We recieved a call from Emma’s school yesterday around noon. Her teacher said that she was “sittiing at her desk, non engaged, and her lips were blue”. I called Mark, called my parents to watch the kids, and went to pick her and Mark up. When we arrived at All Childrens in St. Pete, they did an Echocardiogram, which I can read. I asked the tech if what she was looking at was fluid around her heart, and she said that she couldnt tell me yes or no, but that was a “good educated guess”. I knew right then that there was something seriously wrong. When she left the room, she said that she couldnt tell us what she saw, but that she wouuld be calling the transplant team as soon as she left our room.
Emma had an x-ray, which the ER doctor said “Showed failure, compared to the last one on file”. Then the cardiologist came in and explained that Emma was indeed in heart failure, that they didnt know what caused it all of the sudden (she had a great report, one of her best, in Gainseville 2 weeks ago). His first impression is that she has a virus that is attacking her body (her liver is quite enlarged too). She has plueral effusion and fluid around her heart. They have her in IV steroids and will continue to do that until her echo’s are clear. They are starting her on Milrinone, which will help her heart pump better. She has to be slowly weaned off of this drug, and can’t leave the ICU on it. He asked our permission to start her on IVIG Therapy, which is an immunomodulator in that it balances the immune system, strengthening immune systems that are too weak and reducing activity in overactive immune systems. They are also doing viral cultures on her blood so that, if it is a virus, we can properly treat it before it causes the heart too much damage. My biggest fear whenever we go into the hospital is that she wont come out, or that her heart is so damaged that she requires another transplant. If that were to be the case, we would Bayflight her to Gainesville immediately, according to her Transplant Cardiologist up there. Luckily we arent quite there yet.
We are staying at the Ronald McDonald house, as we don’t know how long she will be in CV-ICU.
I don’t have it in me to type out requests, so please forgive me. Just pray for her, that the Lord would protect this heart and that we would make the right decisions regarding her care. We would prefer to be in Gainesville at Shands, but her transplant doctor up there doesnt think she is stable enough to handle the transport. I asked the Cardiologist here “On a scale from 1-10, how bad is she”. His answer was 7-8.
“For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will set me high upon a rock.” -Psalm 27:5
Thanks for your prayers and support, they really mean so much to us.
Oh, Heather!!! I will be praying for sweet little Emma. What a shock coming so soon after her great check-up. I’ll be praying for healing and and strength for Emma and for wisdom for the doctors.
Big hugs to all of you!!!
Lori ~ Simple Life at Homes last blog post..A Sad and Heavy Heart
Many hugs and prayers being sent your way. Thanks for letting us know and keep us posted when you’re able. :heart:
Hugs,
Amanda
Amandas last blog post..Subway’s response to homeschoolers
Praying, Heather.
Lindss last blog post..More lazy days
Praying Heather, for your sweet little girl. Oh God, heal her heart, her body and lift up those who love her… strengthen them, encourage them, make them wise in all the things that matter.
Tammys last blog post..They offered…
Praying for your dear, sweet little Emma and you all, Heather~
Cathys last blog post..Scripture to Share
I’m praying for little Emma and for your whole family.
Stacys last blog post..For a good laugh
I am so sorry this has happened and will be praying for your whole family. May The Great Comforter be with you and guide you through this time.
Emma and you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
YellowRoses last blog post..Photo Hunt – “Self: My Hand and More!”
Oh, Heather…immediate prayers for Emma and your family, for the doctors, for you. Placing all of you in God’s hands…
as always, praying.
karla ~ looking towards heavens last blog post..Fightin’ the frump on this fine Memorial Day
Oh, Heather, will be praying for Emma right now. Praying for strength for Emma and a healing! Our God is a gracious God and He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Will be praying for His mighty hand to touch Emma and bring healing to her heart and body. Also keeping you and your family in prayer.
HE is our Jehovah Rapha – the Lord that healeth thee!
Heather, please know that there are many prayers being lifted up for Emma. My thoughts and prayers are with both Emma and your dear family as you go through the hours and days ahead.
Praying hard for Emma, for you, and for all of your family.
catnips last blog post..this is the time sucker
Praying for God’s healing hand…
Sweet Heather,
Praying for Emma and for all of you at this moment, asking the Lord to meet each and every need right now. He loves you, He loves your family and He loves Emma so much. Prayers will continue to lift you up to He who knows all.
Love and Hugs, Laurie in Ca.
Prayers from Vermont, especially for you to get the very best medical staff for Emma at this time.
Lizs last blog post..The Next Stage of Mothering
PRAYING, PRAYING, PRAYING.
Ds last blog post..Now, For how I got so *pretty*
Aloha from Oahu, Hawaii. Praying for you now. “Be strong and courageous.” -Joshua 1:9
PRAY EVERYONE PRAY! I’m praying Heather :angel: and I hope you don’t mind but I posted an URGENT Prayer post on mine!
Emma…Heather…Mark…may the Heavenly Father see you through this with much love and grace! May His Holy Spirit strengthen and bring you His comfort and peace and wisdom as you continue to make life decisions! May His Son Jesus heal you Emma and bring this precious heart complete protection and strength. May the medical personnel do all they can to be the Hands of God to you all in their decisions, precision, words of
kindness and encouragement…May God hold you all in the palm of His Hands, hide you in His mighty shelter of grace and set your feet on the ROCK! Stand strong! Hold on! May each and every promise in His Word deliver you from all harm and bring you His everlasting peace, strength and love to press on! In His Name…Amen….I’m so sorry…I pray that all the saints will gather around and storm the gates for YOU all! We are the body
Peggy@Mazes, Messes, & Miracles….s last blog post..URGENT PRAYER REQUEST-Emma Grace
Uplifting Emma, you & Mark and the rest of the family in prayer.
Hugs & Prayers,
Norma
Praying for strength for all of you and that you feel His arms around you to strengthen and comfort.
Heather I’ve been following your blog for awhile and you have been such an inspiration to me in my own journey with my health issues and as a parent of two children on the autism spectrum. My heart goes out to you and I am praying for Emma Grace!!!
Rebeccas last blog post..Sweet 16
your courage, faith and grace are extraordinary. i will spend the day with you and your family at the center of my heart.
I wish you every good thing,
jasai
jasais last blog post..What’s in a (nick)name?
Praying for you and your family here in Cincinnati, Heather!
Your family is in my prayers!
annies last blog post..cafe chat
Stand Tall sweet Heather.
Hugs and prayers
Martha.. Ala. Grandmother :heart:
praying for Emma, for her family and her doctors
God Bless
Praying for your precious family.
Sarahs last blog post..6 Totally Useless Facts about me
Oh dear one…..I’m sorry you’re in this valley right now. I will absolutely add Emma to my prayer list, as well as continue to pray for the rest of you. {{hugs}}
I a m praying for Emma and all of you – praying really hard.
much love xx
Praying.
Staceys last blog post..Wow.
Oh Heather…
Lord, I lift up this precious family to you now. I cry out on behalf of little Emma. Father protect and watch over this little girl of yours. I pray that you would give her doctors wisdom as they care for her. I pray that any damage that has been done to her heart can be completely reversed. Place ministering angels all around her. I speak LIFE, and LIFE in abundance to this child.
Comfort Heather and her family as they wait upon you in this hour. Surround her with your supernatural peace and the love of all her friends. Place a wall of prayer around little Emma, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen…
Praying without ceasing :heart:
Susans last blog post..Poured Out For Him
Praying for your family, sweet Heather!!!
Kaylas last blog post..Tagged
Heather, I’m praying for Emma, for the doctors to make the right choices, for you and your family that God will give you peace of mind and the continued support and love of friends. God bless, Lisa
Heather,
I’m praying for you all – the family, for sweet Emma, and for her doctors, too.
Jennifer
gomomyourocks last blog post..Project 365: Day 151 – May 30
Praying, Heather….may God’s love surround you.
Mary
Owlhavens last blog post..Religious freedom and children’s rights
Praying. (((HUGS)))
Going to hit my knees now.
Just remember to keep your eyes on the Lord and don’t look down. His hands are there to catch you, even if you fall.
Hugs and Prayers to you & your family!
Michelles last blog post..Processing and Prayers
Dear Heather, I am praying for you all and will call my friends to also.
Maries last blog post..
Oh, Heather, this is not what I expected to be reading when I checked your blog today! Will be lifting sweet Emma and her loving family before the throne. God Bless!
Heather and Family-
We are praying for you in MI. I pray that the doctors and nurses hands and minds are guided by the Holy Spirit. May Jesus wrap His arms around you and comfort you all in His infinite mercy and grace. Take care of yourself Heather, Jennifer
Dear Heather,
Oh, my heart just sank when I read this regarding sweet Emma. I am praying right now and will continue to do so. Hold each other close and know that God is with you all. I don’t know what else to say. God bless. :heart:
Molly (:
oh, Heather. I am thinking of you right now and little Emma! I just asked God to protect her little heart and body and make her better. I am praying for you as well and praying that you and your family can make the right decisions concerning Emma’s care. God bless you and know that you will be on my mind.
Mandy
GA
http://www.madelinegracefoundation.com :angel:
oh, Heather. I am thinking of you right now and little Emma! I just asked God to protect her little heart and body and make her better. I am praying for you as well and praying that you and your family can make the right decisions concerning Emma’s care. God bless you and know that you will be on my mind.
Mandy
GA
http://www.madelinegracefoundation.com :angel:
Heather, we here at Bradenton calvary chapel are fervently praying. May the Lord bring His peace and comfort to Emma and the family.
In His Peace and Grace,
elaine
Praying for Emma and your family.
Saras last blog post..Welcome To The Family!
Heather, my daughter and I said a prayer for you tonight and will keep you and your family in our prayers. May God give you strength in this time of trouble.
Praying for Emma and the rest of the family…doctors, etc… I pray the Lord give you his strength and peace in this situation. I can’t imagine what you are going through but know I and others are praying. I will be passing this request on. The Lord be with you…
Kathleen Maries last blog post..FIF – Joey’s Favorite Chocolate Oatmeal No-bake Cookies
I am so sorry to hear that. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Jennifer (Et Tu?)s last blog post..Becoming equipped
Heather, I will be praying for Emma, her doctors, you, & your entire family.