Feb
19
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on February-19-2011
WARNING: Graphic surgery photos below

It’s been a month since we’ve been home from the hospital and it has been busy!

Ella had a rough few weeks at home getting her body adjusted back to everything. The first week, we continued the Compleat Pediatric diet regimen as we had tried at the hospital post-surgery. In hind sight, this food did not work great the few days prior to surgery so I’m not sure why we thought it would be that different after surgery. As expected, the Compleat Pediatric diet caused all kinds of issues: tummy distention, gas, etc. After a feed immediately and for several hours, she looked like she was 9 months pregnant with twins! And we would vent or decompress between feeds and we were not getting a bunch out of her g-tube. This meant that the food was draining from her tummy fine, but I think it was making her GI tract very unhappy, thus the distention. She was not going #2 on her own and when we would use stimulants such as Senna or suppositories, we would get watery diarrhea. We were doing lots and lots of laundry. It was a frustrating time knowing that Ella just felt miserable.

After the first horrendous week, Josh suggested we switch back to the homemade blenderized diet. Her tummy did not seem quite as distended, but she was still uncomfortable and fussy after feeds. I tried smaller amounts, several times per day and it did not seem to be making much difference in her comfort. Simultaneously, we switched back to using Miralax, because our thought was to see if we could get her back to what was working the best prior to surgery. At the same time, we decided that it was time to start therapies again so we called all of her therapists, so we could get back on their calendars.

At the 2 week timeframe, we went to visit the surgeon as a follow-up. Her scar has been healing well. He also gave us photos from the operating room. It was amazing to see just how large the opening was in her diaphragm.



The same day, we also went to the GI doctor to discuss our feeding and GI challenges. When Ella was weighed: she came back at 12.3 kilos (27.06 pounds) which is the low point she was at right after surgery. In other words, she had lost more weight since being home from the hospital. So, we came up with a plan to try and see if we could make some improvement:

  1. Continue increasing Miralax to a point where Ella is going several times per day, with the right consistency that is not causing her to strain in any way
  2. To help with weight gain, add one more packet of MCT Procal to her food (3 packets daily) along with 12 scoops per day of DuoCal, another calorie enhancing powder
  3. Substitue items in the blenderized diet to reduce the volume we need to give Ella to 1000ml per day, so we can get the biggest impact (e.g. instead of 8 oz of fruit juice, substitute a jar of baby fruit)
  4. Call in an order to Apria for a new food pump that can be worn in a backpack – try using food pump to see if slower drip will make her more comfortable

So, I found a backpack in the basement that was given to us by a children’s foundation on one of our various hospital stays and put just a tiny bit of weight in it. I wanted to see if Ella would tolerate wearing the backpack. We switched out the food pump with Apria and started to try the drip feeds. Once again, Ella proved to do worse with drip feeds. I’m not really sure why, but she seemed even more miserable. One again, we determined that Ella does not follow the rules. She tends to do better with a larger volume given all at once and longer breaks in-between feeds. The only part that was great: seeing my little girl walk around with a backpack on – she looked so cute. It seemed like she was going to run and stand outside waiting for the school bus.

Oh, another thing we tried and it didn’t work great, but we just had to try: we found ourselves out in the RV and forgot her stroller. So when we went into a restaurant, we carried her O2 tank and accepted the offer of a high chair – that was a first. Did I mention that putting the O2 tank on the back side of the booth and running your over-sized touché into it on more than one occasion does not feel good? Once again, it only lasted moments (I ended up having to hold her) but she looked like such a big girl!

One positive outcome right away since surgery: she is passing out way less frequently. The only times now seem to be when she is in some type of really bad pain, like gas. I only know because at the height of the pass out spell, she relieves a bunch of gas. And I think all of us know what painful gas can feel like – I guess she just doesn’t have the reserve in that moment to take another breath. But the episodes are much less frequent. Also since the cath lab procedure and being home, we’ve been able to reduce her oxygen requirement to 3/4 liter versus 1 liter. In the past, we’ve had these reduced oxygen periods after a cath lab procedure – everything is nice and wide open. This time, we’d like to think that she is getting stronger, but only time will tell.




Ella is getting more used to playing on the iPad, specifically with an app called “ABC Wildlife”. When I turn it on for her, I can see her getting more interested and engaged. She’s even started to try and tap the screen herself. My favorite thing: the iPad will be turned off, she will see it, walk over and start tapping on the dark screen. No words necessary – I think I know what that means!!!

Another big project this past month: changing insurance. Our COBRA coverage ended on 1/31/2011, so we finally made the switch to a new insurance plan. Plus Ella was approved for Medicaid last fall, but we had already reached all the out-of-pocket maximums for the year, so we really did not end up using Medicaid for doctor visits or medicines. With the new year, it meant getting everything lined up with Medicaid too. Many of Ella’s medications require prior authorization from the primary insurance as well as Medicaid, in order for them to be covered. We even had to go through and switch her most expensive medicine: sildenafil. Even though it is thousands of dollars more, the primary insurance as well as Medicaid would not cover this medicine for pulmonary hypertension. Why? Because it is the same main ingredient found in Viagra. So, we had to change her prescription to Revatio. This is the brand name of the drug whereas sildenafil is the generic name for the drug. The difference in cost is thousands. Silly that they will not see her medical case and simply make an exception for sildenafil because it would cost the insurance company and Medicaid way less money. Another frustration: Medicaid is supposed to cover the costs that our primary insurance will not. But the system is tricky – if the pharmacy makes a medicine starting from a powder versus crushing tablets, can be the difference of whether or not Medicaid pays the difference. So this month, we were able to resolve all but two of the compounds. Hopefully, next month we’ll be able to figure out all of them so that we do not have to pay any put-of-pocket costs for meds (which previously has been hundreds of dollars).

We had 3 visitors since our last post:
A quick drop-by from a CA friend that we have known for years

Grandma West for 9 days



Cousin Pete for the weekend

Grandma West did start her huge project of hand painting Ella’s table and chairs, but only got 1/3 way through, so we don’t have any unveiling yet. Here is an unfinished chair – I think you get the idea – it’s going to be very fancy and princess-like.

It was definitely snowy and cold while Grandma West was visiting!

It has felt like a baking extravaganza this past month. When Grandma West was here, we made a couple batches of cookies and a carrot cake for my Bunco group. Then for Valentine’s Day dinner when Cousin Pete was in-town, I made a layered red velvet cake (that was a first) and chocolate covered strawberries.


Finally, Josh’s work had a company meeting and asked everyone to bring something homemade. I opted to make another carrot cake and when I had leftover frosting, my creative juices got flowing and I put their logo on the cake. I must admit, it was fun!

We went to the pediatrician this week, just for a follow-up since our big procedure. I let Ella out of the stroller to walk around and strut her stuff. The doctor was so pleased with how she looked and her increased exploration and interactive skills. The last time he saw her was late October when we were first trying the blenderized diet – she was still retching a lot, uncomfortable, feeding/pooping challenges, she was not walking, etc. He was really happy with her progress. Also, the scale looked favorable. According to his equipment, Ella has gained 2 pounds. We’ll see if that is the real weight gain when we see the GI doctor late this upcoming week. The reality is: I’m hopeful that we have weight gain that is not fluid-related.



Josh had a chance to go snow boarding with friends from work! I was jealous…

One bit of heavy news: we also learned that Grandma Eusey has endometrial cancer and needs surgery in mid-March. We’re hoping and praying that is all she needs to eliminate the cancer completely. Please pray for Ella’s grandma!

For those of you that were praying for Elijah, I wanted to report that he was sent home from the hospital on February 7th, so just under two weeks ago. Pictures are worth a thousand words, so I think all I need to do is post this picture:

Tonight, we get our first respite session since December, before the holidays. No offense against the Bun, but it will be nice to take a break this evening and let someone else play with her!

And then when you have the rough days where just nothing seems to be going right and Ella is fussy and the dogs are crazy, you can get surprised by a message received from someone you don’t know:

Hi hope and pray your baby Ella is doing well.We have been following your blog on and off for the last 4 mnths.Our little girl Faith was diagnosed with CDH at 20 weeks. Today i felt compelled to reach out to your family. Maybe because our baby has 11 more days before she comes into this world.My wife is due March 1st for a C section.Today i just felt a connection,your little girl gives us hope for the our baby Faith. I have learned so much from your blog on what to expect.Thank you for your time in writing your blog. We will continue to follow your babys progress,we hope and pray all goes well. Thank you for all the Bible Readings in your blog they help to get through the difficult times and will help in the days to come. Thank You. May God Be with your family.

All the best to Faith and her parents as they enter the next chapter of their journey with CDH.

It’s these little nuggets that mean so much and remind you that this journey goes much deeper than just our day-to-day experiences, but that God has a bigger plan and purpose for Ella Renae. He’s guided her life since the beginning and continues to through each day.

Psalm 33:21 (NLT)
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

Three years ago

Today



Elizabeth Norman on February 19th, 2011 at 8:21 pm #

So happy to get your latest news. I had just been thinking today that we hadn’t heard for a while. Ella looks so adorable and your dogs are so cute. We will continue keeping you in our prayers and add Grandma Mary and Baby Faith.

Terri Trainer on February 19th, 2011 at 8:24 pm #

All I can say is…WOW!! And, you’re one heck of a domestic goddess!! Love you and can’t wait to see you!!!

Uncle Cliff, Aunt Diane and cuz' Sonic on February 19th, 2011 at 10:23 pm #

All 3 of you are exceptional human beings. I wished we lived closer to see, hang out and help you. Prayers and thoughts from CA everyday, also to Faith and Elijah. Special prayers going out to Mary. Love and Miss Ya !!! The HB Gang

Pat Hadden on February 19th, 2011 at 11:43 pm #

Thanks for the update guys. Fingers crossed that Ella is gaining weight and continues her great progress! Much love.

Joyce Pineau on February 20th, 2011 at 1:51 am #

I am so happy to hear an update on how Ella is doing. I was thinking about her the other day and wondering. Thanks for keeping everyone posted. She is such a doll and looks great. I will continue to keep her in prayer.

Jennifer on February 20th, 2011 at 7:47 am #

Thanks for the update! I think of y’all often and marvel at Ella’s journey. She’s so, so beautiful and beyond amazing.

Loren Lizotte on February 20th, 2011 at 8:51 am #

Ella is getting so big and beautiful. Amazing photos Tina. Josh I think you need to take Tina snow boarding, it’s just too much fun!
We always keep you in our hearts and our prayers.

Steve and Joan on February 20th, 2011 at 9:25 am #

Soooo good to hear from you guys. Ella, you look awesome and it’s obvious you are experiencing new thoughts and sensations. YEA! We’re happy for your progress!! Prayers continue for the Wests, Grandma Eusey and Elijah. Hugs and Blessings,,,,Steve and Joan

Eve Johnson on February 20th, 2011 at 3:56 pm #

Your updates are always sunshine in my day. Ella continues to amaze. And the dogs? Hilarious!

The Williams on February 21st, 2011 at 7:43 am #

Truly a blessing, the photos, the updates, the memories, the food… will keep Grandma Eusey lifted in prayer during this difficult time. The chair is gorgeous.. what a talent! Love you all!

Linda on February 21st, 2011 at 8:22 am #

So glad to hear from you. I have been continually praying for Ella and had commented that we had not heard from you since Ella came home from the hospital. Ella is such an inspiration to sooooo many people and I know she has changed many people’s lives. Good to hear that she is progressing.

Heidi Ham on February 22nd, 2011 at 11:19 am #

My goodness you all have been very busy…I hope you and Josh enjoyed your evening together and had a special time to reconnect. I love Ella’s pigtails – you bless us all and those in special need of your situation…thank you West Family.

Laura on February 23rd, 2011 at 5:29 am #

Hello West family! I am so glad to see things are going so well right now. Seeing how much Ella is growing and changing never ceases to amaze me. Hope everything continues to progress well and you can get the feeding issues under control soon. Lots of hugs from your favorite nurse 🙂

Denise Schmidt on March 29th, 2011 at 11:42 am #

Such a beautiful little princess. Praying for your family always. Love from San Jose CA

Vivien on July 4th, 2011 at 8:11 am #

Hello I am from Hong Kong and it just happened to get into your website seeing your beautiful and lovely Ella who grows happier and stronger each day!! I am so touching by seeing your pictures with beautiful Ella..I can feel that you are the most wonderful mum in the world. May Ella become healthier and healthier day by day and all the best to your family!! =^.^=

Post a comment

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