Monday, August 29, 2011

Loop de Loop

Today's ride was much less a standard roller coaster and much more a loop de loop. Lots of up-and-downs and spirals during this ride. Started off okay but we had some some blood pressure issues overnight that caused her pressers to be raised to the maximum levels again. Her cycles are so damn frustrating. She has pretty good days so they start lowering the meds because her pressures are too high, she sustains them for awhile and then crashes at about 3am. Every. Single. Day. That is why we hate walking in here in the morning. It is such a letdown.

When we got in this morning we were greeted with the news that they believed she had a leak in her right lung that might need to be fixed with a chest tube. However, with the state of her edema and her extremely fragile state, putting in a chest tube might be too dangerous. Our choice was to essentially to put in the tube despite the risk and give her a chance or let things be and be prepared to let her go. This is an extremely hard decision that I really didn't think I would ever face. After multiple xrays showing that it was getting worse, Dan and I decided to have the chest tube put in despite the immediate risk. We spent the afternoon taking turns singing and talking to her while stroking her head and holding her hand.

When the doctor (finally) arrived, we kissed her and told her how much we loved her and left the room to wait. I can't even describe how horrible this feeling is, even though we have had to do it multiple times already. I never, ever thought I would be faced with so many life-or-death decisions. It puts so many trivial things in perspective. Like I said yesterday, we are truly changed forever. The chest tube took 15 minutes to put in and she did beautifully. Her stats immediately shot through the roof - her heart rate is better than I have ever seen it (136 right now), her sats are in the NORMAL range (!) and her blood pressure is on the high side. So high that even though they want to ween her very slowly, they had to come down on the pressers by half! She has also had a negative urine output for the first time today. She is so amazing. We are so proud to be her parents. I can't believe that a 36 day old has taught me so much about strength and perseverance. Her will and fight to live completely baffle me. She wants to come home to us and keeps fighting to do so. I only can hope and pray that it will be sometime soon.

7 comments:

  1. Wow. Who knew a tube could make such a difference?! I hope for a great night and an even better tomorrow. Have you started singing her Annie songs yet?! Love you Jame.

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  2. Jamie-- we haven't met but you and in my thoughts and prayers every day. As a mother, I can't fathom what you have endured over the past month. My heart breaks for you.

    Sending you positive thoughts and prayers-- Tina Swithin

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  3. How truly amazing. My eyes well up just reading this and seeing all the emotions that the two of you are facing day in, day out. I hope writing this blog provides some catharsis and perspective. Continuing to hope for the best.

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  4. Hi Jamie, the SLO Kennedys are reading every entry and keeping Naya in our prayers. Chest tubes are an amazing thing. We found out about the same in May when my Mom, after a hiatal hernia operation earlier in the year left one of her lung's outer sack full of fluids. She almost checked out with what they thought were pneumonia type symptoms while visiting her youngest in Seattle. They put a chest tube in and drained out about 2+ liters of fluids from around her lungs. They patched her up, my sis Kathie flew up to WA and sprang her from the hospital, and last week on her 81st birthday, she and my 82 year old Dad hiked around Lake Mamie [9000' altitude] in Mammoth Lakes. She couldn't walk up the stairs at the Mammoth village at Easter without stopping. Chest tubes are a wonderful thing .... praying everyday for you all and Naya.

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  5. Jamie, we are thinking of you and your sweet family everyday. Sounds like the docs and nursing staff are doing all they can to help Naya - love her name! Keep up your positive thoughts, singing and actions - she hears and feels everything! Much love, Cris Bremer

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  6. Maybe this is tube will provide the crucial turning point. I sure hope so. You all deserve the best and for Naya to come home soon. Continued blessings to you all.

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  7. Jamie- I'm reading every entry most of the time to my parents and every night we say how strong and amazing Naya is and how incredible you and Dan are. She is such a fighter, were so happy the tube went well. Your all
    In our hearts and prayers every day. Love you all!

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