All posts in Declan’s Diary

This month’s diary is derived from a blog that Alex had been sending to us when Declan went into hospital to have major surgery on his spine. I hope I have captured the situation in my compilation of her snippets here. Wednesday 9th November. Declan has been in surgery for three hours now. It’s been the longest three hours of my life. I’m sitting here reflecting on what an amazing person he is and how a mothers love really is so unconditional. My heart is breaking that his life is in someone’s hands at the moment and all I can do is sit and wait. At 9.50pm she said my gorgeous brave boy is now on intensive care, the operation went really well and their all shocked how well he is doing. He has even spoke to me and been sick on me lol! He’s not out the wood’s yet but it’s so good to be with him. Friday 11th November. It’s now 52 hours since Declan came out of surgery. He has amazed everyone with how calm he’s been and how well he is doing. The operation went really well and Declan now looks a foot taller!! He’s got a infection but it’s under control and his breathing is getting stronger. Monday 14th November, Day 5 after surgery and Declan is still mainly asleep but thankfully when he is, he is not in pain. When he’s awake his back is really sore. He’s not managing to eat and his breathing is very shallow, so not out of the woods yet. Tuesday 15th November, Day 6. Dec’s pain is getting better and he’s awake a lot more. Unfortunately his veins are damaged and as he’s being sick they are now having to insert a feeding tube via is nose to give him his medicines and some food as he hasn’t eaten anything since a yoghurt the day after his surgery. His breathing is still shallow but he is more comfortable than he was. They have changed his dressing so I have now seen this war wound. They have done a incredible job. It runs from the base of his neck to his pelvis. His spine did curve right over to his right side where as now it’s completely central. Although feeling groggie he is so glad to have home ahead with the operation behind and is even happier (his first words after surgery) to be alive! Wednesday 16th November, Day 7. Declan is exhausted after being sick all night despite him now being fed and having his medicine via a tube that goes through his nose to his stomach. As he can’t move all the fluid that he brought up just trickled down the side of his pale face. He looks so fragile. They have been trying to take bloods today but can’t get any with his veins being so damaged. Today is another day and hopefully he will be stronger and can keep his medicines down as he has been without pain killers now for 24 hours. Thursday 17th November, Day 8. Declan is still continuing to be sick despite having the ng tube which is so heart breaking as it was so traumatic for him when it was being done but he hoped it would be worth it if it stopped the sickness. I cannot begin to express the fear that I had whilst Declan was in surgery and the thoughts that flowed through my emotional mind. It was the first time that I really appreciated the reality and pain that the future holds. I know that one day the fear of not being able to cuddle, care and be a mum to Dec will be a reality and it breaks my heart. I’m laying here now by his bedside, the eve of my 30th birthday and am not one bit disheartened that I will not be having a big party tomorrow to celebrate my birthday but carry on to breath in the sheer delight that for now, my boy, my everything is by my side breathing and holding my hand. Friday 18th November, Day 9. I am so so proud of my strong son who sat in his wheelchair today and has had the ng tube taken out as he hasn’t been sick for a whole 18 hours. It seemed so strange to see him in his chair, so straight and tall. His neck muscles have gone very weak so he struggled a bit and will need a different type of head rest. Having my gorgeous boy feeling a bit better today is the best present I could ask for. As this is my last blog so Declan’s diary can go in the December STN, I’d like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas I hope you all have as special time over the festive period as I know we will have. Thank you for all the cards and prayers for Declan, all the positivity that is surrounding Declan is definitely one of the best Medicines. Alex Photo above is from Alex showing Declan on day 9.