Around 6:30pm, Ella hit her low point. Her blood gas turned up with cO2 of 120! If that problem was not corrected quickly, it could have been bad.
Fortunately, right before this low point hit, God had ministered to our hearts by reading all the posts on the blog at her bedside. One of them spoke to us so deeply, it seemed as if God himself put the words down. It was the exact right message that we needed to hear.
That provided a peace that was beyond amazing as we entered this scary, unknown situation with Ella.
Right after, Dr. Kays turned the corner. He shared that he was not sure what was going on with her, but something wasn’t right. After thinking about it, he made some changes to her vent, med changes, added antibiotics and told us that he wanted to replace her right chest tube.
Another component that changed today: her urine output slowed down. So, he decided to put the catheter back to start monitoring her fluid output again.
Although fluid in her chest was a partial reason for her condition, he still feels that there is something else going on. He ordered several tests and cultures so that he can rule out infection. One of his theories is that she may have vomited and aspirated some of her feedings.
Something is different based on how she is responding. Josh and I were praying fervently that God will reveal it to Dr. Kays.
He did mention that he might have to give her steroids. It is something that they try not to give babies because some studies in preemie babies have shown that steroids cause slight difference in neurological function when compared to preemie babies that did not have steroids. So if they can avoid it, they do.
About 3 hours later, and especially with all of you praying, Ella has taken steps back to the right path. Her most recent blood gas at 8:35pm and at 10:15pm were much better and her saturations have been near 100.
We had the privilege of watching Dr. Kays in action as he replaced her right chest tube. That was so incredible. Of course to him, that procedure is minor and no big deal. But it still amazes us to see him in action, using his passion and God-gifted talent.
Ella is still on quite a bit of sedation and they are watching her closely. She will be having blood gases every couple of hours to monitor her progress. As long as she can remain stable, he will not have to give her steroids.
Nurse Michelle is working tonight. It is comforting knowing that Ella is in familiar hands!
Dr. Kays admitted that he was surprised and not sure why she had such a turn-around this evening, but he is pleased. We know why she had one.
Thank you so much for praying for Ella. It makes all the difference.