9 1/2 hours until my sweet baby girl goes in for her third open heart surgery. This isn't just any surgery. It's a big one. This surgery would be a big deal for a 40 year old. So you can imagine the seriousness and high risk on a 3 week old. I am nauseous and scared. I pray with all my heart that her little body can handle the intensity and recovery involved with something this big. The nurses have prepared us for the worst, which I am thankful for, but am remaining optimistic and strong in faith. They have told me that she will be VERY sick for several days following her surgery. She may even come back to her room in the PICU still on bypass. Even if she doesn't come back on bypass, she could still go back on it a few days later. In addition to all her machines and medicines now, she will also come back with a pacemaker, and possibly the ECMO (bypass) machine.
Lia opened her eyes today, and looked around the room for a whole hour today! She responded to voices, and tracked things with her eyes even. She was moving her hands and feet too! It was so good to see her beautiful blue eyes. Even though she cannot make any noise (due to ventilator going between her vocal chords) I could tell that she was trying to make noise. I can't wait to hear the sound of her voice again. Even if shes screaming.
We have our support system in place down here. All of my immediate family is here, plus my brother in law, and soon to be sister in law. My in laws are also here. I know there are literally hundreds of people praying for us and for Lia, and for her surgeons. I do believe that there is power in prayer, so please remember us tonight as you go to sleep and again in the morning, throughout the day, and over the next several weeks as we embark on a long recovery.
I will try and update as I can tomorrow, but cannot guarantee anything. I have no idea how the day will play out.
I feel that after two failed shunt surgeries, Lia is telling us that she just needs her full repair and then she will be ready to move on, to grow, and live a long healthy life.
Please pray for our girl. We are so scared.
Ashley & Ryan
Lia opened her eyes today, and looked around the room for a whole hour today! She responded to voices, and tracked things with her eyes even. She was moving her hands and feet too! It was so good to see her beautiful blue eyes. Even though she cannot make any noise (due to ventilator going between her vocal chords) I could tell that she was trying to make noise. I can't wait to hear the sound of her voice again. Even if shes screaming.
We have our support system in place down here. All of my immediate family is here, plus my brother in law, and soon to be sister in law. My in laws are also here. I know there are literally hundreds of people praying for us and for Lia, and for her surgeons. I do believe that there is power in prayer, so please remember us tonight as you go to sleep and again in the morning, throughout the day, and over the next several weeks as we embark on a long recovery.
I will try and update as I can tomorrow, but cannot guarantee anything. I have no idea how the day will play out.
I feel that after two failed shunt surgeries, Lia is telling us that she just needs her full repair and then she will be ready to move on, to grow, and live a long healthy life.
Please pray for our girl. We are so scared.
Ashley & Ryan
Comments
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
In His love,
Lisa W
We continue to pray for you and Lia. I am glad all of your family is able to be with you today. Thinking of you,
Jen, Dan and girls (Robertson)
Krystal Knobloch
Ash shared your blog with me, and told me Lia came through the surgery - so happy for all of you! Will continue to follow and will be praying for all of you! Tell your family hello and take care! Lori Knight
Janine