Oct
15
     
Two down, one to go(Day 84)
Posted (jooosh) in All Posts on October-15-2007


Ella Renae continued her good streak through the weekend and is doing really well today. She’s done a lot of solid sleeping over the last 48 hours, even in positions that we wouldn’t think she’d tolerate. Nurse Kelly has done a great job at making her comfortable on her right side, and on her belly with her head turned to the right! We were glad to see her sleeping so soundly in these orientations.

When we called today, Ella’s good behavior was confirmed with her blood gas numbers from 8am this morning: pH=7.42, cO2=52, pO2=106. The number of breaths on her vent was weened down to 30 breaths per minute.

What she said next took us a bit off guard. Ella had the two chest tubes in her back removed at 9am today! Uhhh…what? Yes, Dr. Kays looked her over and felt that is was time to do this because only the large tube in her left side was still draining a little.

We were both surprised to hear this, and the look on Tina’s face confirmed a bit of nervousness too. The last time Ella was pushed to only one chest tube, she went spiraling down a not so good path, but we don’t anticipate this happening this time.

This is a good thing though and a necessary step on the road to recovery. We can’t be sending our girl off to school with a couple chest tubes, even as cool as the other kids might think it is. Another big positive is that it reduces the number of areas for possible infection.

We hope to speak to Dr. Kays today and hear what his plan is for the coming days.

Standing next to our girl yesterday, looking at O2 saturations pegged at 100%, it really hit me how far she’s come. We praise our Heavenly Father for continuing to bless us, and for the strength and health He’s given Ella Renae. We don’t know for sure how long our journey will continue in Gainesville, but every day we are trusting our Lord to guide our path.

Thank you for walking, and for being on your knees with us through this journey.

p.s. Thanks go to teachers and all the children who helped make the “Love Letters for Ella” and “Baby Ella” poster. We have the letters at home and made a copy of the cover to put on her wall.

UPDATE (11:10pm EST) by Tina: We just came home from the hospital. Ella looked great.

While we were there, they took another blood gas. It was pH level=7.41, cO2=52, pO2=108. Dr. Kays had left orders that if her cO2 was over 50, to ween the vent. So, around 9pm tonight, the breaths per minute was weened to 26 breaths per minute.

They will take another blood gas around 4am and a chest x-ray in the morning. These two factors over the next couple of days will really demonstrate if the fluid issue has resolved.

We will rest tonight knowing that she is in His hands and look forward to getting an update in the morning. We hope and pray for the best!

Thank you for all your prayers!


Eusey Family on October 15th, 2007 at 12:14 pm #

Great news about Ella! Thanks for letting me and Megan come for the weekend. We had a great time gong on adventures and just hanging out with you. Megan just woke up – so I guess we wore her out.

God bless and lots of love.

Rick and Megan

Loren L. on October 15th, 2007 at 12:26 pm #

Ella’s progress is fantastic.
God Speed
LL

Kara on October 15th, 2007 at 12:37 pm #

WOOO HOOO!!! GO ELLA!

Roxie on October 15th, 2007 at 1:05 pm #

Thank you God for Sweet Ella. Thank you for the work you are doing in her little body. Thank you for the loving hands that care for her. Thank you for her Mommie and Daddy and how they know You and love You. Thank you for your perfect timing and the way You love us.
Please continue to encourage Josh and Tina with the good reports on Ella’s progress. We ask in Jesus name that there be no more set backs, that Ella will continue to be healed by Your loving hand. Fill Josh and Tina with your Holy Spirit to continue to carry them through this very difficult time. Bless their marriage that it will grow stronger everyday. As they both look to You for the way, that You will draw them closer to You and to each other. In Jesus Holy Name. Amen
Great Picture Daddy!!!! Have a wonderful day!!

Kristen on October 15th, 2007 at 1:07 pm #

Yeah, I guess I see what you are saying about taking the chest tubes to school with her one day. . .maybe it is good to pull them now. he!he! I am just praying for her protection and healing in those spots and for the fluid problem to be behind her. These past days have been breath- taking examples of God’s great faithfulness. Ella you have more strength in your little finger than many a grown man or woman! I am in awe!

Lana Cordier on October 15th, 2007 at 2:23 pm #

WOW! That’s great news! Good job Ella!

Williamsburg on October 15th, 2007 at 2:52 pm #

Every time I read about Ella’s vent being weaned I think of this verse: “Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me.” Psalm 131:2. We may be weaned from ventilators and mother’s milk and all that the world has to offer, but ultimately it’s all toward inviting us to rely more and more on Him with that quiet and rest, even in the face of “things too difficult for (us)” (v.1). It’s wonderful to see you resting in quiet, CinderElla – all our love to you and your mom and dad. XOXOXO

Joan and Steve Odell on October 15th, 2007 at 2:59 pm #

Bless her dear, sweet heart – Ella you are such a trooper and blessed reminder of what our Lord can and does do – Thank you Father for revealing your love, strength, compassion and healing powers to all of us through sweet Ella. Please continue to touch her with healing and take this very special family home to COlorado for her first CHristmas. Amen – love and hugs – Steve and Joan

Johnny & Mary Lou Brantley on October 15th, 2007 at 3:13 pm #

Josh & Tina,
So great to hear another good report!
Take care – our thoughts and prayers are always with Ella and both of you.
Love, Johnny and Mary Lou

Laura Marold on October 15th, 2007 at 3:16 pm #

Dear Josh and Tina, This is so exciting–I’m so happy for you! Way to go Ella

Lisa Correia on October 15th, 2007 at 4:16 pm #

Hi Guys,
So happy to hear the good news about little Ella. I love the pictures and can’t believe how big she looks today. What is she weighing now? She just looks great and I can’t believe how well her scar looks already. She is beautiful you guys and we can’t wait to meet her!! Oh yeah, one more really important thing….GO ROCKIES!!!!

Carl and Cathie Firestone on October 15th, 2007 at 4:47 pm #

Go Ella Go! WOW…what a great report! You are all on the home stretch of the worst of this now…we are so thankful! We continue to pray many times a day for your sweet Ella and for both of you…you guys are doing amazing!!!

Joel Snyder on October 15th, 2007 at 6:08 pm #

Ella, What a great report and great progress. Keep up the good work “Gator Girl” you will be home before you know it. J&T thanks again for the updates. I am waiting for more good news from Dr. Kays. Check on you three later. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Char Snyder Jordan on October 15th, 2007 at 8:16 pm #

We are so encouraged by your progress and it seems that family really does help that spirit along. The power of prayer and lots of skill by the doctor and nurses is proof that you followed your heart toward giving Ella the very best chance at a good life. Hangin In There with you. LOL Aunt Char and Jim

The Brittain Family on October 16th, 2007 at 12:28 am #

Rejoice Always
Pray Without Ceasing
In Everything Give Thanks….
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus!
1 Thes. 5:16-18
Guess that pretty much sums it up : )

Lesli Richards on October 16th, 2007 at 2:37 am #

Rejoicing with you! We are getting really excited because we know the day you are going to get to hold her is getting closer and closer! Here is your next lesson in Southern Parenting. As soon as you can, you have to say “Gimmee some sugar! and kiss kiss kiss that little neck!

Love, Lesli

Tammy on October 16th, 2007 at 5:37 am #

All glory to god………”he’s got it all in control” (I think that was in an old song by B.J Thomss)! Ella you are a blessing!

Melissa on October 16th, 2007 at 9:18 am #

WAY TO GO is RIGHT!!!
We praise you Lord and thank you so much for the strength that you have given baby Ella. It is so exciting to see you work.
Josh and Tina you look and seem great. Gee… I can’t imagine why. You are seeing a miracle right before your very own eyes. PRAISE GOD!!!
I am so glad that you guys clung to His promises!! He is faithful! I know it wasn’t easy at times but you sure have come a long way. I am looking forward to the day you get to come home. Even before that… when you can hold Ella!!
Keep on keeping on. Baby steps Ella!!
Love, Melissa

Christina DuHart on October 16th, 2007 at 9:40 am #

Hi Guys just got a chance to catch up on all the good news. Sounds like Little Ella is really stepping up to the plate. Just like our Rockies did last night. Go Rockies!! & of course Go Ella!! I know there is still a long road ahead, but my what progress she has made thus far. Love and Miss you both give your Bun hugs and kisses from all of us.
Christina

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