Oct
31
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on October-31-2007


Well, Ella couldn’t dress up too much for her first Halloween, but she is one of the most spirited Halloween babies in the NICU.

Ella maintained so well yesterday that they weaned her CPAP again. The pressure is still on 6, but they reduced the oxygen slowly throughout the day until it reached 35% last night at 7:30pm.

She did have one hang up today so far. Her NJ line, which goes directly into her intestines, clogged up. This is the tube they use to feed Ella the Portagen formula. They tried to unclog it, but that was unsuccessful. Then, they removed the line and tried to re-insert a new line. That was not successful either.

In order to make sure she gets her formula timely, they are going to transport her down to radiology. Using the equipment down there, they can be precise with placing a new NJ line. Please pray for a successful procedure.

We got a bit of a spook this morning. The phone rang and it was the credit card company, asking to verify activity on our account. As I listened to the laundry list of charges (all from yesterday), it was easy to see that we had a fraud situation on our hands. They went to Macy’s, Circuit City, Office Max, etc. (all from stores in Fresno, CA).

All of this on a day that is feeling weary for me and Josh.

Thanks for your continued prayers for Josh and his focus at work. Although he worked through the night, he was not able to meet his deadline. He is steadfastly working away as I update all of you, trying to complete his project. For me, it is simply hard to work each day and not be able to spend time with Ella. Although she is down the street 20 minutes away, she is not in a nearby room. That makes it tough.

It is hard to believe that we are on Day 100. As Josh and I had a bible study this morning, it was amazing to look back and reflect on all God has done and how He continues to guide us and protect us. We are so thankful for this new little person that He has introduced into our life. We just can’t imagine it any other way.

Although we “feel” weary, we hold onto the truth in our spirits…that He is ever so close watching over every detail and orchestrating His perfect plan.

UPDATE (4:30PM EST): We just received a call from the hospital. They transported Ella down to the radiology department. To do that, they had to take her off of the CPAP ventilator and place her on a regular nose cannula with oxygen support. She did well during the transition and procedure.

Unfortunately, they were not able to replace the line into her pyloric valve. Apparently, her liver is so enlarged from the pulmonary hypertension, that is has affected the anatomy and placement of the organs in her abdominal cavity. For now, they have continued to feed her through her NG line into her stomach. Dr. Kays will be back at the hospital in the morning and they will consult with him on the next steps.

In the meantime, it is encouraging that they have been feeding directly into her stomach since 4am and she has only spit up once. They have continued to give her medicine for reflux and we are just hoping and praying that she can continue to accept the Portagen formula directly into her stomach.



Heidi Ham on October 31st, 2007 at 12:01 pm #

Happy Halloween! Ella you do look adorable. My thoughts and prayers are with the three of you – asking for continued strength and healing. Love, hugs and kisses to all. Heidi

Rachel & Ava on October 31st, 2007 at 1:35 pm #

Happy Halloween!!!! She looks too cute, just think no other kid can beat Ella on most expensive costume. Looks like she is smiling peacefully in her daddies arms wrapped up in love. I’m overjoyed @ all Ella’s progress. She is so strong

Rachel & Ava on October 31st, 2007 at 1:38 pm #

I also pray that the fraud situation gets cleared up quickly, i know you don’t need much more put on your plate

Joan and Steve Odell on October 31st, 2007 at 1:46 pm #

Oh my – you didn’t need the additional concern related to the credit card. It’s certainly ok to feel weary – some days are like that but He never strays from us or forgets our needs. Hang in there and we’re praying for a successful outcome for the insertion of the new line. Hugs and prayers – Steve and Joan

The Brittain Family on October 31st, 2007 at 1:49 pm #

Prayin’ for yas!
“They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up on wings as eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Teach me Lord, Teach me, Lord, to wait.
Blessings!

Laura Blackwell on October 31st, 2007 at 3:17 pm #

Prayers re: feeding lines. What a beautiful baby!

Char Snyder Jordan on October 31st, 2007 at 5:19 pm #

Good girl Ella, you show them you can breathe without assistance. Go Ella G0! Happy Halloween baby girl. Someday you will be able to dress up and have a party. All our love to you. LOL Jim and Char

Ashley on October 31st, 2007 at 6:02 pm #

Happy Halloween Ella! You look so adorable in your pumpkin hat and mittens. You are in my prayers.
With Love, Ashley

Megan Eusey on October 31st, 2007 at 8:59 pm #

HAAAAAAAAAAAPPY

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eusey Family on October 31st, 2007 at 9:16 pm #

Sweet Ella, we are praying tonight that they resolve your swollen liver.
We are also praying for your sweet mom and dad. We pray that God continues to bless them with his words and that they will be lifted up in prayer by their friends and family.

Have sweet Halloween night. Your cousins…Belle, Batman, and the Rock Star (Megan stayed in because she was sick) are still out there collecting all sorts of treats. : )

Joel Snyder on October 31st, 2007 at 9:22 pm #

Ella, You look great in your costume. I like the mittens very fashionable. I will be watching to see how you and Dr.Kays solve the latest obstacle and I am sure it will work out. T&J sorry to hear about the credit card problem. I hope Josh gets the other project solved. Check with you tommorrow. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!

Lisa Weir on October 31st, 2007 at 9:50 pm #

You’re in our prayers tonight. We’re trusting God to give you that extra measure of grace so that you can work through these most recent obstacles.

Wow.. 100 days! You’ve all come so far. He has been so faithful and compassionate.

Grace, Peace and much Love to you all tonight!

Kristina Taylor on November 1st, 2007 at 3:26 am #

God’s grace on baby Ella, Tina and Josh. You are in our prayers. Kris Taylor/Delaware – Cliff Rehrig’s sister

Melissa on November 1st, 2007 at 8:43 am #

I hope you all had a Happy Halloween!!
You really didn’t miss much because Ella would get all of the candy and then you end up eating it all, anyway.
I can’t keep away from it. HELP!!!
Ella you just look beautiful and I love your Halloween spirit.
The picture of Ella with Josh is priceless. She is totally smiling…how cute.
I’m praying for strength for all of you to finish the race well. Marathons are long and they take lots of endurance, but 100 days!
Wow! I can’t believe it has been that long. She is so close it seems.
Lord, I pray that you would finish the work that you have started in Ella so this wonderful family can go home and enjoy the holidays!
We thank you for your many blessings. Continue to strengthen Josh, Tina and Ella. Help them to not grow weary. This is a long journey that they have been on and they have kept their eyes on You!! We praise you Lord for their faithfulness. Bless them and keep them. Our ways are not your ways. May your will continue to be done in and through Ella.
AMEN!!
Have an awesome and strong day!
Love, Melissa

Jenny Talbott on November 1st, 2007 at 11:04 am #

Could not be any cuter in her Halloween “costume”… keeping you all in my thoughts… hang in there…

monika on November 1st, 2007 at 11:24 am #

dears. We affirm with you to cast all our anxieties on God for He truly cares about us. Our Lord Jesus is our supernatural Shield and Holy Spirit Sword to defeat evil. Amen. We love you. God bless and keep you.

Roxie (Adrienne's friend) on November 1st, 2007 at 1:23 pm #

Bless your hearts Josh & Tina, I know you are getting weary. But be comforted by the progress of Ella Bun. Our Father’s hand is holding her. He holds her and keeps her company. Look at her smiling in your arms Josh.. she has the best of both worlds right there…in the arms of her Daddy, in the hands of our Father. We are continuing to pray for you. Praising that the move to radiology went well that she is receiving nourishment from the NG tube and tolerating it well! Praying for your liver Little Ella that it will do the work God intended it to. Wisdom for Dr. Kays and staff.
Praying also, for the culprit who used your credit account to be caught and the fruad to stop.
Love and prayer for you three, Roxie

Kelli Billman on November 1st, 2007 at 2:56 pm #

Praying that her NJ line became clogged because God decided she was ready for her food to go directly into her stomach! Hang in there West family!

Lesli Richards on November 1st, 2007 at 3:05 pm #

Yes, What Kelli is praying!

Lesli

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