Thursday: Oxford (Day 3)

Overnight where the paralysis drug had worn off Daniel had tried to breathe more strongly and brought more intestine into the lung cavity. His DH had got worse. As such they'd taken the decision to put him back on the vecuronium. Completely the right decision. It had been nice to see Daniel slightly more awake yesterday before I left, and actually make eye contact with him, but not at any expense.

Furthermore they've taken the decision to perform a dilution (as opposed to a transfusion, where they put blood into the patient). This would reduce his haemoglobin count and thin his blood making it easier for his heart to pump. Some of the blood gas measurements had been a bit touch and go over the last couple of days. I managed to lighten the mood by asking if they still used leeches for the procedure. It was good to learn that they didn't.

Sarah and I met with the surgical team today who explained all the risks of the operation tomorrow. The main one that stuck in our heads was adhesions. Apparently where the intestine is touched to pull it down through the hernia the protective coating of the intestine can be removed. This allows the free movement of the intestine over itself. So this is now a lifelong risk that Daniel has. Something we'll need to tell him about when he gets older. Symptoms include vomiting black bile, so not that nice.

It was lovely to see Sarah with Daniel.

We'll always remember the week they were born, it was so unseasonably hot. I'd taken to wearing shorts. At the end of  September people!