Sep
03
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on September-3-2007


Ella had another great day. Her stats (high 90’s) and blood gases (cO2 = 47, pO2 = 114) maintained so well that Dr. Kays reduced the FiO2 on the ventilator to 55 earlier today. As of late tonight, she was still maintaining quite well.

Another change: Dr. Kays increased the amount of octreotide (the medicine given to reduce fluids). Originally, he was giving 3.5; he doubled the dosage to 7. This is the maximum amount that a baby of her size can receive.

Although we have had really good results with the fluid reduction so far, he still wants to see her fluids way less. His immediate goal is to have her fluid output under 300 per day. As of the last 24 hour period, it was 340. The results for 9/2 will be available at 7am tomorrow morning.

It will take a few days to see the maximum impact from the highest dosage of octreotide. From there, we will be able to tell if the fluid reduction has been sufficient enough or if we need to consider other therapies.

Within the next few days we also expect to hear from Dr. Kays on whether or not he is recommending another “balloon” treatment for her collapsed superior vena cava (SVC syndrome). Our hope is that the head swelling has reduced enough that we can skip that procedure all together, but we will have to wait and see.

One side note: when we first saw Ella today, we noted that she had inadvertently scratched her cheek. Her nails were getting so long and due to the blood thinner, you cannot clip her nails. But, we found out that we could file her nails.

So, yes, Ella had her first manicure in the NICU as Mom filed down her nails! She was alert, looking around and staring at her monkeys while I worked on her hands. The pictures did not turn out well, but trust me, it was pretty cute.

Thanks for the continued prayers for Ella – – they are working! We are seeing God slowly restore her strength and heal her body.

It has been an amazing journey…we thank you for participating with us.

P.S. I know many were gone for the holiday weekend, so if you didn’t get a chance to see Sunday’s post, you’ll want to check it out. The video is cute and really shows Ella’s progress =).



Laura Blackwell on September 3rd, 2007 at 9:33 pm #

All this good news is so exciting! Continued prayers about fluid levels and for more FUN times with your girl. Also, congrats on the “Anniversary!” You didn’t need to date that picture =) I think that was the standard prom backdrop from 1987-1993. You guys were cute then too!! Thanks for the update and opportunity to uplift your girl.

Grandpa Jack on September 3rd, 2007 at 9:37 pm #

I might as well be the first to post!!! Ella is responding to the 100’ss of prayer and healing requests from many people throughout the U. S.
Praise GOD !!!!!!

Love to All

Grandpa and Mom

Char Snyder Jordan on September 3rd, 2007 at 9:42 pm #

We are so excited to see the forward progress and actually we can tell she is growing. We are continually reminded of your continual great love for Ella and of course the Lord. We love you and are with you. LOL Aunt Char and Jim

Alissa Ford on September 3rd, 2007 at 9:53 pm #

She is looking so great..What a beautiful daughter you have…I look forward to seeing her grow and develop, even if it is in the blog world. You are continuously in our prayers, as we know first hand how stressful the NICU roller coaster is. Congratulations on the milestone…every one is to be cherished.

Joel Snyder on September 3rd, 2007 at 10:24 pm #

Ella, I am glad to see that you had a wonderful day. I am praying that we can get more fluid reduction and more terrific days. Manny and Taco said to say hello to the “Gator Girl”. Have a great night. Love!!!!! Grandpa

Lesli on September 4th, 2007 at 2:41 am #

How special it must have been to be able to attend to that need of hers…the first mommy-daughter manicure. YAY!

Lesli

Loren on September 4th, 2007 at 6:34 am #

Hi Ella,
You Go Girl!
Your Tampa Fans

Joan Odell on September 4th, 2007 at 6:49 am #

Congratulations on this special anniversary time for you!!She just looks better and better and we are so happy and excited for all of you. The Lord has a plan as we knew from the beginning – He is wonderful and so very loving! Prayers continue for each of you and her continued improvement and stabilization. Lord Bless and hugs. Steve and Joan

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