Aug
24
    
Posted (jooosh) in All Posts on August-24-2007


Well, we were hoping for a perfect streak, but Ella had a rough time last night. Dr. Kays and the team are being challenged to manage her fluids. They’re having to constantly calculate how much and decide what to put back into our baby girl’s body.

Due to the rate of her fluid loss, she risks being dehydrated, even with all the water retention! It’s her circulatory system that can lose too much fluid while her other tissues retain it. Her poor little head is really swollen too.

This type of swelling is to be expected, but it’s not a good thing. It is also building up in her chest cavity on the right side which is reducing her lung capacity. Dr. Kays is going to be placing a chest tube on her right side early this afternoon. We hope that this will give some relief.

Her cO2 gas wasn’t looking good last night either. It was pretty elevated (in the high 50’s, should be around 40). They were able to bring this back down this morning after a good suctioning though.

Her other stats look pretty good. Her O2 saturations are doing alright, and her acid levels are in check.

Ella is still very sick though and we need to pray for her to get over this fluid management hump.

Father God, we lift our baby girl up to you and know that you are in control. Please ease her fluid retention and let her stats improve. We also pray for no negative events around the other chest tube being inserted. She is weak but You are strong. Thank you for our baby girl, and the support and prayers of others. She is in your hands Jesus. Amen

SIDE NOTE: Tina’s mom made it last night, but her flight was delayed and it took awhile for her to get the rental car. She didn’t arrive here until 3:30am! It’s nice to have some family around and we look forward to our future visitors too.



Eusey Family on August 24th, 2007 at 7:59 am #

We will be praying for her fluid levels to reduce (at the right pace) all day long. All the kids just got in a circle (held hands) and prayed to God to help with her fluids.

Much love,

Megan, Richard, Claire and Ryan

The Roberts Family on August 24th, 2007 at 8:00 am #

So sorry to hear sweet Ella had such a rough night. Our family is praying for yours and will lift Ella up during our day, especially praying for a good outcome from inserting the chest tube. Praise the Lord that Gramma arrived safely. Go Ella!! Go God!!

JoAnna King and Kids on August 24th, 2007 at 8:07 am #

Hang in there, the ups and downs can be devistating, but God is so big. Don’t forget to cry. My Josh was very good about reminding me that being weak at the feet of our Lord was a great place to be. We are praying and we love you guys (and we wish we could come to florida to visit, too)

Joan Odell on August 24th, 2007 at 8:28 am #

Oh Dear Hearts, We are thankful for the positive steps in her journey and know this will be a little hiccup that she will overcome. Very happy that Grandma is there now. This is good support for the two of you and another ‘on site’ support for Sweet Ella. Our prayers continue for her to reach the balance her little body needs with the new tube inserted. Love and hugs – Steve and Joan

Laura Blackwell on August 24th, 2007 at 9:15 am #

Thank you so much for taking the time to post updates. My three year old, Abby, is even praying for Ella. She has noticed me checking the internet and asked what I was doing. I showed her Ella’s pictures and she said “I’m praying for that baby too!”

Mary Lou Brantley (Jordan Brantley's grandmother) on August 24th, 2007 at 9:52 am #

We are continuing to pray for Ella and hope for the best with the fluids and the insertion of the chest tube. Also, thank you for remembering Jordan. Keep the faith! We know you will. Love and prayers, Mary Lou

Char Snyder Jordan on August 24th, 2007 at 9:57 am #

Once more we thank you for your willingness to share Ella with us. We want you to know we are proud of you and your courageous battle. Give Ella Strength to carry on. We are praying for a better day tomorrow. Bless Dr. Kays to have undaunted skill. As always, Aunt Char and Jim

Fran Jarrett on August 24th, 2007 at 10:33 am #

Sweet Ella, prayers are with you for a better day and for your fluids to reach the levels they need to be. And for the skills of Dr. Kays and Staff.
Josh and Tina, you are both so strong. Know that your faith will bring you through!

Daphne Hollowbush on August 24th, 2007 at 10:49 am #

Tina & Josh, We continue to pray for you and Ella–and for Dr. Kays and his staff. I’m glad your Mom is with you–I am sure it is conforting to have her there. Tell her we said “Hi.”
Love, Daphne & Ron

Dana Chambers on August 24th, 2007 at 10:59 am #

The posting and updates you are doing are amazing. I wake up to check on Ella every morning and love my bedtime update. It helps me to know what to pray about and keeps her in my thoughts and prayers daily. One question: What is the bandage across her forehead for?

We will be praying for her and know that God will continue to give her strength. Glad you have Mom support there now. It will be nice to have some company.

Love,
The Chambers’ Family

Tracy Mitchell on August 24th, 2007 at 12:30 pm #

Keith and I wanted to let you know we have been liftng Baby Ella and of course you two up in prayer daily. You two are soooo strong and have been such a blessing to us. I’ll talk to ya soon!

Heidi on August 24th, 2007 at 1:05 pm #

Praying for precious little Ella. The roller coaster of healing is a tough journey, but I am so thankful that our Lord is your strength! We are praying for continued strength for you both and for total healing for your daughter.

Williamsburg on August 24th, 2007 at 4:20 pm #

Looks like my day for seconds – I’ll second Joanna’s excellent advice not to forget to cry – I know you know this but tears don’t lessen your amazing courage or faith one bit – just reinforces your/our utter dependence on Someone so much bigger than we are and in complete control. Being so helpless and far away we rest in the fact that all three of you are in His hands and rejoice that Grandma is able to be there with you. We love you.

Cathie Firestone on August 24th, 2007 at 7:23 pm #

Hang in there Josh and Tina….the valleys are rough but they help make the mountain tops that much sweeter! In our weakness He is made strong…continue to cling to His promises. Luke’s prayer today was for Baby Ella’s Mommy and Daddy not to be scared…out of the mouths of babes! We continue to pray for rest and healing for Ella…for peace and stregth for both of you, and for wisdom for Dr. Kays and staff. I’m so glad to hear Grandma is there with you…lean on each other and on the One who sustains us all!

Alissa Ford on August 24th, 2007 at 9:12 pm #

We are praying for your little fighter…I know all too well what it is like to wait for our Lord to heal our NICU miracles…If you EVER need an ear to listen from someone who has walked in your shoes please email [email protected]
Praying for you and your husband too.
Alissa

Post a comment

Name:  (required)
Email:  (required)
URL: 
Comments: