Monday, May 22, 2006

Another Setback

Emma had a fairly good weekend back in the PICU at CHOC Mission. They stopped her feeds the first night she was there because she has been throwing everything she has been getting. Instead, she has been getting nutrition through IVs. It has been determined that her pneumonia was caused by her constant vomiting as it has been getting into her lungs through her trach. Until we can get her feeding issue resolved, she won’t be able to come back home. They are talking about doing another surgery that will prevent her from being able to throw up. We don’t want this, but she needs to be able to eat and keep it down. Another alternative would be to have her feeds bypass her stomach and go directly into her small intestine. This is not a great option for several reasons, the main one being she would need to be hooked to constant feeding at a slower rate. This would prevent her from being mobile. The hardest part about being back at the hospital is having her connected to the monitors and IVs again. It is difficult holding her because of all the wires. So, the 3 days have passed and we have no idea when she will be able to come back home. The GI doctor will be meeting with us today to discuss her feeding/digestive issues.

5 comments:

Trying to Love, Laugh & Live said...

We are so sorry! Our hearts are saddened by this setback, but our prayers are steadfast. She is God's child and he is holding her in his love.
We love you three!
Eric and Heidi

Anonymous said...

Ah, Emma. Hope she's feeling better soon soon soon and that you come to some decisions about what to do next...nothing like being stuck between a rock and a hard place, huh? Sending you all hugs and love from the Healthbridge crew!
love, lisa

Hechung said...

We will be keeping Emma in prayer.

Anonymous said...

Dear Alissa & Mark,

I felt compelled to write and try to offer words of encouragement during this most recent set back for Emma. It was wonderful to see Alissa at Karen’s Bridal Shower on Sunday, but I could tell she was distracted and sad. I don’t know why God has chosen the 3 of you to experience this roller coaster ride, but I do know that you are not alone in this journey.

Perhaps you have a favorite scripture that helps you find peace…for me, it is Psalms 34. At the times in my life when I have needed the most encouragement, I have found these verses give me reassurance and peace:

Verse 8, 15, 17-18: Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him…The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry…The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

It has always given me comfort to know that the Lord draws near to me when I am brokenhearted, listens to my cry, and ultimately delivers me from my troubles.

Prayer: “Dear Heavenly Father, may Mark, Alissa, and Emma experience your presence as you draw near to them at this time. Please give the doctor’s wisdom to determine exactly what Emma needs in the treatment of her digestive issues. Dear God, give Mark and Alissa peace of mind and the energy, the strength to be there for Emma as she recovers and for each other in support and love. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen”

Love,
Aunt Nancy

ashley said...

ugh! i'm sorry to hear that, i can't imagine how frustrating and discouraging it is to have emma back in the hospital. our hearts go out to you both...