I have debated what to post for the last several days. I know that my family reads this, including my older children and so I a m very careful of not putting things here that would frighten them. Keeping that in mind, here is what has transpired in the last 72 hours:
After surgery on Monday Emma was not doing very well. Her Xray looked pretty bad so they chose to intubate her. Her white count was up the following morning along with her CRP.
They drew blood from both her IV and her Medi Port both of which came back rather quickly with bacterial blood infection. Usually with a blood infection, they would run only antibiotics through the port and then lock it when it is not in use. Emma has limited veins & 11 IV medications going at one time, some of which are not compatible together. They put in a central line to free up the port but the type of bug she is growing colonizes in tubing so…..
2 days ago when they did an echocardiogram of her heart, it show that her function had decreased by half. She was dropping her blood pressure (92/15) and throwing multiple PVCs. They put in an Arterial line to monitor her blood pressure more closely. They put her on an Epinephrine drip and Milirinone which seem to have brought her heart function almost to her baseline.
But as a result of the heart not pumping efficiently, her kidneys are not pro-fusing efficiently. So that is our number one concern at the moment. They have her on two IV medications to help with that. Worst case scenario she will have to go back on dialysis, but luckily we are not there yet.
When I asked her nurse (whom I absolutely adore) how long she expected us to be here, she said weeks. We are going on our 4th week already.
Needless to say Mark and I are both stressed, tired and just plain numb. We are in overload with medical information and now we are just trying to process it all. As soon as we take one step forward it seems like we proceed to take two steps back.
Emma is such a fighter, but it is hard to see her like this.
Again, we covet your prayers.
Much love,
Heather
Emma is in my thoughts and my prayers. You are in my thoughts and my prayers Heather. (((hugs)))
May God be your strength & portion as Emma is going through such a difficult time. Praying for you and Mark. Wisdom & STRENGTH & Stamina.
much love,
kate snodgrass, St. Louis
Oh my we are all praying for you….much love
Praying for you all. Thank you for letting us know.
I truly hope you’re feeling the love and prayers right now.
xoxo
Prayers continue here in California Heather. Asking God to restore sweet Emma to health and for you and Mark and the older kids to feel His Peace and Presence all over you, minute by minute. I can only imagine how exhausted you all are. Asking God to send the right people who are close by you to bless you with what you need and minister to your worried hearts.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
We continue to pray. Thanks for the update Dear One.
Sweet Emma has been through so much – as have you as her family and care givers. Your family remains in my thoughts.
I am rooting for Emma!
xo,
Darcy
Praying.
you guys have been through so much, yet HE remains constant.
praying.right.now.
xo
Praying for grace and peace from Him for you all!
Still praying. Fervently.
As always – praying. Miss and love you much.
Praying for wisdom and peace.
Just wanted to let you know that I have been placing prayers for Emma at The Lighthouse of Prayer along with Peggy. My heart goes out to you and your family. We serve a great and wonderful God who loves us all, especially Emma. I’m sure He is watching over her and holding her in His arms. I will be praying for her and your family.
AliceE. (From the Heart)
Praying for your dear Emma. Praying for you and your husband for strength and peace that transcends all understanding.
Your situation is so familar and my heart goes out to you and what you are going through.
Hugs,
Marina
Prayers from Illinois.
I am truly saddened to hear about everything that you all are going through. It is an extremely difficult situation. My prayer is that Emma gets better soon and that you and your family have the strength that you need to get through this trying time.
(1 Peter 5:7, 10-11) 7 …throw all YOUR anxiety upon him, because he cares for YOU… But, after YOU have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called YOU to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish YOUR training, he will make YOU firm, he will make YOU strong. To him be the might forever. Amen.
Oh, Heather. Please know that God has so many people praying for you and your sweet Emma. I am so sorry she has been so sick. Praying for her to get stronger and for all of you to feel the Father’s hand.
Rachel
Atlanta.
I have no words that would be adequate, so I’m just going to let you know that my prayers are with you.
My heart hurts for all of you. I will keep praying.
Lifting you all up in prayer right now in these early morning hours.
praying for you all.