Nov
21
     
Another mountain(Day 121)
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on November-21-2007

Ella has stabilized since being re-intubated yesterday morning – praise God!

Most of the day yesterday, she was sedated. They tried to place another picc line in her arm, but it was unsuccessful.

Also, the IV line in her foot came out again this morning. So, the nurse had to locate a vein to place another temporary IV. Apparently, the largest visible vein was on her head, thus the bandage.

She had a chest x-ray done this morning, and it does look improved but she still has a long way to go. They did take a blood gas and it was good – ph of 7.54, cO2=47, pO2=71. Based on these results, they did make some adjustments to the pressure on the ventilator.

When Dr. Kays visited Ella this morning, he decided he would take Ella to the OR to place a central line today since they need a more permanent solution for access. After looking at her recent stats and pacing around for a bit, he decided that since he was taking her to the operating room, he would do the nissen surgery and g-tube today. Although the chest x-ray isn’t quite as good as he would like, she is stable enough overall. This came as quite a surprise.

We are told that the surgery will be taking place around 1 or 2pm EST. As always, we will keep you updated with information as soon as it is available.

When I arrived to visit Ella this morning, she was awake and looked comfortable. Her beautiful blue eyes were staring around and her color was good.

She has not required any additional sedation since yesterday when they tried to place the picc line in her arm. The fact that she has not required extra sedation is a good sign: as her parents, we know that this means that she must be feeling better.

As I finish this post, she has peacefully fallen asleep.

Looking around at Ella’s roommates, Par continues to make strides forward – – please continue to pray for his journey.

Also, I had a chance to talk to Jonathan’s mom this morning. She was in the waiting room because they are switching out the ECMO circuit. This is the 2nd time they have switched it out. Right now, Jonathan’s liver and kidney are not performing well. Both of these need to improve before Dr. Kays will discuss the repair surgery. Keep in mind that Jonathan was born on 10/17 and has not had repair surgery yet – – he has not been stable enough. Please pray for Jonathan and his family.

And, please pray for Ella and her surgery. Pray that the Lord would keep her strong and stable throughout the procedure. Finally, Josh and I have not been feeling 100% health-wise the past few days. So, please pray for our health to return – – not quite as much fun wearing masks in the NICU and taking a risk of infecting Ella!

Thanks to all for your love and support during this time.

UPDATE 2:30PM EST (by Josh): Ella was just wheeled off to surgery. Please continue to pray.

Father, we lift up our baby girl to you. We know you are there with her right now. I pray for the skilled surgeons hands, Dr. Kays, Dr. Paddock, and the entire staff. Let you presence be sensed, and let your will be done. We praise you Lord for bringing us this far, and that we even have the opportunity for this procedure to be performed. You are a loving and gracious God, and we know that nothing is out of your control. Thank you Jesus for Ella Renae. Amen.

UPDATE 5:10PM EST (by Tina): I am in the waiting room of the NICU. Brenda, someone who is assisting Dr. Kays, just called the front desk and asked to speak with me. They just completed the central line and now they are beginning to work on Ella’s belly. Ella is doing fine – – she just wanted to call and let us know that everything was progressing along. Thanks for all the support and prayers.

Psalm 92:1-5
1 It is good to praise the LORD
and make music to your name, O Most High,
2 to proclaim your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,

3 to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.

4 For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.

5 How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!

UPDATE 7:00PM EST (by Tina): Dr. Kays just called up to the NICU wait room. He let me know that Ella behaved herself during the entire procedure and that they were able to get everything completed. They are on their way to bring Ella back upstairs to the NICU. Although he was short and did not give any details, at least we know that Ella remained stable and that the procedure is finished. I hope to see Dr. Kays a bit later to see if I can get some more information. Thanks for the prayers.


Auntie Shannon on November 21st, 2007 at 11:33 am #

Sweet little Ella. We are praying for you today. I am sure the sugery will be a success – I have a great feeling today that we will have so much to be thankful for tomorrow. Tina and Josh, rest up so you guys get on the path to recovery as well. Rick and I are heading to Italy on Friday and will be sure to say a prayer in every church we enter for our Sweet Ella. Wish we could be with you guys on Thanksgiving, but know you are all in our hearts.

Shannon (Ella’s favorite Auntie) ; )

Heidi Ham on November 21st, 2007 at 11:40 am #

I will be praying hard for the Lord to bless Dr. Kays, the surgery and especially Ella for healing. Also – Josh and Tina for your health – I am sure it is interesting for Ella to see her parents with the little masks on as well 🙂 You two need your strength hopefully you will be a peace today and be able to get some rest. Sending lots of love and kisses. Ella you are a little Angel.

Roxie (Adrienne's friend) on November 21st, 2007 at 11:54 am #

Praise God! You guys and Ella have been on my mind and been praying for yall all day. Such a burden is lifted. Now to move forward. We’ll start praying for the procedures and surgery to go smoothly and very successful. Josh and Tina boost your immune systems with Actimel or Activa, you can find it with the dairy products and if you can find Effervesant or soluable Vit. C take that two – three x daily. It seems to work better than the chewable. Make sure that you both are taking a multivitamin. Tina your prenatals are great but a B complex wouldn’t be a bad idea. Make sure that you both are drinking more water than coffee and sodas. Ok now, I’ll get off my Mom/ Nana soap box. (unless I think of something else 🙂 ) Love to you, feel better soon, Roxie

Laura Sizelove on November 21st, 2007 at 12:10 pm #

We’ve been out of town and just had a chance to catch up on Ella. We’re praying for your health to improve and for Ella’s surgery today. May our God give you strength beyond measure and may He guide Dr. Kay’s hands.
-Laura, Jon, Mark & Rachel

Loren L. on November 21st, 2007 at 12:17 pm #

I will pray for Ella’s surgery to be successful, so this can help her keep her progress moving forward.

God be with you!

Kristen on November 21st, 2007 at 1:01 pm #

Okay, why not get it all done now! So glad to here she will have the central line again. At least for the time being, this is a great tool on the road to recovery. She is in great hands, yours! 🙂 Praying for the Bun!

Lisa T on November 21st, 2007 at 1:02 pm #

Ella, I know this is a terrible way to spend your first Thanksgiving holiday, but I pray that the trials you’re enduring this week will allow you to be well enough to spend your first Christmas somewhere with a possibility of snowfall.

You are a very inspiring little girl!

Joan and Steve Odell on November 21st, 2007 at 1:05 pm #

Isaiah 65:24 “I will answer them before they even call to Me. While they are still talking to Me about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers.”….. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you — May your Thanksgiving be blessed with healing for each of you as you celebrate Sweet Ella’s ‘first’. Lord Bless and hugs – Steve and Joan

Adrienne - Melissa's sister on November 21st, 2007 at 1:18 pm #

As I go to bed tonight.. I am praying for Ella in surgery.. may The Great Physician give grace and mercy and a healing touch to this great physician Dr. Kays! I also pray that you might gain strength as well – it’s been a long road, but remember it’s one day, one step at a time. I remember when I had my first baby, Kaiden… we wanted to go the “no drug” route so we were doing all the breathing etc and I just kept focusing on the contraction at that ONE moment because it would’ve been far too discouraging to wonder how more were to come – I knew I just had to CONCENTRATE on WHERE I WAS AT THE TIME. And – this is similar in a way to where you are – you don’t know how many more days you will be there in Florida – God does… just focus on the moment you are in. (STRENGTH FOR TODAY AND BRIGHT HOPE FOR TOMORROW – GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS LORD UNTO ME) Blah Blah Blah – hope I didn’t preach too much….

Joel Snyder on November 21st, 2007 at 1:41 pm #

Ella, I just talked to your Dad and he told me you are in surgery at this moment. I have just finished with a prayer for you and hope that this is the step to great forward progress.Lord please guide Dr.Kays and staff in this procedure for Ella. I am glad to hear that Par is doing better and will say even more prayers for Jonathan and his recovery. I will check on you later before work tonight. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!

Katy on November 21st, 2007 at 1:45 pm #

My thoughts and my heart are with both of you today. Ella is strong and thank God for Dr Kays.
I know that there are steps that we all must take in life to stay along (or get to) our path and no matter how hard they are we must keep faith in our heart that God is leading us in the direction we are supposed to be going. Your faith is astonishing and how could it not be, Ella is beautiful.

Char Snyder Jordan on November 21st, 2007 at 2:37 pm #

Dear Lord,
Bless these thy children in their efforts to bring these babies to health. Bless the Doctors and nurses that attend these babies. Bless Jonathan and his parents and those who love him. Bless Par and his family. Please Father allow us to see these children mature. Give their parents unbelievable strength and well being as they strive for life. Bless Ella Ranae to have the best result with this surgery. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Rachel & Ava on November 21st, 2007 at 2:51 pm #

I’m sure you already know how much you have to be greatful for, a loving family and beautiful baby girl on her road to good health and home. I’m sorry she is experiencing some set backs, but they are all very normal, I’m sure this doesn’t give you the most comfort in the world as it didn’t give me much while my daughter experienced these things also. She is at the place God wants her to be and being taken care of by Gods hands through those that take care of precious Ella. I pray for you and your family, and all the other families there daily. I feel like you are now part of my family, so I would like to say, I love you all very much. Happy Thanksgiving

Williamsburg on November 21st, 2007 at 3:07 pm #

We’re waiting with you in prayer…

Fran Jarrett on November 21st, 2007 at 3:25 pm #

I will say extra prayers for Ella at church this evening. God is watching over Dr. Kays and staff as he performs the surgery that your precious Bun needs at this time.

Williamsburg on November 21st, 2007 at 5:46 pm #

Thank you, Jesus, for Ella remaining stable. Be with the West family tonight and during Ella’s recovery; keep them safe and well and in your arms. We’re kinda fond of them. XOXOXO

Carl and Cathie Firestone on November 21st, 2007 at 6:01 pm #

Lord, we praise You for yet another step on the road to Ella’s homecoming with her Mommy and Daddy! We praise you for Dr. Kays and the keen wisdom and insight you have blessed him with. We ask Lord that you would heal this sweet little girl completely and that you would give her and her parents much needed rest tonight. We have so very much to be thankful for Lord, most especially You and Your unchanging and unfailing love for us…thank you Lord. We love You and praise Your precious name, Amen.

rachel on November 21st, 2007 at 6:23 pm #

Dear Lord, thank you for the strength and love you have showered upon Ella and her parents. Please strengthen Baby Ella’s body. Help them all rest well tonight and may we see visible improvement in Ella in the morning. Thank you that you never leave our sides. We love you, Lord. Amen

The Brittain Family on November 21st, 2007 at 7:00 pm #

prayin’!

Laura Marold on November 21st, 2007 at 7:16 pm #

Dear Josh and Tina, I’m keeping all three of you in my prayers. Sending love and concern your way tonight. Love, Laura M.

Sheila on November 21st, 2007 at 8:30 pm #

God bless and keep you. Remember that you are in the palm of His hand. Keeping you in pray. Blessings and Happy Thankgiving, Sheila

Fran Jarrett on November 21st, 2007 at 9:01 pm #

Thank you Lord for bringing Ella through her surgery and giving Dr. Kays his knowledge and talents.
We pray that Tina and Josh will remain strong as well and that their health will improve.
Sleep well my dears. See you all in the morning on a wonderful Thanksgiving day.

tamara tessmer on November 21st, 2007 at 9:16 pm #

Father God-
As Thanksgiving morning draws near I sit in wonder of your amazing love for us and for ALL we have to be thankful for. Thank you for ministering to us through our children Lord. Thank you for leading us and guiding us every step of the way. We praise you Father for all you are and all you do. Thank you for giving us the strength to go on and to do your will. Father I lift up precious Ella Renae, your perfect gift to Tina and Josh. Lord I ask you for total healing. Protect her and keep her in perfect peace Lord. We know you have great plans for Ella, that is why the battle is so big, but we will stand upon your word and with faith we will be victorious. Father again I just thank you and give you all the glory.
In Jesus name.

Tina and Josh……Happy Thanksgiving!
We love you.
In Christ,
Jay and Tamara

Chambers Family on November 21st, 2007 at 9:28 pm #

It is so difficult to wait. You want so much for things to move forward faster without any set-backs. I know you are all there for a reason and it has got to be incredibly tough. We are thinking about all the babies being touched by you in Florida and praying for health.

Godspeed,

Dana

Tracy on November 21st, 2007 at 9:57 pm #

Praying for a quick and painless recovery. Hopefully this procedure will set her on the track to be home sooner rather than later! :0)
Tracy

Lisa (Ms. Texas) on November 21st, 2007 at 10:13 pm #

OH Sweet Ella! Be Brave! Be Strong! Tina and Josh…..Jeff and I are praying for you. Keeping your faith and peace during these testing times makes our father so happy! He WILL continue to heal and bless you! He Will keep and protect Ella. He WILL anoint Dr Kays with wisdom and skill to see Ella over this mountain! Thank you father for all of your blessings…we love you and continue to sing your praise! Hallelujah!

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