Homecoming

Vanderbilt Children's Hospital Pediatric Heart Institute- Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

We are thrilled to have been discharged last night after 6 and a half weeks but also have to be hyper aware of the fact that Caleb is still extremely fragile. Norwood babies (between 1^st and second surgery) are almost flammable- things can turn from bad to worse to life threatening in a matter of minutes. Between these two stages Caleb is at the greatest risk for mortality and morbidity. One of the worst things that can happen is an infection. Even a small cold can send these kids over the edge. Our homecoming is, therefore, bittersweet.  We can not leave the house with Caleb except for doctors appointments and emergencies. If you see us outside, please do not come up to greet him.  While we love visitors, they ask that only those coming to help with siblings/ house come. Please do not ask to hold the baby, as only Mommy and Daddy are necessary.  We can all get plenty of snuggle time when he is stable.  The following list was compiled by the nurses at VCH and we were asked to forward it to friends and family as part of discharge.   If you were wanting to visit (again, this needs to be only out of neccesity for siblings), dropping off food/ going to be around Caleb's siblings-- even away from the home, please make sure you:

1.  Have not been sick in the last week

2.  Have not been around someone sick in the last week

3.  If you have been sick, please make sure to not go near any siblings of Caleb, even away from home.  It is just as essential that his siblings stay healthy, to prevent germs from spreading to Caleb

4. If you have or work with children or in a hospital environment, you must change your clothes immediately as you walk in the door

5.  Have had a flu shot

6. No children under the age of 15 should come over at all 

7. Wash your hands

8. Sanitize your hands the moment you walk in the door (we have a sanitizing station set up beside the front door)

9. Have not smoked or been around cigarette smoke

10. Understand that we are being so strict because this is Caleb's life at stake, not because we do not love and appreciate all of you and your support.

11. Realize that in time, well after the second surgery, things will hopefully be able to relax a bit as his body gets stronger.

12. If you are bringing something by, Call/ text ahead of time so we can meet you outside rather than come into the house.

In general, if you are even the slightest bit worried about any of the above, error on the side of caution! The nurses at the hospital said this is the toughest time for people in general because it seems like a regular newborn homecoming; but it is not, we are simply transitioning from the hospital to a sterile environment at home until after the second surgery and his heart gradually gets stronger.

We will keep you posted as things progress and really appreciate all of your positive thoughts and prayers. Please keep praying that Caleb pulls through all of this with flying colors. God bless and keep each of you.