More pain meds, please?!

Carter enjoying a popsicle

Carter's battle wounds

Well, Carter had a rough night last night. He was up every 45 minutes throughout the entire night. He was so alert and awake all day yesterday, so we thought he'd be exhausted. As soon as I'd sing to him and rub his arm or leg to get him to sleep, I'd crawl back in bed and he'd wake up 15-20 minutes later. This happened all night long. We knew they had reduced his pain meds and switched us to a pain med we give Carter at home on an as-needed basis. However, even at home the dosage has been twice as much. He just had a liver transplant, there should be pain associated with it!! We'd rather not wait for him to tell us he's hurting and stay ahead of the pain. Some of the nurses have disagreed and it's been kind of frustrating. Also, the steroids he is on are currently at the highest dosage. This is the only anti-rejection he has for now. They will decrease each day for the next 7 days, then we will be at the level he will go home on. A side effect of these steroids is trouble sleeping. So, the lack of sleep last night could be a combination of this and some pain. We are trying to advocate for Carter to get the pain under control, and they will give him some Benadryl tonight which will hopefully help him sleep better.

Otherwise, he continues to impress everyone. Today they took off his surgery bandages and Matt and I finally got to see the infamous liver transplant scar (picture a big peace sign, minus the circle around it). Carter also had his oxygen in his nose removed and one of the drainage tubes on his side. He still has one drainage tube on the other side and an ng tube in. They will continue to keep these in for the next few days. The head surgeon checked on Carter this morning, as Carter was begging for waffles or cinnamon toast. He told us he can start him on a clear diet today. So, an hour later a popsicle was brought in for him. Carter devoured it! When the rest of the transplant team got word of this they couldn't believe Carter ate something already. They reminding us he needs to take it slow, but they would never step on the toes of THE surgeon's call either. Carter has been doing so great they moved us out of ICU and onto the pediatric floor. This room is pretty private and much more quiet. We're hoping it is a bit more restful!

Matt and I also wanted to welcome our new nephew into the world! Matt's sister, Tracy, and her husband Tony had a VERY healthy 10 pound 9 ounce baby today!!...naturally! You are a superstar Trac!! Sorry, we've borrowed Grandma from you during this crazy time. Thanks for sharing her. We love you all and congrats!!