Ella’s rough night turned into a so-so day. The swelling in her head was starting to cause a bit more concern. For this reason Dr. Kays ordered an echocardiogram thinking that there may be a clot in her superior vena cava. After two of these tests were performed, one by a tech and another by a cardiologist, they were unable to confirm any conclusive results.
Tina and her mom spent most of the day with baby Ella. I think it was hard for them to see her so swollen (heck, it was hard for me to see her so swollen the other day too).
Dr. Kays had planned on adding a second chest tube this afternoon, but held off due to this mornings x-ray results. He did turn down her O2 level on the ventilator to 50, and she seemed to tolerate it ok, but throughout the afternoon she became agitated.
Tina and Grandma came back to pick me up around 8pm tonight. We grabbed a bite and then headed back over to the hospital. We found a couple things had occurred in our absence.
Ella’s stats dropped after 8pm, without a quick rebound, and the staff paged Dr. Kays. He then took another chest x-ray and it looked as though the fluid was building up again on her right side. Right then and there, he decided to add the other chest tube. Immediately her stats improved and within an hour and a half, 100 mL drained from her right side. This confirmed that the additional chest tube was working.
Tina and I spent a good amount of time with her tonight and she seemed very comfortable. The swelling in her body and head appeared to have reduced as well. We were all encouraged by how well she looked tonight, and her stats confirmed how well she was doing. Dr. Kays mentioned that he was still “pleased” with where she is at, but he’s planning on having another echocardiogram done on Monday just to be sure.
We’ll get some better sleep tonight knowing that our little girl seems to be back on the right track.
Please continue to pray for the safe reduction of fluid and for no ill affects related to her swollen head. She still has more fluid to lose and it needs to be done slowly and safely.
Thanks for all the love and support!
A FEW SIDE NOTES: First off, a praise report: baby Evan got to go home today! Second, for the people who may be concerned that we aren’t letting out our tears, be assured that we are crying plenty =). Also, the question was asked about the “bandage” across Ella’s head. Actually, it’s a sensor pad that’s used to monitor oxygen saturations in her brain. Finally, Grandma brought 2 other monkeys to join Ella’s zoo: Julep (hot pink) and Ramona!
UPDATE (1:45am EST): Just gave a quick call to the NICU to check on Ella, and nurse Lisa confirmed that she is doing real well. Just wanted to let you all know. =)
Jeremiah 29:11 "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."
Eusey Family on August 24th, 2007 at 10:34 pm #
Okay Sweet Ella, many many prayers coming your way tonight. Josh, thanks for the update tonight – we sit here on pins and needles as we pray that our baby girl is improving. Okay some set backs, but she is a fighter and is due for a good night tonight. Go Ella, Go God. Claire added a WOHOO tonight. She says God is great WOHOO! Okay, God we need some relief for our Sweet Ella tonight. Please bless her with some improved stats and slow and steady fluid loss. Thanks God. Rick, Shannon, Megan, Richard, Claire and Ryan
Laura Blackwell on August 24th, 2007 at 10:52 pm #
Still praying for Ella in California.
Eusey Family on August 24th, 2007 at 10:58 pm #
Love the early am update. You guys have no idea how much they mean to us. Love you all. Sleep well. Shannon
Jodi on August 25th, 2007 at 12:44 am #
You probably won’t remember me — I’m a friend of John & Julie and I was one of their bridesmaids. But I did want to let you know that I check in here a few times a day to see how Ella is doing. We are also praying for all of you and especially for Ella. She is a blessing, not just to you but to so many of us who already love her — even just learning about her over the net.
tamara tessmer (evans mom) on August 25th, 2007 at 12:45 am #
Tina and Josh- you all are in our prayers. I lift up your little girl to our heavenly father and I ask him to guard her and protect her. I ask him to heal her little body from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. Lord Lesus be with this family and move in a mighty way. May your glory and awesome power be revealed through this child.. I love you guys.
kristin on August 25th, 2007 at 12:53 am #
Oh Sweet Ella. I know your parents want to cradle you in their arms and kiss away the hurts and the fluid. All of us are there providing tender kisses, thoughts, and prayers of healing and peace. Your fingers and hands are those of your Mother. Your Grandmother has the same graceful, beautiful and strong hands. Keep resting our sweet. You are so loved.
Joel Snyder on August 25th, 2007 at 4:08 am #
Josh and Tina, Sorry I missed the update. Good to see Grandma is on the job.I am praying that Ella will get back to the same steady progress. Great to see Julep and Ramona helping Reneke and Mr.”CR”. I Love and Miss You!!!!!!!!!!!!! Grandpa
Laura Marold on August 25th, 2007 at 5:59 am #
Loving thoughts and prayers being sent your way this early morning. Ella has been through so much but she is still a very lucky little girl. She has caring and concerned parents, a loving and unified family, and a HUGE circle of friends all praying for her now. When she’s well she is going to be the most popular little girl!!! Remember that great things are possible. I’m praying for a wonderful day for Ella and some comfort for her parents and Grandmother. Laura M.
Julie MacDonald (Megan's Godmommy) on August 25th, 2007 at 7:18 am #
Thinking of you today Ella! Lots of good wishes being sent your way!
Lisa (Ms. Texas) on August 25th, 2007 at 7:22 am #
She is so beautiful.You can really see all of her delicate features when her swelling is reduced! Dr. Kays seems to be right on the money when it comes to her care! God bless!
Williamsburg on August 25th, 2007 at 8:33 am #
Ok, ok, we’ll lay off the advice – maybe we just need to know it’s ok for us to be crying too, ’cause we are. We love and miss you so much and wish we could be with you. So grateful for Dr. Kays’ alert wisdom in managing Ella’s care so closely – maybe we just want to do the same thing for Mom and Dad =) Praise God for everything He is doing in and thru this situation – you are in our hearts 24/7 sweet Ella. XOXOXO
Anne on August 25th, 2007 at 8:34 am #
You don’t know me… I’m a friend of a friend of Josh’s mom… (Josh, you have a wonderful skill with words, you really make the reader “see” your story!) just want you to know that we’re praying for you guys and Ella out here on the “left” coast, too! Post a comment
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