First, thank you all so much for your sweet comments and prayers. We finally (after being in the ER for 5 hours to “expedite” the process” ) are in our room, in ICU. Emma is sleeping after many pokes and prods, but has been in good spirits. Her heart rate has finally chilled out, but her respirations are still high. Her color is “dusky” but that could be due to the respiratory issues. Tomorrow we are scheduled for an ECHO and a full heart once over. Her x ray looked clear, except for some adelectus (crud) in her lower left lung lobe. She is also going to have a head CT scheduled once the ECHO determines her heart function, to see if her sinus’ are compacted. This is a big deal because Emma does not do well with Anesthesia.
My gut still says she is just developing an infection (her nose is yucky), they do have her on some pretty strong antibiotics. She was so cute in the ER -while they were placing her IV- She made them put an IV on her Barney too (its all about the Barney!). She also pointed out that the Doctor had a “pee pee”- which caused me to wish the floor would open up and suck me in it. Luckily it was one of the same doctors she had when she was transplanted 5 years ago at this hospital, so he wasn’t all that alarmed (Im sure he has heard worse!)
Its weird being back here- so many memories. Just the smell of the soap brings back emotions that I had forgotten about. I called to order Emma some dinner and the lady that answered the phone recognized me immediately. Her son passed away in NICU while we waited for Em’s transplant. When the Intensivist came in, I held back the tears because he was the very doctor that stood over my daughters tiny body after her transplant for hours on end 5 years ago. No matter how many times we come back to this hospital, it is like the events of 2001 happened yesterday.
Tomorrow is going to be a busy day- so please continue to keep her in your prayers.
Specific things to pray for:
-ECHO shows no heart issues
-Respirations reduce
-Breathing is unlabored
-Blood cultures show no infections
-Protection during Anesthesia
-CT is clear
Many of you have asked how I am- I am doing okay. Its hard seeing your child go through is as often as Emma has- I hate being away from my husband and other two kids - but in some ways it becomes life and you put one foot in front of the other. She is a trooper and I have learned so much from her. I cant imagine life any other way, and am blessed to have her in the crib next to me right now. I’m stressed and tired - but also know that Christ holds her life in the palm of his hands- I’m secure in that. We are no where near where we were a year ago- she has come so very far.
Thank you for your prayers- I am off to curl up in this lovely hospital chair and try to sleep. Ill update tomorrow when I get a chance.
(Mom and dad, if you read this before you come up tomorrow morning- please call me before you leave, I need you to pick something up at the house and its too late to call you tonight)
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I have been away from the computer most of the day and didn’t see what was going on till just now. I am praying my heart out. He is faithful and He is with you all.
by HeatherStill praying. For all of you.
by boomama[…] EDITED, 10:35 pm: Update on Emma’s condition here. […]
by BooMama » Prayers NeededI’m glad things are no worse, Heather. I put Emma on our prayer list at church tonight, and I will keep praying.
Thanks for taking time to update for us. I know how exhausting it is to be at the hospital, physically, mentally and emotionally.
by Diane J.Thanks for the update. I will continue to pray for Emma and you and the rest of your family, too.
by beckyThoughts and prayers are with you. Isn’t it good to know that prayer is the BEST thing we can do!
by TaraHeather- we have posted you up for prayer and will keep checking back for updates. Get some rest. ANd be reasted for tomorrow. Love you.
by kelliStill praying as I head off to bed, especially for a good nights sleep for you.
by Everyday MommyPraying that you will sleep and wake surrounded by His peace. You and your entire family will be surrounded by prayer all day.
May His presence bring you comfort and strength.
by LyricMay God bless you at this unsteady time with His peace that passes all understanding!
by The NON-SuperwomanYou are so strong - you always amaze me! We are praying…
by Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)((HUGS)) sis , Emma is always in my thoughts and prayers, Call if you need anything! I may not be there in person, but know I am here thinking of you and willing to do whatever I can for you.
Love you!
by CatYou and your princess are in my thoughts. Sleep well, and I will pray for you both for tomorrow…
by JillThanks for taking the time to update us, I can’t imagine the waves of emotion you are feeling. Please try to take some comfort in knowing and feeling the prayers that are going up for you and Emma at the hospital, as well as the rest of your family and remember God is in Control!
~in Him
by TonyaTonya
Heather, I don’t know how I managed to be so out of the loop. I have some back reading to do I guess. I will be praying for all of you.
by alisonprayed for you and Emma…
by Laurel WreathContinuing to pray and wish you all the best!
by ChupieandJsmamaI’m so glad to come in this morning and read an update on Emma.. Praise Him that she is resting and did not get any worse. I will be lifting these requests in prayer today, and praying for you, as well. I hope you had a peaceful sleep last night, and that you are surrounded by God’s peace today.
by RebeccaHeather -
by JanI am praying for Emma and her doctors and you and your family. I pray that when the memories are triggered, they will remind you how far you’ve come. I am thankful for doctors who have been with your family for years and the comfort that must bring. I am thankful Emma has a stubborn and loving mother who will be there beside her through it all. May you be richly blessed.
I’ll be praying!!!! God bless and (((hugs)))
by TammyI have your prayer request on my blog for all to see!
God Bless You and May the Lord Jesus give you peace and rest.
Hugs!
by Kathleen MarieI’m praying for Emma, you and her family, and the doctors.
by EdenHeather, you are an incredible mother. My heart goes out to you and your precious Emma. I just love that name! I have lots of experience with hospitals too, and I know you would much rather be home. Just try to keep your thoughts on Christ and His love for you. It sounds like you are already doing that. God bless!
by SusieHeather,
Are you familiar with the book of Esther? You may find inspiration in it for Esther was a lone woman faced with the problem of thousands of innocent men, women and children sentenced to death. She feels powerless at this injustice and is frightened to speak up. It would be much easier and safer to just follow the state’s plans and go unnoticed.
But Esther was the one called for this role. God put her there because nobody else was as uniquely qualified as she the Queen who could influence the personal who had the final say. What an awesome responsibility for her to have. But Mordecai says to her ‘Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?’
Heather, perhaps you have been called for such a time as this. Nobody else has advocated for Emma in the way that you have. You have an awesome responsibility but you have also been blessed beyond belief. God gave you this wonderful little girl and you are doing a great job fighting for her as only you can.
Jennifer
by JenniferI wish to convey that you are all in my prayers at this time and will be praying constantly as well as in my thoughts too.
Blessings to you all.
by Peter