Jul
26
     
Day 3 – Evening
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on July-26-2007

Ella went on ECMO this afternoon.
 
When a child has a severe condition that has not responded to the normal therapy of a respirator, medicines, and extra oxygen, they could die but ECMO can be used to help save their life. ECMO stands for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. The ECMO machine is very similar to a heart-lung bypass machine that they use for open heart surgery. When a child is placed on ECMO, the blood receives oxygen from an artificial lung in the ECMO circuit. The artificial lung in the ECMO circuit provides the child’s blood with oxygen needed to live until her lungs are able to function on their own.
 
In Ella’s case, the surgical procedure to connect her to the ECMO machine requires tying off her carotid artery. If you think about it, this is surgery in and of itself! Dr. Kays reported that Ella did well during the procedure.Although ECMO has its own risks, we are hoping that this machine helps to stabilize her over the next few days. As you will see in the photos, this is a MASSIVE machine that requires a specially certified technician to monitor the machine at all times.
 
For the first few days, Ella had a nurse 24/7 at her bedside monitoring her stats. In addition, she will now have a respiratory specialist that is certified to operate ECMO equipment at her bedside to monitor the machine and make sure that the levels in the machine are proper (all the blood gases in the machine, platelet count, etc.) and try to minimize any failure of the machine, since that can have devastating consequences.
 
Her first hour on ECMO was very promising. All of her stats looked the best that they had been since she was born (good heart rate, blood pressure, blood gases in line, etc.). This is the result of the ECMO machine. Since the ECMO machine is doing the work of the lungs, it will give Ella a chance to rest. Her body has been taxed the past few days; it has tried very hard to work…and yet unsuccessfully. The ECMO machine should bring all her vital signs of stability more in line where they should be while giving her body a little break.
 
Please continue to pray for her…we want to see her get stable enough so that she can have surgery to move the extra contents in her chest back down to her abdomen…which will give her lungs the room they need to grow! The next few days are very important!


Dawn Tucker on July 26th, 2007 at 8:41 pm #

Hi Tina and Josh,
I am a good friend of Tamara (Evan’s Mom) and I have spent time with Tracy. I live 3 1/2 hours south of where you are. I have been reading your story and I am so amazed by your faith! It truly is awesome how God put all of you together in one place. As you share your struggles you can lift each other up through His truth. I will be praying for Ella and I do BELIEVE with all my heart that God is Soveriegn and He can do what we are asking him to do. I know that His will is perfect and His love is omnipotent. I look forward to meeting you in person and celebrating Ella’s miracle with you.

May God continue to move in that hospital through each of you. May He strengthen you, and hold you in His grip. Continue to trust and believe. I am!

Love, Blessings, and Prayers…Dawn Tucker
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20

Char Snyder Jordan on July 26th, 2007 at 10:00 pm #

We are praying for your success and know that we love you and are grateful for Ella’s arrival.

Grammycharlotte on July 27th, 2007 at 6:17 am #

She is beautiful! Strong prayers are continuing.

Eusey Family on July 27th, 2007 at 7:44 am #

Megan, Richard, Claire & Ryan are all praying for their cousin Ella.

John & Estela Williams on July 27th, 2007 at 7:45 am #

Every morning I eagerly get on line to get Ella’s update… this morning I am tears for Ella and Johnathan. I have asked God to look over these angels. Love you guys!

Kevin & Sara Allen on July 27th, 2007 at 8:17 am #

We rejoice with you on the arrival of your precious Ella. Know that we pray for you often. We love you, all three of you!

Tara Jackson on July 27th, 2007 at 8:17 am #

My prayers are with you and your family.

Elizabeth Williams on July 27th, 2007 at 8:19 am #

Congratulations on the new arrival, my most sincere wishes for Ella to get well soon. I will keep her in my prayers. Sincerely, Elizabeth

Stacey Haygood on July 27th, 2007 at 8:37 am #

Thinking about all of you and praying for you.

Adrienne Go on July 27th, 2007 at 11:27 am #

I can tell that Ella is beautiful and spunky like her mom. I think about and pray for you all every day.

Monica Harang on July 27th, 2007 at 12:00 pm #

You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Loren on July 27th, 2007 at 12:34 pm #

She is so beautiful… and Meaty, my goodness. Keep up the work!

Gloria Butler Jacobsen & Red on July 27th, 2007 at 2:40 pm #

Hi Tina & Josh,I have been praying for Ella every morning at communion.I will of couse contine to pray for darling Ella abd you both that the Lord Jesus,continues to srenghen all 3 of you.and brings Ella to full health and safely to baptism. Lots of prayers and love!! Gloria & Red ( he’s praying too!!

Lisa on July 27th, 2007 at 2:53 pm #

Ella,

You go, baby girl. We’re all thinking of you.

Kevin and Dana on July 27th, 2007 at 3:47 pm #

Wow!! What a precious little girl. You guys did a great job. We are praying for little Ella that she gets better, and for strength that you both need to take care of her. XO

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