Aug
26
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on August-26-2008

It’s been a long day.

Ella is stable. We had a blood draw this morning. They sent James Brown (yes, that is his real name), who is known for his abilities, to draw labs from Ella. He tried in her foot once and noted that her veins would not cooperate well. So, he located a spot on her head and drew the blood from there. It was hard to watch but ended up being over and done fairly quickly, and without too much torture to Ella.

Her labs came back and her BUN is 19, the same as Sunday. So, we have not made much improvement over the past 2 days. The steroids are helping to lower her heart rate. But, she even had a slight weight gain this morning. This means that she is still fluid overloaded. We are not seeing the low heart rate and lower breathing effort like we did during the last hospital visit, but she isn’t as dried out either.

We are going to discuss with the morning doctors the best plan of attack. They do not have IV access, so Lasix is no longer an option. I suggested that maybe we try and incremental dose of Bumex instead of Lasix to see how much that impacts the scenario.

Since we do not have IV access plus she is getting ready for surgery, we also discussed the idea of a picc line (a peripherally inserted central catheter). This might be a solution to getting labs, inserting Lasix or any other meds directly into her bloodstream without having to poke her each time.

Cardiology came to do an echocardiogram today. They want to make sure that the pulmonary hypertension isn’t acting up and playing into her current status. We should have the results tomorrow.

In the bigger picture, Ella is much improved from Saturday when we brought her to the hospital. But clearly, she is still having some respiratory compromise.

Keep the prayers coming that the doctors can take the right steps in the next few days to get her stronger in preparation for surgery.

Thanks to all of you for the support and encouragement.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (New Living Translation)

You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Trust in the Lord always,
for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.



The Laz Fam on August 26th, 2008 at 10:57 pm #

so sorry she’s struggling, but can’t believe how beautiful she is!!

Julie Kirk on August 27th, 2008 at 12:57 am #

What a sweetheart of a blessing and always smiles… She looks so much like her daddy. Ella will one day (as an adult), will look back on this blog and only then will understand that God has such purpose for her in this life.

You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3-4
Yes and AMEN!!!

Steve and Joan Odell on August 27th, 2008 at 6:01 am #

Beautiful Baby!!! She always know the right pose. Prayers for her improvement and med team’s knowledge and expertise. Hugs to all of you – Steve and Joan

Chambers Family on August 27th, 2008 at 7:01 am #

Has posting become therapeutic? I am amazed as you journey through all of this you continue to post updates. Ella is in our prayers and in our children’s prayers! I can see from your Map that she has already made an incredible impact on the world!

Eve Johnson on August 27th, 2008 at 7:32 am #

My daughter has learned to say ellaellaellaella when we pray for your girl. It’s amazing how Ella can still pull off a smile in the midst of all this. She sure knows she’s loved!

Tricia McDaris on August 27th, 2008 at 8:35 am #

Just checking in. I’m sorry to hear that sweet Ella is in the hospital again. I hope she is better soon!

Jennifer Harris on August 27th, 2008 at 9:04 am #

Ella looks so beautiful and her eyes are bright and shining. She has the love of God and her parents! We will continue to pray for your her rapid healing.

Marge (Indiana friend of Keith & Liz Mueller - Chris' parents) on August 27th, 2008 at 9:12 am #

Bless you Ella and thank you for your sweet smile through all these struggles; it is that beautiful smile that lets us know that God is with you. May He restore you, keep you safe during your surgery and grant His fullest blessings to you always; this is my prayer for you. Josh and Tina, may you continue to know the peace and comfort of God each day as you love and take care of precious little Ella.

LoriAnn & The Gang on August 27th, 2008 at 10:37 am #

I know that the fluid retention is a bad thing, but it sure makes her face sooooo cute; I would love to just love on those cheeks!
May the Lord keep sending you His messages, and may His will see you through.
I am sure this is not the way you would prefer to “get a break”, Tina (&Josh); maybe this is God’s way of giving you some extra help, too? I don’t know. But, at least He has sent you to a hospital that you would be willing to buy a Time Share in! LOL
Love to y’all, The Kuhn Family
btw, I just noticed that in the “name” part, it has said “LoriAnn & The Gand. Didn’t anyone wonder what that meant? LOL
LoriAnn & The Gang

LoriAnn & The Gang on August 27th, 2008 at 10:47 am #

Wow! I just went to the “Map of Love” and am AMAZED at how many lives you have all touched. Just shows one more way that the Lord uses the internet to spread His love. I am just a piece of rice in a huge field! It doesn’t show my little city of Colville, but it gets it about 90 miles south-east of me. I find it so uplifting that so many people check in each day, even if they don’t leave a message. L.A.

Joel Snyder on August 27th, 2008 at 12:37 pm #

Ella, I am so pleased to see you making slow and steady progress and hope you have a wonderful day. I am going to work this afternoon and it should be the last special events for awhile. I am going to come visit you soon. I will catch up with you later. Love,Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kim & Brian Brennan on August 27th, 2008 at 8:31 pm #

Wow, she is getting prettier by the day. That smile is what it’s all about. You are in our prayers and thoughts daily. Kim and Brian

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