Monday, October 18, 2010

Oh The Ups and Downs

As I sit here in Emma's room, I truly cannot describe what I am feeling.  Sitting right next to her bed is the ECMO machine.  Sitting right next to the couch where I am sitting is a Mobile Operating Room.  At the end of her bed is a pacemaker machine and "shock machine."  All of these (besides the pacemaker) are "just in case of an emergency."  That is where we are right now.  This is one big waiting game.  

So here is what happened today:

The doctors decided that once again, Emma was having to work too hard without the vent.  The amount of energy it was taking for her to breathe was more than they were putting in her.  She was also experiencing some heart flutters  So, they decided to re-intubate her.  Once again, the problems began.  However, this time it had to with her heart rhythm.  Instead of her heart squeezing, it more or less just kind of quivered.  This meant that it was not getting blood to her body.  Her heart rate also shot way up and they had trouble getting it down.  They had to do some chest compressions, hook her up to the pacemaker, and give her many doses of Amiodarone to try to slow it down.  This was not working, so they told Scott to call me to the hospital because they had brought in the ECMO machine and thought they were going to have to hook her up to it.  ECMO is life support for kids.  While it is available in case of emergencies, going on it and coming off of it are very hard.  So thankful to our wonderful God above for helping her stabilize and not having to go on ECMO.  Emma’s sats and stats have remained good which is encouraging.  Her neers could be a little better, but are not alarming right now.  The main thing they had problems with labs wise, is bringing back up is her potassium.  They are continuing to give her more of it since it has just a direct effect on heart functioning.  Also, they are trying to keep her really sedated.  The medicines that help that lower other things so it truly is a balancing act.    

The doctors just came in and took her pacing wires off to test how she would do.  They were happy with what they saw, so they decided to leave in her temporary pacing wires (down her nose and esophagus to behind her heart), leave the machine hooked up, but unplug her from it.  So far she is doing well.  They are doing this because a few days ago they took out her pacing wires.  If her heart rate can’t stay up on its own then Dr. Forbess will have to reopen her chest and put in pacing wires.  The temporary one down her nose is only good for about 36 hours.

We appreciate your continued prayers and support.  The next 24-48 hours are very critical for Miss Emma.  They are watching her like a hawk and have a plan in place if her heart rate were to slow.

Specific Prayer Requests:

1.    That Emma is able to maintain an acceptable heart rate on her on.
2.    That Emma’s sats, stats, and neers remain good.
3.    That Emma’s lung functioning remains good.
4.    That the doctors and nurses will be watching her closely and making the decisions necessary to get her back on the road to recovery.
5.    That Scott and I will have a peace of mind to deal with this.
6.    That all four of us will be able to rest tonight. 


God is Good! 

The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint. Isiah 40:28-31


Sarah (Emma’s mommy)    


17 comments:

  1. Prayers are constantly coming your way, May God comfort and keep you safe. May God touch little Emmas heart and heal it, May there be no futher complications, I claim this in Jesus Name.Amen

    Cyndy Meeks
    Ada, ok

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  2. thank you for the update... we are praying ~ The Burks

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  3. We continue to pray. Sending our love. Kendall and Darla

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  4. Scott and Sarah and Emma,
    Continue to keep up the strength, these are the hard times. But know that God is right there beside you holding you all.
    Timothy and I know how scary ECMO is and I pray that Emma doesn't have to use it. The machine alone is scary enough.
    Emma keep fighting hard and show these doctors how powerful God is and show them who is in control.

    Praying and thinking of you all constantly,
    The Rogers family

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  5. Praying that precious Emma is able to maintain an acceptable heart rate on her on. Our Heavenly Father has a purpose and a plan and may you all have peace. Praying that the sats, stats, and neers remain where they need to be, may y'all feel the presence of the Spirit as this evening moves into night. Praying that Emma’s lung functioning remains good. He provides for our needs before we even know that they are there. Praying that the doctors and nurses will be watching her closely and making the decisions necessary to get her back on the road to recovery. Praying that they will have wisdom and understanding and be the hands that are needed to continue Emma's recovery. Praying for you and Scott that y'all will have the peace that comes from knowing the Heavenly Father, the peace that passes all understanding, the peace that only He can provide. Praying that y'all will be able to rest in Him and the knowledge of His love and knowing that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!!!! Praying and believing with others as y'all walk through this.

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  6. Praying that Baby Emma has no complications and that her heart will have a steady rate. Her lungs to be clear. Have a good night little one! Hugs to you, Mommy, and Daddy!!! :)
    Love you,
    Cousin Karla

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  7. Praying for Miss Emma in Shawnee!
    May His Perfect Strength Be Yours-
    The Crawley Family

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  8. sarah and scott - thanks for sharing your journey with us . . . you amaze me but really it shouldn't - i know YOUR strength comes from God creator of heaven and earth. emma is beautiful . . . you remain in the prayers of many.

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  9. I am praying for your little girl and your family tonight. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you. Know that there are many of us out here praying right along with you.

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  10. Believing in Gods healing hands! Praying in Cookeville, TN (((HUGS))) Michelle

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  11. Our prayers are going up constantly. Your strength and love for the Lord is truly an inspiration to everyone. We love you all so much. Sheri, Jade, Dylan and Presley

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  12. Had been praying but felt compelled to get up and check the blog one more time--decided to leave you a note to let you know that we--myself and most of my 12 children--are praying for your sweet baby!

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  13. "And a little child shall lead them." Emma, sweet precious little one, today you have reminded thousands of people throughout the world to pray, and then have proved to them the power of prayer. As your band of "prayer warriors" prays for you without ceasing, may you continue to recover. God bless you and your parents and keep you safely through this night!

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  14. Praying for Miss Emma today- she is such a beautiful little girl and we know GOd has a plan for her. Love and comfort form Shawnee.

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  15. Praying for God's will to be done and praying for a a good upward trend.

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  16. I found your blog through Ella's Journey. Sending big prayers your way!

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  17. Sarah and Scott, we are praying for little Emma.

    Reading all this brings back memories of when Noah was in the NICU. It is a up hill battle, I pray that GOD continues to give you all the strength you need for these days ahead..
    Sending (((((HUGS)))) for little Emma!

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