Monday, February 9, 2009

Post-Op Day 4: Touch and Go

Just a quick update here. I have no pictures from Sunday right now because they're still on the camera and Sharon took it with her this morning to go visit Evie. I'll do another post tonight. However, she had a steady stream of family sitting with her all day, up until I left her around 1:30am.

The bad news is that Evie is not coming off of the ECMO machine today like we all had hoped. She had several echo-cardiograms over the weekend and her heart function is just not up to speed yet, so more rest for her heart and lungs is needed. Halina, her ECMO tech, said that she's seen kids on ECMO up to 40 days, so if she only spends 3-7 days on the machine it's good. It is just a "wait and see" time right now for when her heart and lungs will be well enough for her to come off of the machine.

She still seems to have fresh blood in her lungs. This could be caused simply because she's not clotting well and when she occasionally wakes up and squirms, just that small movement can break up the clots. Even though her sedation has been increased, nurse Kelly told me that they may paralyze her to help the clots form and stay in place. During my stay with Evie in the evening, she was given some hemoglobin and 2 doses of blood platelets to help her clotting. She will have x-rays and echo-cardiograms throughout the day to monitor this.

The good news is that she wasn't coughing up the blood like before, and there was a lot less blood in her chest tube drainage; it is mostly just body fluid now. She's also peeing a ton which is a very good sign of kidney and overall body function.

It's been very comforting to read all of your kind comments and notes. We are so very grateful for all of your thoughts and prayers for Evie's quick recovery.

9 comments:

KathiP said...

My prayers are with Evie and your whole family. I talked to the Rosary ladies here at CONVO and they have put her on their prayer list on will mention her at Mass tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Come on Evie, come on Evie! Your Godfathers Uncle David & Uncle Brad are rooting for you!! We know how strong you are and we love you SO much - I know you can feel that from us. We are totally focused on YOU. Every time I drive home I go past the park that we will take you and Gavin to when you are better! We love you so much!

Sandra said...

This large community who are eager and faithful readers of this blog are holding Evie with her family and lifting her up in prayer. We join a crowd of personal saints - our beloved parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins in this loving embrace.

janself said...

I'm sure all the great grandparents including pediatrician Dr. Cordes are watching over Evie and storming heaven for her healing. I'm glad that she's in such good hands at this hospital and that she feels their loving care, giving her body time to get strong. Hugs to all the family! love, jan mullen

Unknown said...

Evie and your family remains in our thoughts and prayers. She is in really good hands, and is loved by MANY people. Paige sends her love and can't wait for her to get better so they can hang out!

Anonymous said...

Evie is on our prayers list at church and I know that there will be lots of people saying lots of prayers for her. We can't wait for her to be home, healthy, and happy as can be. Lots of love!!!!!
-The Hall family

Anonymous said...

As a friend of Uncle David, I almost feel like I know your little ones! I am praying for little Evie every day and your family is in my thoughts as well. You have such a beautiful family! She is a strong little one!

Unknown said...

We have been praying all weekend for Evie, and for all of you who are next to her during this journey. Our parents and my grandmother and our parish priest are all praying for her too. She will get better soon!!! We love you guys!! LV, Mike, and Keira

Anonymous said...

we are saying LOTS of prayers and sending all our our love to Evie and your entire family. Uncle David keeps us posted on her progress and we are all rooting for a speedy recovery. We love you Evie and the entire Cordes crew..if you need anything at all please let me know.

Love and lots of Irish Prayers- Bridgett, Jeff, and Zoey Selvy and the entire McMillin family.