen, we are glad he can again eat and keep down his food. All the prayers and faith of Grant's family and friends were answered.
We didn't have the camera at the hospital so here are a few pics of him lately. Grant really loves his bouncer and has a special relationship with the stuffed monkeys that hang down from the arch-he loves to stare at, talk to, and laugh with the right monkey in particular. It is difficult to take naps with the little guy because he tends to scoot toward the closest body and then uses his little legs to kick you in the back/tummy! We also have his first bath-he really likes to be in the water but will definitely let you know when he's done with loud shrieks that echo against the tile.