Porter's MRI

On Wednesday, February 18, 2009, I took Porter to Children's Hospital in Little Rock AR for a MRI of the brain. Porter has been falling down frequently and not catching himself. So whatever hits first catches all the fall. The Neurologist we were referred to, wanted to rule out a brain bleed in the back of the brain. Brain bleeds are common with preemie babies.

We left Fayetteville at 6 in the morning and got into a parking place (after much searching) at 9:30. Our appt was at 10. We didn't have to wait long until we were whisked down to the basement. To our surprise, no cell phone reception. I kept wondering what the walls and ceiling must be made of with all the MRI scanners and CT scanners down there. Anyway, we went through all of the stuff you have to go through and sign before anesthesia.

Porter doesn't do well under general anesthesia so I was pretty worried. His pulsox stays way too low and he is combative. Last time, he kicked the Dr in the face.

His MRI was scheduled for noon, however they were pretty backed up. The poor 4 year old boy hadn't eaten or drank anything since the night before so he was begging for food.

At 1:30 the anesthesiologist came and got Porter and me. We walked down the hall to a little curtain and bed. Porter was having no part of the bed. The nice anesthesiologist was so kind and just got behind him, basically sat on the floor. He put the cherry flavored mask over Porter's little face (while he was standing) and the other anesthesiologist was in front of him. They turned the laughing gas on first and Porter became quite giggly and loose! :) Then they added the "real" stuff and his eyes got heavy, rolled a few times and he was jell-o. The anesthesiologist caught him and as they were lifting him, Porter began laughing. The anesthesiologist said, "do you feel like you're floating, buddy?" All Porter could do was laugh.

I got to be there while they put him under. I kissed him on the forehead and went back to the waiting room. The MRI didn't take long. I rushed back down the elevator and heard him screaming from the door. He wanted the IV out! To my surprise, his pulsox was 95. They had oxygen which helped, but he has NEVER come our of anesthesia that well! How surprised I was, and happy.

I was there about 10 minutes and we got to go home. The nurse told me that she had never witnessed a child being put under standing up!!! They are so accommodating at Children's!!

All Porter wanted was cheese pizza. First of all, the nurse told us clear liquids and second, he is lactose intolerant. Of course I gave in and we went to my favorite place in LR at the River Market- Gusano's. Porter ate cheesy bread to his heart's content.

We made it home late Wednesday night and I was pooped!

We got the results of the MRI today (the next day) I couldn't believe it! He has a normal brain. No bleeds. Praise be to God!