Blue Lips and Helicopter Rides

Yesterday Walter had what we call a “tet spell” or cyanotic episode. After feeding and some cries, Walter’s skin turned pale and ashy with blue tinges on his hands, feet, mouth, and tongue. Though he did not lose consciousness, he was tired and lethargic, so we took him to the Navy Hospital ER on base. Shortly after, Wally was stable and back to his normal self.

We spent the night comforting him at the Navy Hospital watching his oxygen saturation levels dip down from their normal 99% to the mid seventies and eighties. By the morning orders were in the works to transfer Wally to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and soon, Wally and I were being flown up the coast via helicopter, with the ever helpful and capable Dan making the drive.

Now we wait. With continued monitoring, oxygen, and the beginning of pre-op testing, we expect that Walter will undergo his open heart surgery for the full repair of his ToF early this week. Though our weekend took an unexpected turn, it takes us to a much planned for destination: fixing Wally’s heart and putting him on the path to recovery. Our optimism prevails and Faith endures.