Dec
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Posted (Tina) in All Posts on December-14-2010

I wanted to make sure to write a new post and update everyone on the last two weeks.

Once we checked out Ella’s heart and lungs via echo the day before Thanksgiving, the next theory for her pass out spells was due to reflux. Per the last post, we ended up increasing her dosage of Zantac and adding Children’s Pepto (calcium carbonate, three times per day). We went through Thanksgiving and a few days after without any pass out spells. There were times that she came close, but she did not pass out. Also, I tried to dial back on ingredients in her blenderized diet and go very basic.

Then, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving was her first appointment for therapies to start. From that point, she made it clear that she was not going to tolerate occupational, physical or speech therapy. Normally, I leave the room with the two dogs and let her “play” with her therapists. She does great. Now, I was not allowed to leave the room or be out of sight.

Over the past weeks, she had become increasingly clingy. Even without therapists, she has been extra fussy. I would feed her or change her diaper and need to wash my hands or walk to the kitchen (she can still see me) and she just loses it. I rush and hurry back, fearful of a pass out spell. Or she would finally get distracted by playing with her computer or watching a video, but then there is extra whining in the background. Normally, just holding her helps it to cease, but sometimes not. In other words, she is whining constantly. To me this means that whatever underlying medical condition is present, it was starting to worsen.

Some days we were lucky with no pass out spells. Other times, it would happen a handful of times throughout the day. Because the Zantac and Children’s Pepto did not seem to be curing her of the pass out spells, we went ahead with the upper GI & small bowel series that her doctor wanted her to have completed.

We spent all last Wednesday at the hospital for the test. They asked me to arrive for check-in at 10am with an appt at 10:30am. They were running behind and we did not start until 11am. Initially, they placed 180ml of barium contrast dye via her g-tube and took a bunch of xrays in different positions. Of course, she was not enjoying this process. The good news: her nissen looked intact so it did not appear that reflux was occurring.

Then, we had to go to the reception area and come back for xrays throughout the day. First, it was 15 min, then 20 min, then 35 minutes, then an hour. Normally, it takes about 4 follow-up xrays and 2 hours for a healthy kid to go through this test. Last time in June, it took 4 hours. By the time 6 hours was rolling around, I was getting concerned too. The nurses and xray techs were asking if I had to change her diaper at all. Nope. No barium dye diapers yet. Since it was late in the day and they were pretty sure it had reached her colon, they took one last xray of her upper chest. That seemed strange to me, but then again, nothing is ever too weird when it comes to Ella.

Last Friday, Dec 10th, they called to let me know that they noted something suspicious on the films. To make sure, they asked us to come back for a chest CT scan on Tues, Dec 14th (this morning). They wanted a high density scan which takes 20 minutes, so this meant that she was going to need general anethesia for the scan. We went through the normal process of no food and water and drove to the hospital. They asked us to check in at 10:30am. As usual, they were running behind and did not come out to get Ella until 12 noon. She was finally under anethesia at 12:30pm with the scan starting. By 1:15pm, she was in the recovery area and they came to get me. Unfortunately, they waited a bit too long because Ella was already awake with a nurse trying to hold her to calm her down. The nurse had no idea how much Ella does not like nurses and that she was worsening it by holding her. But I applauded her efforts and as I walked in the room, Ella motioned for me. One thing is for sure: she knows her Mom and she wanted me.

The nurse mentioned that Ella’s heart rate seemed very low – in the 50-60s – so they gave her some Rubidol via IV to help increase her heart rate. I explained that 50-60s is common for her when she is deeply relaxed and asleep. I guess the staff was unsure, so they administered a medicine to help increase her heart rate. I held Ella for about 45 minutes in the recovery area. She was still fussy. Normally when she comes out of anesthesia, some cuddling keeps whining at bay. But today, she was still whining while I was holding her. These are the moments that I wish my daughter had speech, so she could tell me how and what she is feeling. It is just a helpless feeling as a parent to feel like there is nothing you can do to make her feel better. By 3pm, we were home and I was giving her some Pedialyte. She had not been given any fluids or food since the prior evening. As of now, she has had three large boluses of Pedialyte and we will try some food via g-tube before she goes to bed this evening.

Around 5pm I misplaced my cell phone and realized that I left it in the car. Sure enough when I picked it up, there was a voicemail from the hospital. The voicemail confirmed a nightmare: Ella has reherniated and there are loops of bowel above her left diaphragm.

We’re supposed to receive a call tomorrow to let us know the next steps as far as when Ella will be admitted for surgery. They do not consider it emergent in nature, as this has probably been slowly happening and worsening over the past several months. It couldn’t have happened too long ago. She just had bowel surgery in April (and they removed all of her bowel, repaired it and put it back into her cute body). Plus, she had the same two tests in June (upper GI with small bowel series and chest CT scan) and this did not show as an issue. So sometime between July and now, this likely occurred. I wonder if it happened with all her violent retching every day over those months; I guess that is one theory. If nothing else, it probably explains why she has been having the pass out spells, first coming on slowly and then increasing in frequency. It can’t feel good to have bowel in your chest!

Please pray for Ella – that she will remain stable, have a successful surgery and a quick recovery. And please pray for us as her parents. It is so hard to get this news. Our daughter has been through so much and continues to endure so many challenges.

Here is a poem I came across recently from another mom that struck a chord:

I Had Plans

I had plans…
such perfect plans…
of how our life would be…
A perfect job, a perfect home…
a perfect family.

It seemed like it should be that way…
(of course we’d have our trials)
But most days would be sunshine…
Laughter,love, and smiles…

And then, as I held pictures…
of my child, not yet born…
And heard the words “a heart defect”…
My own heart became torn.

First came the “Hows”…
Then came the “Whys”…
Then came the question…
What if my child dies?

Hiding for a little while…
trying so hard just to cope…
Wondering will she be okay?
living each moment with hope…

I thought that perhaps, someday…
I could breathe with a sigh of relief…
And know that she will be okay…
And let go of my grief…

It seems that moment doesn’t come…
As each day starts anew…
I realize I must start each day…
By giving her to You…

Whatever Your plan for her life is…
I trust that it’s written with care…
And You are God no matter what…
(Even when life isn’t fair)

So I will really LOVE today…
So thankful that she’s here…
And give her too many kisses…
And try to let go of my fear…

I’ll try not to be so resentful…
And remember that life is for living…
I’ll smile just knowing, she’s here with us now…
And hold tightly to each day we’re given.

~Stephanie Husted



Kim Brennan on December 14th, 2010 at 9:41 pm #

Hello West Family, You are always in our thoughts and prayers. I wanted to tell you that while my dad was ill, he was on a feeding tube for months and had a bad reflux problem as a result. We tried all kinds of meds suggested by the drs. What really helped him were some natural enzymes and a massive amount of probiotics. Slowly it helped with digestion. Call me is you have any questions or want to chat about digestion. I am happy to share our experiences with you. We will continue to keep you all in our hearts and prayers. Merry Christmas love Kim & Brian Brennan

Kim Brennan on December 14th, 2010 at 9:42 pm #

Oops a number might help! Cell (949)xxx-xxxx. Hugs

Jennifer on December 14th, 2010 at 10:00 pm #

UGH! Praying for that sweet girl and y’all. This makes me so sad but still hopeful…imagine the strides she’s going to make when everything is where is should be!
Hugs to you Tina!

Julie on December 14th, 2010 at 11:16 pm #

I don’t even know what to say. So sorry to hear this news. Keeping you guys in prayer.

Pat Hadden on December 14th, 2010 at 11:32 pm #

How sad. At least they do not consider it an emergency. Poor Ella. She has been through so much in her short life. Hope this goes smoothly and you can all enjoy Christmas as a family at home.

The Brittain Family on December 15th, 2010 at 1:11 am #

I seem to recall Dr. Kays poignant words “privilege” when referring to the undesired possibility of reherniation. Perhaps my memory fails but it is wonderful to remember the miracles we have seen & trust that this surgery, too, is in God’s hands. So sorry she has to go thru this again šŸ™ thankful for the care she’s receiving that picked this problem up. Your family is amazing! We’ll be praying with you!

Terri Trainer on December 15th, 2010 at 4:15 am #

Sweet friends, I’m so sorry to hear this news. Praying for an uneventful surgery and quick recovery. Know you are 1oved! Miss you – T

Dana Chambers on December 15th, 2010 at 6:43 am #

I am sorry to hear this news… but glad you have an answer.

Ellie Brown on December 15th, 2010 at 6:57 am #

Poor Ella, you are one strong little girl. I will be praying.

Dawn Franck on December 15th, 2010 at 7:43 am #

First off, Tina, I want to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY today regardless of this news. Second, I want to say how sorry I am to hear the latest news about Ella. It saddens my heart every time I hear that she needs another surgery. On the other hand, I am so grateful for medical advances today that make these diagnostic tests and surgery’s possible to make Ella more comfortable. Please keep us posted on her surgery and her condition. P.S. I hope you can take a few minutes out for yourself today to celebrate your birthday and have a little much needed “me time”. Lots of love!!!!

Kelli Billman on December 15th, 2010 at 8:37 am #

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TINA!

Eve Johnson on December 15th, 2010 at 8:48 am #

Love. Prayers. Faith. All for you, West family.

Jennifer Harris on December 15th, 2010 at 9:18 am #

We will pray that this surgical procedure will be the ‘cure all’ and Ella will fully recover and be the miracle we know she is. Peace and Blessings to your family and may GOD be with you and bless you abundantly.

Loren Lizotte on December 15th, 2010 at 9:37 am #

Big hugs out to you from your family in Florida. Prayers for you everyday!
Loren

Eve Sheridan on December 15th, 2010 at 10:22 am #

I’m sure it was very difficult to hear this news and to endure lots of hours at the hospital for all the tests and xrays. Hopefully once she has the surgery, she’ll be a heck of a lot more comfortable! We are here for you, Josh and Ella if you need any extra support with anything while you go through this. We can bring you food, help with the dogs, whatever. Just let us know and we’ll be there. Sending lots of hugs, prayers and positive thoughts.

julie kirk on December 15th, 2010 at 10:53 am #

Bless her little heartā™„ Prayers for success and a speedy recovery for Ella and prayers for you and Josh as you experience another trying time. love you all.

Marge (A Friend in Indiana) on December 15th, 2010 at 11:21 am #

All of you are always in my prayers and I pray now for a successful surgery for Ella and a quick and good recovery; she is so grown up and such a beautiful and inspiring little girl.
May God Bless you all and give you peace and comfort in His love.

Steve and Joan on December 15th, 2010 at 1:44 pm #

Dearest West Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you enter this phase of life’s journey. Wish we could be there to assist with any needs you have in the coming days and to give you hugs. He continues to bless each of us with his love, comfort and guidance. Lord Bless and love to you…..

Heidi Ham on December 15th, 2010 at 3:29 pm #

Josh and Tina…so sorry to hear the latest news for you and for Ella…the poem was beautiful and I pray for a successful procedure for Ella.

Linda on December 17th, 2010 at 4:07 pm #

Tina and Josh—— Your family is costantly in my prayers and I enjoyed so much the video of Ella walking. I know it really is a joy for you to see how far she has come. Good luck in the coming days and I hope your family has a very merry Christmas.

Janel Litzner on December 17th, 2010 at 8:31 pm #

I am so sad as I read this last update. You all will be in our prayers. Our Elijah is about to have his 4th diaphragm repair in two weeks so we completely understand the heartache. Thank you for sharing that poem. It has encouraged me this evening as another hurting mom. So thankful we can lean on our Savior who is in complete control.

Laura on December 18th, 2010 at 3:27 am #

You are all on quite a journey, be blessed. Take special care of each other.

Tara Hayes on December 18th, 2010 at 5:12 am #

Praying that sweet Ella will endure this sidestep procedure with grace and be back to making precious movies for us soon! She models such joy and delight even in the face of adversity. it is my privilege to be part of ella’s prayer team – rejoicing in her smile and strength to overcome so much during these 3 years. I am honored to call on my Heavenly Father a few more times each day to just to pray for Ella and your family during this surgery. I will pray for God’s healing hand on her speedy recovery and that He will continue to use Ella through your family to bring hope, encouragement and delight so many others for His glory! May you find peace, comfort, and joy as you delight in Him this Christmas.

Tara Hayes on December 18th, 2010 at 5:59 am #

On a side note…the morning of Dec 14 began like any other day for me…up at 4:45am and off for a morning run with the girls, then back to my house for coffee, Bible study and prayer. I had an overwhelming desire to lift Ella in prayer and in doing so my teammates sked about Ella (they hadn’t heard me share anything about her since thanksgiving) I let them know that was the last post I had. So we prayed for Ella knowing that while we did not know her needs, our Father and Great Physician did. Can I tell you how precious it was to report to those girls the next day that, while we were miles away from your family that morning, God had ordained that moment to unite our hearts in prayer – specifically to petition for Ella as her needs were changing.
The previous update was Thanksgiving – pages filled with Ella cruising around and smiles everywhere! But our hearts were led that morning to pray…for Ella to continue to develop into the beautiful young lady that God created her to be. And that she would continue to teach us adding joy, hope, perseverance, encouragement and value to our lives for His glory!
priveleged to pray for Ella.

Debra Regier on December 25th, 2010 at 2:17 pm #

Glad to hear about where you and your family has been. I so often care for kids like Ella, now I will know to pray for her specificially!

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