Caden is doing really good today. He is still requiring some pain management and has had a little difficulty with his tube feeds. Nothing surprising at all. Please pray for his continued healing, rest, and overall comfort.
The Problem
MUSC Children’s Hospital is overloaded with kids right now so we have been told to expect another night in the PCICU as a result. The pediatric cardiac step-down unit (7C) is completely full due to over flow kids from other units that are also full. I am thankful to have this inconvenience to deal with as the big problem of the week, but it is a problem. Caden does not communicate well and hospital staff do not always “get it” when we warn then that Caden is NPO. (nothing by mouth)
While the PCICU is not designed for overnight parent they do make exceptions. The problem is that not every staff member on every shift agrees with the exceptions especially if the person on your current shift was not involved in the exception conversation. Nothing like this is ever done in writing by the way. And let me just say that the PCICU staff last night did not make the stay easy on Sherry and me. Sherry is a bit upset over the room situation and asked that I post a prayer request for this situation to be resolved. Staying in the PCICU is not the worse thing in the world, but a roll-away bed or a chair that reclines would be an outstanding gesture of compassion towards us.
I am home and going to bed so that I can go back to relieve Sherry late this evening. We may have to stay upright and at least appear to be awake to be allowed to remain in the PCICU with Caden overnight.