Steven here...
With each passing hour, even if I don't post, we work our way toward the top of the hill we are climbing. Now, that's not to say that we are going home with our little girl today, tomorrow, or even this week. In fact, it'll probably be closer to her 2 week birthday or later.
Disclaimer out of the way, we are darn close to being at the top of the hill! Still have a couple of climbs to go (with pooping, bottle feeding, and temperature regulation without the aid of a heater). But, if this was the Tour de France, the grueling mountain stages are coming to a close.
Ellie's vent has been worked down to 20 breaths per minute and 23% O2 over the course of today, well, really in the course of 18 hours. Her nurse today, Priscilla, told Ellie that her ET tube better be out when she returns to work tomorrow! I got cautiously excited about that statement. Then, while Ellie had a death grip on my pinky and she was sleeping, I heard Priscilla explaining to some nursing students (here on a shadow day) the process they typically go through to take a baby off of the ventilator. Long story short, backing down the reps and O2 slowly is the process. Translated, exactly what we have been doing (which we knew); it was just a function of when. That point is RAPIDLY (we think) approaching! Hopefully sometime tomorrow.
Once it is out, then we just have to pray it stays that way! But, there is a real possibility that she could need the vent back or some other assistance (CPAP or nasal cannula, etc.). I pray she never in her life needs any of this again, but any time off of that vent for her Momma (and me) to hold her is a sure blessing.
***UPDATE***
While typing this update, my dad came by. Took a break and we went to visit Ellie. Feisty little turd had pulled the tape on her ET tube loose (From shaking her head and sucking on it). So we had to wait while the nurses repositioned everything. While in there, the Dr. called to check the results of her 5:00 blood gas test. Upon hearing Priscilla read the results, he instructed her to lower the breaths per minute from 20 to 10. When Priscilla came to lower the respirations, she told us all of this and that no blood gas test was ordered for tonight. Further, the Dr. would be in tonight or tomorrow and, in all likelihood, (in my best medical professional-sounding voice) extabate the tube!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Say a prayer...and believe it will be so!
Until later...God bless...
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Oh how good & gracious God is. Congratulations! We are so thankful that Ellie is progressing so....aggressively. She is definitely her mother & father's child. A true fighter she is! :) I just can't wait for you to be able to come home with your beautiful little girl! xoxo
ReplyDeleteEllie involved in a lot of firsts. My first time to ever visit a blog. THX to her parents for so generously and graciously sharing these difficult times with all the rest of us who will come to know this little girl as the newest Sooner Tailgater.
ReplyDeleteMy computer access has been down since arnd 2am Fri, so I'm really catching up, and feel much more comfortable and enlightened at this time. Thx to u guys.
Keep up the good work. Wonderful to hear about the 5th wheeler - I am sure it will provide u great comfort and grt to know that u r but a few steps away from Ellie.
Much love and prayers to u 3.
Hello Jamie! Becky told me today about your delivery and I went straight to your blog to catch up. I will definitely be praying for all of you. I'm so thankful she is improving everyday, what a blessing! Just rest in the Lord, He is our Hope, Comforter, Peace, Deliverer, Healer and so much more! I hope these verses give you and your husband peace as you trust in Him. I know you're exhausted and super busy, but try and read through Psalms together during your spare time, or just before you go to bed. It reminds us of how good our Savior is and it will give you comfort and peace as you go through this journey.
ReplyDeleteHear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:1-2
But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift [b] up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
Psalm 3:3-5