This is my precious eight year old grandson, Austin. This picture was taken at our family Christmas party last December.
Austin has been sick, beginning last Monday. His parents thought he had the stomach flu but by the end of the week, instead of getting better, Austin was getting worse. His mom and dad took Austin to the emergency ward of their small-town hospital yesterday morning. The doctor did several tests, gave him some IV fluids and let Austin return home. Austin’s parents took him back to the hospital a couple hours later because Austin was in severe pain. After completing more tests, the doctor that was on call at their hospital sent him the three hour drive, by ambulance, to the children’s hospital in our city. Austin’s mom rode in the ambulance with him and Austin’s dad drove by van with the rest of the family. They arrived in the city about 2:00 a.m.
A team of doctors did many tests on Austin through the night and throughout the day today. They discovered that Austin has a swollen liver with elevated liver enzymes and fluid build up in his abdomen because his liver is not functioning properly. They also discovered that Austin’s heart is enlarged and after doing an ultrasound on Austin’s heart and liver, combined with the other test results, they have determined that the cause of Austin’s liver problems is congestive heart failure.
We are in shock and afraid but we are desperately clinging to hope for Austin’s full recovery. If the heart failure is caused from a virus, it could get better on its own. The doctor said about 1/3 of the patients get better on their own. About 1/3 stay the same and about 1/3 get worse. Some patients who do get better, get worse before they get better and a turn for the worse can happen very quickly so they’ve moved Austin to ICU where they can monitor him closely.
Austin is a mild mannered, gentle little boy but the pain makes him scream in agony. He said even under his fingernails hurt. Today they’ve started giving him morphine for the pain.
If you pray, please pray for Austin to recover.
I’ll be at the hospital off and on throughout the week and taking care of Austin’s siblings here at home as well so I don’t expect to be online too much this week. I love blogging and I’ll be back with the free images when my schedule and my heart are ready. For now I’ll keep my Etsy shop open but if I feel the need to close it for a few days, I’ll let you know.
Dear Julie,
Yes, I’ll be praying and hoping your lovely wee grandson, Austin, gets better soon. Such a difficult time for your family and I’m sure everyone will understand completely your need to close shop and be with those who need you.
Pauline x
Julie,
I am so sorry to hear about your precious grandson’s illness. He looks like such an imp! I will keep him and your family in my prayers and pray for his speedy recovery.
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ — Isaiah 41:10
God bless,
Melody
Julie, my heart goes out to you and your family. I’m so sorry to hear that sweet little boy is in so much pain. I will send prayers that he will make a full recovery, and for strength and comfort for you and your family. Hugs, Debi
Wishing your grandson a speedy and full recovery. Its so tough to see the little ones suffer, but good that you are close enough to be such a support and help to your family.
I, too, will pray for little Austin. Sending hugs to you.
Thank you, ladies. Thank you – from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness brings tears to my eyes.
I wish each of you an abundandtly blessed day.
Julie
Poor little boy. I will pray for him and his family. Warm Hug Zinnia
Dear Julie,
I am so sorry to hear about Austin’s illness. I know how frightening this must be for you and your entire family. No body wants to have their precious child in pain. I will be praying for his speedy recovery and for strength and patience for the whole family.
God bless.
I will keep Austin and your family in my prayers, Julie.
Hugs
G-Ma
Many heartfelt thank yous to each of you.
It’s been an emotional roller coaster day. I returned home from the hospital a while ago and am absolutely exhausted.
Austin had to have a picc line and arterial line inserted this afternoon. He was at high risk of crashing under sedation because his heart is barely pumping and we were cautioned that he may come back with an artificial heart. He made it through the procedure well though and didn’t need an artificial heart.
I thank God that Austin is stable tonight (although still in ICU) but tomorrow the doctors will discuss next steps with my daughter and her husband. After a brief discussion with one of the doctors tonight, my daughter said that it doesn’t appear that there will be any quick or easy solutions. 🙁
Poor Austin hasn’t been able to eat for days and he desperately wants food.
I’m so sorry to hear Austin’s news. I hope and pray for his swift recovery. I’ll be thinking of you all. Kind regards Jo x
Thank you, Jo.
Hope all is well with you and your family! You’ll all be in my prayers!
Thank you, Sue.