Saturday, December 19, 2009

We are Home!

We have been home for 3 days now. Yeah!. Can you believe it? Another miracle! Madison's chest tube came out and instead of a 24 hour observation, we had a 3 hour observation. Dr. Everitt released us on Wednesday afternoon. It is amazing..

Since we have been home, we have had a few of adjustments. I wish you could be a fly on the wall in our house, especially with the meds. It can be pretty hilarious. Madison came home on 13 meds. You should have seen the look on people's faces when we picked up our order from the pharmacy. (I should have taken a picture of everyone starring at us..) I wanted to share some of the instructions we have to follow when giving Maddie her meds.. (I hope you find this kind of humorous..)
1. Take with Food.
2. Take on empty stomach.
3. Do not take with milk products.
4. Refrigerate.
5. Keep out of light.
6. Avoid contact with other people.
7. Do not refrigerate.
8. Drink plenty of water.
9. Do not eat grapefruit while taking this drug.
10. Chew tablet before swallowing.
11. Swish in mouth for as long as possible before swallowing.
12. Avoid prolonged exposure to sun.
13. Take Monday, Wednesday, Friday only.
14. Take 4x daily.
15. Take 3x daily.
16. Take 2x daily.
17. Take once a day.

I'm happy to report that Madison is doing very well at taking her meds. I found my solution; it was simple. Flavor the meds. Duh! The hospital doesn't flavor meds when you are an inpatient. (Can you only imagine what that order to the pharmacy would entail?) I had questioned her nurse a couple times about flavoring, but never seemed to find a solution. Her meds were absolutely, crawl out of your skin, awful ... but much, much better now.

In regards to everything else, Madison continues to soar. She looks so good.. she glows! I didn't realize how sick she actually looked before. Her decrease in heart funtion was so gradual, which made it difficult to see her little body getting sicker. A once fussy baby is now the happiest person in our home. She is crawling around the house, pulling herself up on things, and simply enjoying life as a toddler. Madison is also eating extremely well. She now eats double what her brother eats. It is cute to see her excited for food rather than me begging her to eat. Dr. Everitt reminded me that some of Maddie's meds could make her really hungry and thirsty ... or she could just feel better. I'm going with the 2nd guess. I love that she feels good and is healthy. I love that she is happier. I love that she has more energy and is interactive. I love that she is more of who she is. I love that I have my baby girl back.

Again, thank you for your prayers, thoughts, and support. We love you.

(I have a couple more hospital entries that I want to post.. stay tuned.)

12 comments:

Family Scads said...

Yeah for being home! And, yeah for flavored meds. The flavored meds have really saved us. Another thing I thought of is that the pharmacy can sell you a bottle of cherry syrup. I use that with meds that are gross even with flavoring. I also mix it with crushed pills (when he had to take them). If you can't find it let me know and I will send you a bottle. It is a life savor! And, it tastes really good (like a cherry Popsicle).

Big congrats to all of you! What an amazing Christmas present!
-Kim

nvmorninglorie said...

Congratulations! She must be one strong little girl, but she must also get that from her parents.

I have Dwaine as a teacher for one of my college classes and I have twins (boy and girl) grandbabies that were born the day before yours.

It has been amazing to follow Madison's progress.

I wish you the best and only more happy progress.

Lorie Merrill

marissa | Rae Gun Ramblings said...

yeah such wonderful news, seriously the swish in mouth as long as possible one is crazy

Mindi D said...

That is so great! I am so happy for you guys!!!

Staci said...

I am so glad you guys are HOME! Stay there!

Staci (angel Bridger's mom)

Kimmie said...

i have chills and i'v never even met you. it is just simply miraculous how well she has done! AMAZING!!! keep it up maddie!

Amy said...

So incredible and so happy for you guys!!! Do you need help with anything right before Christmas? I never got a list to you (sorry!!)

Me said...

There really is no place like home!!! I am so glad that she is doing so well. Such a miracle!! I hope you have the best Christmas ever!!

Summer said...

I'm so excited she is doing so well and you will be home for the holidays together! What a wonderful Christmas gift! Thanks for sharing your many miracles with us. I had hoped on coming to meet you today, because Mason has an echo and visit with Dr. E, but It's much better that you are at home!!!

Loves, Mason's Mommy

Unknown said...

Yippie! We all are so excited and greatful to the lord for such a swift and wonderful conclusion. We love you and you are always in our prayers. Kirk, Brandi, McKalester and Karli Johns

Becca said...

I am so excited for you guys!!! She is a little miracle. Keep us updated, and we look forward to seeing you around.

Becca-Ellie's mom

Kathy said...

Mark and Michelle,
I am so happy for your little family. What a miracle to have that sweet girl home for Christmas! We will continue to keep her in our prayers.
We love you guys.