My BFF gave birth to a beautiful boy Sat. morning. By Sat night they were taking him to Boston Children's for heart surgery
(They are in Providence, RI)
He has aortic valve stenosis and from what I understand was in severe danger of heart failure. Luckily the pediatrician caught it and they took action right away. The one side of his heart was very enlarged and oxygen levels were all off.
They did a procedure (the balloon thing) and the enlargement thing started fixing itself right away. A really good sign that there is not permanent damage, I guess.
He is still on a ventilator (but apparently doing a lot of breathing over it) and a feeding tube and a lot of different medications, but from what I understand, the docs were very encouraging today.
I haven't been able to talk to my BFF at all through this - just texts and some conversations with her parents. She is, understandably, not leaving his side and no phones allowed in there. Not really sure how long he'll be there, but it seems like at minimum another week or so.
So, the advice part - I'm feeling totally and completely helpless. I want to do something... anything. I would get on a plane tomorrow if I thought it would help anything, but I feel like I would just be in the way. I just don't know what to do. They are staying/sleeping at the hospital, so I thought about getting good food to them, but her parents are there now and are getting them everything they need. What would you do? What would you want someone to do for you?
Thanks!
Re: t&p for a friend and maybe some advice needed
First of all, hugs to you. I know it's hard to not be able to be there to support your friend. I hope her son has a quick recovery and is able to go home soon.
DH had a good friend (in MD) whose daughter was in the NICU and, even though it wasn't a gift directly to DH's friend/his wife, we sent brownies to the NICU nurses at the hospital w/ a note about how special the family was and how we were thankful that the nurses were there to support them when we couldn't.
As for your BFF, I don't think there's anything you *can* do right now except let her know that you're thinking about her and her son and that you are there for her 100%.
Oh your poor friends. What a terrible situation.
I think the best thing you can do right now is be supportive and listen when she needs it.
You're a good friend
oh kelle, I'm so sorry. Sending lots of thougths and prayers to your friend and to you. I think MC has a great idea on how to help right now. (((hugs)))
ps I have several good friends who live in Boston, if you need some local help with delivery
Thanks everyone! Sending goodies to the nurses is a great idea!
Oh, an little Max seems to be improving by the minute... great news!
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