Praise God – Ella is doing better!
When we visited her last night, the first sight of relief was a “Fab Four” nurse – Nurse Michelle. Big breath! Then as we approached the bedside, Ella was awake. It was so nice to see those big eyes again! Also, even though it was very late, Dr. Kays was also in the NICU. He was on call for surgery, so he stopped by to touch base.
The vent was weened earlier that night to 45% oxygen and 45 breaths per minute. He did mention that he was a bit concerned that the left chest tube was not draining as much as he wanted to see. The chest fluid output numbers were low and the chest x-ray was the proof that there was still too much fluid on the left side.
When the chest x-ray is completed this morning, he will be looking for significant improvement on the left side. If it is not present, we may want to send her down for a CAT scan so he can get a better idea of how the fluid is sitting in the chest.
From there, Ella had a stable night and has been doing well this morning for nurse Sally. Her latest blood gas was cO2=64, pO2=141, which is good. Her total chest fluid output for yesterday was 183 (R=133, L=50).
Although we have not talked to Dr. Kays, we are making an assumption that he was happy with her chest x-ray this morning. How do we know? He went ahead and made several other changes!
First, he weened her vent setting to 40% oxygen and 40 breaths per minute. Keep strong baby girl…
Starting this afternoon, he is going to try feeding her again! Last time, we used a bit of my breast milk, but her fluid output increased way too much. This time, he wants to try and use a low enzyme formula called Portagen. It will be the same amount as before, just 1cc every 3 hours. It is pre-digestive and easy on her stomach, but should help prime her intestines for the work they will need to do moving forward.
Also, Ella has had good urine output now for a consistent period of time, even through her downturn the past few days. So, Dr. Kays ordered for her catheter to be removed! Ella has never had the privilege to just pee in a diaper directly!
Please pray for her formula to be digested well and to have no impact on her chest fluid output. Also, that her chest fluid output would begin to slow down and dry out in her chest. Go Ella! No fluid! Finally, for her to gain strength and be re-charged. She has been fighting hard the past few days.
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."
Fran Jarrett on September 14th, 2007 at 8:21 am #
Good Morning Sweet Ella! And Mamma too! So glad to hear that you are doing better…keep it up..Go Ella, No Fluid!
Williamsburg on September 14th, 2007 at 8:21 am #
When I read your post last night, the verse that came to mind was ‘weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.’ So glad for more small steps forward, for Dr. Kays’ alert adjustments to Ella’s care and some relief for anxious parents. Lord, thanks for being in loving charge of every step of the West family journey. Love you guys. XOXOXO
Joel Snyder on September 14th, 2007 at 8:29 am #
Go “Gator Girl” I just got home from work and what a relief a little good news. I am praying for you to keep the streak going Ella. I am going to your house in Lone Tree this afternoon and will check on you later. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!
Johnny and Mary Lou Brantley on September 14th, 2007 at 8:36 am #
Josh & Tina, We have been keeping up with Ella daily and praying for all of you, including Dr. Kays and staff.
Joan Odell on September 14th, 2007 at 9:02 am #
Wonderful news – Even though the last 48 hours have been so hard she is fighting to get back where she was. So glad about the catheter. This is also a good sign. So many prayers answered. DRY UP FLUID!!!! Stay strong little one – each day is another milestone. Thank you Lord. Love and hugs – Steve and Joan
Joan Schlotfeldt on September 14th, 2007 at 9:52 am #
Tina, Josh, and Ella,
John & Estela Williams on September 14th, 2007 at 10:25 am #
Wonderful news.. she looked so cute with her eyes opened and yawning.. it made me yawn. Precious Ella.. God is with you and your Papi and Mami. God Bless
Jenny Talbott on September 14th, 2007 at 11:35 am #
Good to see those baby blues… or baby browns? Kinda tough to tell… regardless, they are big and beautiful and so very expressive. She’s a fighter for sure… keeping you all in my thoughts and sending positive energy your way…
Heidi Ham on September 14th, 2007 at 12:04 pm #
You Go Girl!
Auntie Shannon on September 14th, 2007 at 2:16 pm #
It must feel so good to pee! Boy do we take things for granted. I remember it doesn’t feel good to have the a catheter in.
monika on September 14th, 2007 at 7:05 pm #
tina josh ella dears, you are wonder-full, filling all of us with wonderful greater faith. THANK YOU GOD THAT YOUR GRACE IS UTMOST GENEROUS in all ways and always in the holy NAME AND BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST, and by OUR HELPER HOLY SPIRIT, AMEN. love you, monika and family
Eusey Family on September 14th, 2007 at 8:32 pm #
Love the map! How great is that. Okay, where is Newport? Sleep well and go sweet ella go!
Angie on September 14th, 2007 at 9:40 pm #
Hey there – Just checkin’ in on my girl! She must feel better with that foley out :)! Still hoping and praying for her fluids to start to decrease. Stay strong Ella! Hugs & Kisses ~Nurse Angie Post a comment
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