Oct
03
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on October-3-2007


Ella had a stable night and morning so far. At midnight, they flipped her on her back for 8 hours. This morning, she went back to her belly at 8am. They are on a schedule of flipping her back and forth every 8 hours. Although they are giving her an extra initial dose of fetanyl (which is pain medicine that lasts 1-2 hours), she is tolerating both sides for 8 hours at a time.

Nurse Angie is watching over her today and noted that Ella did have one fussy spell this morning around 9:45am. But, she suctioned her airway and gave her calming touch and this seemed to do the trick. Ella peacefully went back to sleep after 5 minutes or so.

Keep in mind that just this past weekend, there were times that nothing seemed to calm her down, not even an extra dose of fetanyl. So the fact that her saturations are returning to good levels on her own without extra meds is a sign that Ella is feeling better.

Her blood oxygen saturations have been between 98-100%. Her blood gas this morning was good, pH level=7.41, cO2=47, pO2=99.

Her urine output yesterday was real good at 265. Last week when we were going into the weekend and she was not doing well, it was low at 143.

The chest tube fluid output for yesterday was 51 between all 3 tubes. Today so far, it has been 16.

Dr. Kays was in briefly and made changes to her vent settings. He lowered her assisted breaths per minute to 70 instead of 80. Also, he lowered the nitric oxide from 4 to 3. She seems to be maintaining well. We will be able to tell when her next blood gas is taken later.

We know that Ella had a chest x-ray this morning. We have not heard those results and whether or not there is a CT scan scheduled.

All we know is that we are trusting the Lord Jesus. He has given us such amazing peace at this time.

Psalm 29:11

11 The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Job 22:21-22
21 Submit to God and be at peace with him;
in this way prosperity will come to you.

22 Accept instruction from his mouth
and lay up his words in your heart.

UPDATE (4:45pm EST): The nurse practitioner just called a few minutes ago to let us know that Ella had an “episode”. She was on her belly sleeping and suddenly woke up very agitated.

Similar to this morning, Nurse Angie tried to soothe her by suctioning her, giving her a temporary boost in oxygen from the ventilator, comforting her, and even placing her on her back (she had been on her belly for 7 hours).

Her stats were not coming up as they should on her own. They paged Dr. Kays and he asked for a blood gas to be taken. Surprisingly, it was still in the acceptable range with a pH level of 7.33, cO2=58 and pO2=89. This was a good sign.

Since she was not calming down, Dr. Kays ordered for a large dose of fentanyl (equivalent to a surgical dose). That knocked her out and she is sound asleep again.

We know that Dr. Kays does not like to sedate her unless necessary. He wants to be able to ultimately solve the problem of why she is having discomfort. Although we have not talked with him, we think he might just be buying some more time until he figures out the next best steps for Ella.

Please continue to pray that Dr. Kays will be filled with knowledge, wisdom and discernment from our Heavenly Father. Also, that Ella would be comforted and given strength to continue climbing to the mountain top.

James 5:11
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.



Loren L on October 3rd, 2007 at 10:48 am #

Ella may be a Sleeping Beauty today. But I’m certain one day she will wake up from this long nap to be strong and playful girl who never wants to go to bed at night. I will keep asking for blessings to be sent to you.
XOXO

Schultz family on October 3rd, 2007 at 10:49 am #

This is wonderful news. There is nothing like seeing a sweet baby with a little bottom in the air and feet tucked under sleeping soundly! :0) This was one of my own children’s favorite poses.
Hopefully (prayerfully) little Miss Ella is on the road to recovery! We continue to pray for you all.
Schultzes

rachel on October 3rd, 2007 at 11:29 am #

it is good to see that they are able to move her around. and i’m glad to read that her levels are good. my baby still sleeps that way, all curled up and cozy. she looks like she is doing better everyday, i pray it continues. it is amazing how resiliant children are. i pray for the day when ella is well enough that she can go home and start a somewhat normal life.

Shelly on October 3rd, 2007 at 12:13 pm #

GO ELLA GO!!! Glad to hear she is doing better. GOD is GOOD and GOD is GREAT!! Please Dear Lord keep her on the right path!

Todd and Eve on October 3rd, 2007 at 12:22 pm #

If you had told me at the beginning of the summer that I would be SO happy to see better blood oxygen saturations and urine outputs, I would have thought you were crazy :). Great to see she seems to continue improving and staying stable, and we are both wishing all of you the very best and more progress each day.

Kristen on October 3rd, 2007 at 12:45 pm #

Oh how great is the love the Father has lavished upon us. . . that we may be called sons and daughters of God!! 1 John 3 Ella, you are a princess sweetheart, because your heavenly Father is the King of Kings!!!

Joel Snyder on October 3rd, 2007 at 12:59 pm #

Ella, I am so happy to hear that you are feeling a little better and that your stats are much better. Keep up the good progress. I am going in to work a party and will check on you later. Thank you Lord for answering so many prayers for this special child. Tina and Josh you are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love to All, Grandpa!!!

Joan Odell on October 3rd, 2007 at 2:27 pm #

Thank you Lord for answered prayers and her inceasing comfort level with the changes. Bless Tina and Josh as they walk with her each and every step as loving and good parents do. Amen. Hugs and love

Euseys on October 3rd, 2007 at 4:52 pm #

Sweet Ella you look so good on your tummy. Keep up the progress. Praying for answers to ease the anxiety and give Dr. Kays a clear direction.

XO

RSMRCR

Lesli Richards on October 3rd, 2007 at 6:41 pm #

Checking in on sweet Ella…glad we had a better day today…we are all praying constantly for her. The three-year olds we teach in Sunday school are all captivated by her picture and are praying for her as well. Moms keep telling me that they are remembering her in their prayers during the week.

We love you, and hope we can come visit again soon!

Love, Brendan and Lesli

Char Snyder Jordan on October 3rd, 2007 at 8:13 pm #

It is such a blessing to know that Ella has a bit of spunk. She must have a bit of an opinion about things just like her mother. Jim and I are so grateful to get to know her. It is a wonderful feeling to be a parent. No matter what the circumstances you will never be the same. Once you are a parent, life is just different. What a wonderful stong spirit she has. We continue to pray for a resolution to this issue. We pray sincerly for Dr. Kays to have devine providence concerning Ella. We knew from the 20th week that this would be touchy. Difficult and trying. Just imagine how tough it is for Ella. She is a trooper, waiting to go the second mile. We are constantly aware of her presence. All our love to you. LOL JIM and Aunt Char

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