We are so happy to be home...but it was comforting having the supervision of the doctors and nurses. If we had questions or concerns they were just a "nurse call" push away. Now that I am filled with concerns...I find myself not wanting to ask, because I fear they will want us to bring Hannah back to the hospital. Hannah has vomited up everything that she has eaten today. The weird thing is that she does not do it immediately. It is always about one hour after she eats. I am worried and confused because she was not doing this in the hospital. She also had a low-grade fever this morning...Tylenol took care of it, but if it comes back tonight then we are for sure headed back to Nashville. We are so frustrated because our baby is still sick when she has been put through so much to get better. We also know what going back to the hospital means...a minimum of 48 hours for observation, an IV and IV fluids, a feeding tube, and sleepless nights...we know, because have been there and done that...twice. I can not put into words the hurt that I feel when I am having to hold my baby girl down so they can put an IV in or draw blood. I am so over it that I want to scream!!! I guess that is all part in being a parent.
Well, now that I have used this as my own personal therapy session...Hannah is waking up so I am going to go and give her a bath. Please pray for her to get better and to keep some food down. No more owiee's for Hannah!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Big Day
WE ARE HOME!
Hannah did well enough yesterday and last night that he doctors felt good releasing her. We are still having a few issues with feeding. She doesn't want to take the volume she used to, and sometimes doesn't care to eat at all. We did get her to eat enough through out last night to get the OK for release without having a feeding tube. We're not sure her lack of appetite is due to the medications she is on or the fact that she didn't have any food in her stomach for 12 days straight- it was all IV and tube fed while in ICU. The three of us spent a total of 15 days/ 14 nights at Vanderbilt Children's. We are relieved the hard part is over. Hannah is continuing her recovery at home. We brought several medications home with us and many instructions on caring for Hannah until she is fully recovered. As part of her recovery she can't be in crowded places for several weeks. We can't risk her getting sick. We can't pick her up under her arms for a few weeks either. She's just going to have to be a homebody for a while. We return to Vandy next Tuesday for a follow up visit. Please pray Hannah's eating will continue to improve. If she has lost any weight by our Dr. visit next week they will have to send her home with the feeding tube. We really want to avoid the tube.
Visitors are welcome, just call and let us know you're stopping by. Thanks for all your prayers, cards, visits, and calls!
Hannah did well enough yesterday and last night that he doctors felt good releasing her. We are still having a few issues with feeding. She doesn't want to take the volume she used to, and sometimes doesn't care to eat at all. We did get her to eat enough through out last night to get the OK for release without having a feeding tube. We're not sure her lack of appetite is due to the medications she is on or the fact that she didn't have any food in her stomach for 12 days straight- it was all IV and tube fed while in ICU. The three of us spent a total of 15 days/ 14 nights at Vanderbilt Children's. We are relieved the hard part is over. Hannah is continuing her recovery at home. We brought several medications home with us and many instructions on caring for Hannah until she is fully recovered. As part of her recovery she can't be in crowded places for several weeks. We can't risk her getting sick. We can't pick her up under her arms for a few weeks either. She's just going to have to be a homebody for a while. We return to Vandy next Tuesday for a follow up visit. Please pray Hannah's eating will continue to improve. If she has lost any weight by our Dr. visit next week they will have to send her home with the feeding tube. We really want to avoid the tube.
Visitors are welcome, just call and let us know you're stopping by. Thanks for all your prayers, cards, visits, and calls!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
She is such a trooper!
This morning started like any other morning...a steady flow of doctors, nurses, x-ray technicians, and medical students trickling in to see Hannah. They start around 6:00 a.m. and it is constant. The x-ray technician lays a lead vest over us as we sleep. The doctors come in and want to talk. Hannah needs medicine. Hannah needs a diaper. Nurses come in and out as they change shifts. All of these things are enough to drive you crazy as you are trying to sleep. I am looking forward to sleeping for a few solid hours and not being disturbed by a stranger in the middle of the night.
Rounds was wonderful today! There was a new doctor that we had never met before that was in charge. He decided to pull out Hannah pace maker wires and her feeding tube! We were very happy to see both of these things go. Hannah did great during and after the removal of both of these. She is such a trooper! The doctors think that we may be able to go home on Thursday. It all depends on how well Hannah eats and how her vital signs look. Hannah's eating goal is 3 ounces every 4 hours, but we are not close to that at all. She is eating, but she seems to be satisfied with one or two ounces. We do not want them to put the feeding tube back in, but it is a possibility. Let's pray that all goes well and we can finally get back to a normal life.
A speech pathologist came to visit Hannah today to observe her eating skills. She was impressed with Hannah's skills! Hannah was also given a follow-up echo cardiogram. This is standard before discharge from the hospital.
Jeffrey and I got to touch-up our CPR skills. It is required that all parents of cardiology babies. We also received random quizzes throughout the day about infection symptoms and other problems to watch for when we go home. They want to know that we know our stuff!
We had many visitors today. Nana Linda and PaPa came all the way from Knoxville to see Hannah. Pam Carson and Gwen Luck from Hardin Valley Church of Christ came to visit. Chris Brosey came to visit with us for the second time and she brought us some tasty bagels from Panera Bread. Uncle Sam, Aunt Sara and Samuel were kind enough to bring us supper from Applebees! It was yummy! Thanks to everyone for your support and company!
Rounds was wonderful today! There was a new doctor that we had never met before that was in charge. He decided to pull out Hannah pace maker wires and her feeding tube! We were very happy to see both of these things go. Hannah did great during and after the removal of both of these. She is such a trooper! The doctors think that we may be able to go home on Thursday. It all depends on how well Hannah eats and how her vital signs look. Hannah's eating goal is 3 ounces every 4 hours, but we are not close to that at all. She is eating, but she seems to be satisfied with one or two ounces. We do not want them to put the feeding tube back in, but it is a possibility. Let's pray that all goes well and we can finally get back to a normal life.
A speech pathologist came to visit Hannah today to observe her eating skills. She was impressed with Hannah's skills! Hannah was also given a follow-up echo cardiogram. This is standard before discharge from the hospital.
Jeffrey and I got to touch-up our CPR skills. It is required that all parents of cardiology babies. We also received random quizzes throughout the day about infection symptoms and other problems to watch for when we go home. They want to know that we know our stuff!
We had many visitors today. Nana Linda and PaPa came all the way from Knoxville to see Hannah. Pam Carson and Gwen Luck from Hardin Valley Church of Christ came to visit. Chris Brosey came to visit with us for the second time and she brought us some tasty bagels from Panera Bread. Uncle Sam, Aunt Sara and Samuel were kind enough to bring us supper from Applebees! It was yummy! Thanks to everyone for your support and company!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Baby Steps
Hannah's bronchoscopy went well. It was so much easier to watch her roll away to the operating room this time. She was only sedated for about an hour. The procedure only took 20 minutes, and we had results instantly. She has some inflammation and constriction in different places in her respiratory system. The doctor felt there was nothing further to be done. Hannah just needs some time and growth to heal.
Hannah just took some formula for the first time by mouth at her 9:00 pm feeding. This was a long awaited event. Hopefully she will take more and more each feeding until she no longer needs the feeding tube to receive the rest of her nutrition.
Today's only visitor was Elizabeth Courtney. Thanks for stopping by!
We left out yesterdays many visitors. Mamaw, Papaw, Aunt Shannon, and Ray, Monica and Aubrey Garton. The Garton's were kind enough to bring us 3 weeks worth of mail from Hardin County. Thanks guys!
Hannah just took some formula for the first time by mouth at her 9:00 pm feeding. This was a long awaited event. Hopefully she will take more and more each feeding until she no longer needs the feeding tube to receive the rest of her nutrition.
Today's only visitor was Elizabeth Courtney. Thanks for stopping by!
We left out yesterdays many visitors. Mamaw, Papaw, Aunt Shannon, and Ray, Monica and Aubrey Garton. The Garton's were kind enough to bring us 3 weeks worth of mail from Hardin County. Thanks guys!
The Strange Uncertainty
Jeff and I both agree the hardest part of this whole ordeal was to hand off Hannah to the doctors the morning of her surgery. It was very hard to see her after the surgery hooked up to so many wires, tubes, and machines. But that didn't compare to giving your child to a doctor you had met five minutes before. The doctor that came to take her was wonderful. He didn't grab Hannah from my arms and run away with her. He simply told us he was there to carry her to the operating room, and then he waited on me to 'give her up'. It is hard for a mother, or any parent for that matter, to hand your child over to the strange uncertainty. But, it appears we must do it again.
As I posted previously, one of the things that held Hannah in the ICU for 12 days was her respiratory difficulties. She finally overcame them well enough to be released to a regular floor 2 days ago. But, for the last 18 hours her breathing has returned to the condition it was in the ICU. The ear, nose and throat doctors came in to examine her again this morning. We signed the consent to have them put a scope in Hannah's throat to see if they can find the problem. Hannah was very unhappy last night and we're not sure why. It could be a number of things from pain, to breathing difficulties, to stomach aches. Her oxygen saturation dropped below 85 a few times. It has been between 90 and 97 since the breathing tube came out. She still is on the feeding tube and has taken less than an once by bottle since the surgery. We are hoping this scope will help her in breathing and feeding again.
Hannah's procedure is scheduled for 3:00 pm today (Tuesday). She will be sedated for the procedure, but should not have a breathing tube put back in. We are heading back down to the 3rd floor. Please pray that all goes well, the doctors can determine the problems, and they can find a solution.
I must end a good note. We are still getting that beautiful smile from Hannah. Our hearts melt when she grins and coos at us. She is still our little ladybug. I know the worst is behind us and this hand off will not be as heartbreaking as the first.
As I posted previously, one of the things that held Hannah in the ICU for 12 days was her respiratory difficulties. She finally overcame them well enough to be released to a regular floor 2 days ago. But, for the last 18 hours her breathing has returned to the condition it was in the ICU. The ear, nose and throat doctors came in to examine her again this morning. We signed the consent to have them put a scope in Hannah's throat to see if they can find the problem. Hannah was very unhappy last night and we're not sure why. It could be a number of things from pain, to breathing difficulties, to stomach aches. Her oxygen saturation dropped below 85 a few times. It has been between 90 and 97 since the breathing tube came out. She still is on the feeding tube and has taken less than an once by bottle since the surgery. We are hoping this scope will help her in breathing and feeding again.
Hannah's procedure is scheduled for 3:00 pm today (Tuesday). She will be sedated for the procedure, but should not have a breathing tube put back in. We are heading back down to the 3rd floor. Please pray that all goes well, the doctors can determine the problems, and they can find a solution.
I must end a good note. We are still getting that beautiful smile from Hannah. Our hearts melt when she grins and coos at us. She is still our little ladybug. I know the worst is behind us and this hand off will not be as heartbreaking as the first.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
One Step Closer to Going Home
Today we moved to a regular floor and out of ICU!!!! We are so excited! Now we can all stay in Hannah's room and not have to sleep or shower in different places every night. We don't have to wonder each day if we will get a hospital sleep room that night, or have to sleep in the waiting room. Hannah's new room on the 6th floor has a couch/bed and private bathroom/shower for us.
There were no major changes in Hannah's health today. Our next goal is to get her to eat by bottle. She hasn't been bottle fed since the night before the surgery. All her nutrition has come through iv's and a feeding tube. We tried a few times today, but so far she hasn't been interested. We will keep trying. Before she can be discharged she will have to eat by mouth, and will have to be off several of the medications she is currently receiving. The doctors are slowly weening her of the medications already. We think and hope the worst is behind us now.
Thanks to all who stopped by today! Mamaw, Papaw, Grandaddy, Aunt Shannon, Chris and Regena, and Tommy Whitehead
There were no major changes in Hannah's health today. Our next goal is to get her to eat by bottle. She hasn't been bottle fed since the night before the surgery. All her nutrition has come through iv's and a feeding tube. We tried a few times today, but so far she hasn't been interested. We will keep trying. Before she can be discharged she will have to eat by mouth, and will have to be off several of the medications she is currently receiving. The doctors are slowly weening her of the medications already. We think and hope the worst is behind us now.
Thanks to all who stopped by today! Mamaw, Papaw, Grandaddy, Aunt Shannon, Chris and Regena, and Tommy Whitehead
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Movin' on up?
What a wonderful morning it was to wake up and find that Hannah had been taken off of the vapotherm and was doing great! They placed her on regular oxygen early this morning and she has continued to do well throughout the day. During rounds this morning, the doctors said that they would monitor her for 12-24 hours and then we could go to the floor. We are crossing our fingers, but we should be on the 6th floor tomorrow morning!
Another wonderful surprise of the day was Hannah's first smile since the surgery. It was great to see her little smiling face for the first time in 11 days. It was an undescrible moment that I will never forget...it was almost as good as seeing her smile for the very first time.
We were thankful to have some more visitors today. My mom and dad, my sister-in-law Shannon and Jeff's dad came in from Maryville last night to visit with us, although I am sure they were here mostly to see Hannah :) . We also got to spend a small amount of time with Chris and Regena again. It was great to have some family and friends around...it makes this situation bearable. It has just been another roller coaster day and we are exhaused and ready to go home.
Another wonderful surprise of the day was Hannah's first smile since the surgery. It was great to see her little smiling face for the first time in 11 days. It was an undescrible moment that I will never forget...it was almost as good as seeing her smile for the very first time.
We were thankful to have some more visitors today. My mom and dad, my sister-in-law Shannon and Jeff's dad came in from Maryville last night to visit with us, although I am sure they were here mostly to see Hannah :) . We also got to spend a small amount of time with Chris and Regena again. It was great to have some family and friends around...it makes this situation bearable. It has just been another roller coaster day and we are exhaused and ready to go home.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
We had another roller coaster day today. In rounds this morning the doctors discussed Hannah's plan for today. It included getting a visit from an ear, nose, and throat specialist, a CAT scan of her brain, and as usual trying to ween the vapotherm. The discussion of the CAT scan alarmed us because it included the possibility Hannah may have neurological problems or brain damage.
THE UGLY...for a minute- The scan went as well as it could with trying to restrain a 3 month old. The results were scary but not terrible. Hannah has a subneuro hematoma- bleeding around the brain. Our hearts dropped as the doctor told us of the findings, as any parents would. The doctor went on to explain that the bleeding was nothing to be alarmed about and is a common occurrence after being on a heart/lung bypass machine in surgery. He and a neurosurgeon reviewed the scan. Both agreed it was not a factor in Hannah's breathing difficulties and shouldn't have any long term effect on her. The "bruise" will heal itself in time and is not causing any pressure on her brain. If the bruise were a factor it would have caused problems closer to her post surgery date.
THE BAD...-The ear, nose, and throat doctor came to visit Hannah and gave no diagnosis. He suggested we give her a little more time to work the respiratory problems out on her own. He has scheduled a procedure on next Tuesday to scope her airway if her problems persist that long. Please pray that the problems are resolved by then. We don't want any more invasive procedures on our Hannah, and want to keep her out of the operating room.
And then there's the vapotherm. We are slowly weening, but it is still here. As long as she is having respiratory problems the vapotherm will remain. Hannah does sound improved this afternoon. She is not as raspy as this morning or previous days.
THE GOOD...Hannah had plenty of lap time with mommy and daddy today. She only has a few wires and hoses as compared to previous days. This made it much easier and less stressful to hold and cuddle with her. We enjoyed being able to hold our baby once again. Prior to today, I had only held her twice since her surgery! This therapy was as good for us as it was for her.
We also had a wonderful visit with Chris and Regena Hughes. We took a walk with them and ate lunch off campus....a rare treat. I felt comfortable leaving Hannah for a little while because we had our favorite nurse, Rachel, tending to Hannah. She is wonderful and we wish we could take her home with us. Rachel was Hannah's nurse the first 2 days after her surgery. She is a blessing to all her patients and their families. She knows when I need a break and convinces me to take a walk or get out of the ICU for a while. Thanks Chris, Regena, and Rachel!
THE UGLY...for a minute- The scan went as well as it could with trying to restrain a 3 month old. The results were scary but not terrible. Hannah has a subneuro hematoma- bleeding around the brain. Our hearts dropped as the doctor told us of the findings, as any parents would. The doctor went on to explain that the bleeding was nothing to be alarmed about and is a common occurrence after being on a heart/lung bypass machine in surgery. He and a neurosurgeon reviewed the scan. Both agreed it was not a factor in Hannah's breathing difficulties and shouldn't have any long term effect on her. The "bruise" will heal itself in time and is not causing any pressure on her brain. If the bruise were a factor it would have caused problems closer to her post surgery date.
THE BAD...-The ear, nose, and throat doctor came to visit Hannah and gave no diagnosis. He suggested we give her a little more time to work the respiratory problems out on her own. He has scheduled a procedure on next Tuesday to scope her airway if her problems persist that long. Please pray that the problems are resolved by then. We don't want any more invasive procedures on our Hannah, and want to keep her out of the operating room.
And then there's the vapotherm. We are slowly weening, but it is still here. As long as she is having respiratory problems the vapotherm will remain. Hannah does sound improved this afternoon. She is not as raspy as this morning or previous days.
THE GOOD...Hannah had plenty of lap time with mommy and daddy today. She only has a few wires and hoses as compared to previous days. This made it much easier and less stressful to hold and cuddle with her. We enjoyed being able to hold our baby once again. Prior to today, I had only held her twice since her surgery! This therapy was as good for us as it was for her.
We also had a wonderful visit with Chris and Regena Hughes. We took a walk with them and ate lunch off campus....a rare treat. I felt comfortable leaving Hannah for a little while because we had our favorite nurse, Rachel, tending to Hannah. She is wonderful and we wish we could take her home with us. Rachel was Hannah's nurse the first 2 days after her surgery. She is a blessing to all her patients and their families. She knows when I need a break and convinces me to take a walk or get out of the ICU for a while. Thanks Chris, Regena, and Rachel!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Hannah is still fighting
We had hoped Hannah would be weaned from the vapotherm last night, but unfortunately she was unable to do so. The vapotherm provides a constant flow oxygen through her nose. It is the last item keeping her in ICU. We were told she doesn't need the oxygen just the high flow of air. Her nurses turned the machine down last night and her respiration suffered as a result. The doctors believe her airway is still swollen from having the breathing tube in for so long. Hannah has been breathing on her own since Sunday. They gave her steroids and a breathing treatment to try and soothe the inflammation. So far, neither have helped.
She also still has the feeding tube. She can't breathe well enough to take a bottle. We are hoping that when the airway is corrected that the feeding will follow. Hannah is awake much more now and very attentive. She is letting us know when she is content and when she is not. As a mom her cry is recognizable, but is not the same as presurgery. This is probably due to that same inflammation of the airway. We feel very blessed to have such good doctors and nurses. We just wish we didn't have to see them for so long. Please pray that we may be released from ICU and moved to a regular floor this weekend.
She also still has the feeding tube. She can't breathe well enough to take a bottle. We are hoping that when the airway is corrected that the feeding will follow. Hannah is awake much more now and very attentive. She is letting us know when she is content and when she is not. As a mom her cry is recognizable, but is not the same as presurgery. This is probably due to that same inflammation of the airway. We feel very blessed to have such good doctors and nurses. We just wish we didn't have to see them for so long. Please pray that we may be released from ICU and moved to a regular floor this weekend.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Hurry up and wait
Nothing spectacular happened today. The main goal of today was to get Hannah off of some medication and the Vapotherm. Hannah is tolerating things well and she is beginning to act like Hannah. She is even trying to swat the oxygen tube out of her nose! She is too cute. Hopefully, we can go to a regular room tomorrow or Friday. We have our wonderful nurse, Margo, for the third night in a row and we are glad! We have had some excellent doctors and nurses! We were excited to have aunt Sara, uncle Sam, Samuel, Steve Lipsey and David Lipsey come and visit Hannah today. It is always great to have a distraction from the stress and someone else to talk to.
I think that I have forgotten to mention Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a friend of a friend that we were to church with in Knoxville, Lauren McKissick Young. Elizabeth's daughter, Allie, has the same heart defect that Hannah has. Allie has had two open heart surgeries and six angioplasties. She is the most beautiful, energetic little thing that I have ever seen! Allie is now two years old and will require future surgeries. Elizabeth has been our saving grace. She and Allie came and introduced themselves to us while Hannah was in surgery. She shared their story with us and it is a relief to know that we are not the only parents to have ever gone through this. She has been such an inspiration to us and we thank God for bringing her into our lives. Thanks for everything Elizabeth!
This experience has made me look at my family in a new way. I believe that we are a stronger family for having gone through this experience. Hannah is a miracle and I believe that God sent her to us for a reason. While, I am not quiet sure what that reason is, I am sure that it will hit me one day. In the mean time, I thank God for Hannah everyday and I feel so fortunate to have her as my daughter.
I think that I have forgotten to mention Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a friend of a friend that we were to church with in Knoxville, Lauren McKissick Young. Elizabeth's daughter, Allie, has the same heart defect that Hannah has. Allie has had two open heart surgeries and six angioplasties. She is the most beautiful, energetic little thing that I have ever seen! Allie is now two years old and will require future surgeries. Elizabeth has been our saving grace. She and Allie came and introduced themselves to us while Hannah was in surgery. She shared their story with us and it is a relief to know that we are not the only parents to have ever gone through this. She has been such an inspiration to us and we thank God for bringing her into our lives. Thanks for everything Elizabeth!
This experience has made me look at my family in a new way. I believe that we are a stronger family for having gone through this experience. Hannah is a miracle and I believe that God sent her to us for a reason. While, I am not quiet sure what that reason is, I am sure that it will hit me one day. In the mean time, I thank God for Hannah everyday and I feel so fortunate to have her as my daughter.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
God is good!
Hannah's chest tubes came out today! This is a huge advancement! Praise God!
They had been concerned with some fluid that had gathered around and in her lungs...but as of this morning the x-ray showed that the fluid is going down!!! They were going to have to put in two more chest tubes to drain it if it did not drain on its own. Please pray that the fluid continues to go down.
They had to put the feeding tube back in, because she is going through withdrawal from the sedation and pain medications. She was vominting and unable to keep anything down. They are now giving her medication to help this.
It just seems like as soon as one thing goes wrong...God steps in and helps! We are showing this surgery how good our God is!!!
Thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers...we are very thankful for each and every one!
They had been concerned with some fluid that had gathered around and in her lungs...but as of this morning the x-ray showed that the fluid is going down!!! They were going to have to put in two more chest tubes to drain it if it did not drain on its own. Please pray that the fluid continues to go down.
They had to put the feeding tube back in, because she is going through withdrawal from the sedation and pain medications. She was vominting and unable to keep anything down. They are now giving her medication to help this.
It just seems like as soon as one thing goes wrong...God steps in and helps! We are showing this surgery how good our God is!!!
Thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers...we are very thankful for each and every one!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A great day!
Hannah was taken off of the ventilator this morning!1 Praise God!!! It is so wonderful to see my little girl's face again. She is so beautiful. They took her out her catheter and she kicked out the IV in her foot. When they were taking the tube out of her throat she got so mad that she pooped! HAHA! Thats my girl! They said that hopefully she can go to the floor tomorrow. I will update with any new information.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
an uneventful day
Today was a pretty uneventful day. Their main goal was to get some more fluid off of Hannah and to keep her comfortable so that she could heal. The plan for Sunday is to remove her chest tubes and take her off of the ventilator!!! We are thrilled and can't wait to see her little face!
They are cutting down her sedation medication and she is beginning to move more. This is very hard for me to watch, because she is hooked up to so many things...she just seems very uncomfortable. As a mother...it is killing me! I am just so ready to hold her and to smooch her face!
Aunt Shannon and her parents came to visit with Hannah today. Mike (Shannon's dad) said a great prayer of healing for Hannah. We feel so blessed to have so many people that love Hannah in our lives! Thank you Mike and Linda for your gift. It was unnecessary, but greatly appreciated!
They are cutting down her sedation medication and she is beginning to move more. This is very hard for me to watch, because she is hooked up to so many things...she just seems very uncomfortable. As a mother...it is killing me! I am just so ready to hold her and to smooch her face!
Aunt Shannon and her parents came to visit with Hannah today. Mike (Shannon's dad) said a great prayer of healing for Hannah. We feel so blessed to have so many people that love Hannah in our lives! Thank you Mike and Linda for your gift. It was unnecessary, but greatly appreciated!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Hannah can pee!!!
Hannah is doing great and on the right track! They started her on a new medication to help her get rid of the excess fluid...it works! I never thought I would get so excited to see my baby pee pee!!! It's like gold around here! Everyone is excited to see so much pee! It's too funny!
Her rythym is still normal, her blood pressure is good and she it peeing alot! The doctors are glad to see all of these things!
The doctors said they would probably begin to ween her off of the vent tonight or tomorrow and hopefully get her off of the ventilator saturday night or sunday. YEAH! I am ready to hold my baby girl! I want to smooch on her cheeks so bad that I can't stand it!!!
Thanks to everyone for all of your prayers! I will post again with any new news!
Her rythym is still normal, her blood pressure is good and she it peeing alot! The doctors are glad to see all of these things!
The doctors said they would probably begin to ween her off of the vent tonight or tomorrow and hopefully get her off of the ventilator saturday night or sunday. YEAH! I am ready to hold my baby girl! I want to smooch on her cheeks so bad that I can't stand it!!!
Thanks to everyone for all of your prayers! I will post again with any new news!
no news is good news
Nothing changed overnight. The doctors are pleased with her stats and say that she is just taking a slower pace than most babies. She is headed in the right direction...just slowly. Today's goal is to get some fluid off, work on her heart rythym, and let her rest and heal. I will post more info as I know more. Thanks!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Hannah's open heart surgery
Hannah was scheduled to the a TOF repair on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. We brought Hannah to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville for the surgerey. Dr. Karla Christian was the surgeon that did the repair. The doctors came to the holing room at 8:00 a.m. and took her from us. It was truly the hardest thing that I have ever had to do...handing my daughter over to the person that is going to oper her chest. Many tears were shead and we knew that there was a long day ahead of us.
Dr. Christian came to talk to us at 2:00 p.m. So the surgery was a total of 6 hours. Hannah was immediately moved to the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Unit (PCCCU) where she was closely monitored by many doctors and nurses.
We were able to see Hannah at 4:00 p.m. This was horrible. To walk into a room and see your child in that condition is enough to take your breath away. There are no words that can describe it. I do not wish for anyone to ever have to see their child in this condition. We took pictures of her that I will try and post later.
Hannah is doing well. I will try to update as often as possible.
Dr. Christian came to talk to us at 2:00 p.m. So the surgery was a total of 6 hours. Hannah was immediately moved to the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Unit (PCCCU) where she was closely monitored by many doctors and nurses.
We were able to see Hannah at 4:00 p.m. This was horrible. To walk into a room and see your child in that condition is enough to take your breath away. There are no words that can describe it. I do not wish for anyone to ever have to see their child in this condition. We took pictures of her that I will try and post later.
Hannah is doing well. I will try to update as often as possible.
Hannah's diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot (a congenital heart defect)
When Hannah was 2 weeks and 4 days old she was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot. Tertalogy of Fallot (TOF) is a combination of four heart defects that are present together at birth, accounting for about 10% of all congenital heart disease.
The four defects that constitute the tetralogy of Fallot are:
Hannah was hospitalized in April for observation after having a few tet spells. Tet spells are when Hannah gets mad and turns blue. She had a tet spell after she got her shots at the doctors office. Tet spells are common and expected in children with TOF and indicate that it is time to repair the heart. We are so excited to get her heart fixed!!!
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