Wednesday, October 19, 2011

An update

I apologize for the lack of updates. Only now, 24 hours after surgery has Gracie been able to really get some rest. When we first saw Gracie after surgery yesterday I was kind of in a false sense of security. Gracie came out without the breathing tube and with her chest close, she has NEVER done that before. Gracie, though extremely agitated was coherent enough to distract her from flailing for a time, but she was putting out too much blood through her chest tubes. So in an attempt to calm her down, two doses of morphine were given and yet nothing seemed to help her. So the doctors decided to give Grace a dose of Ativan, she finally calmed down, but then her blood pressure was too low and she still was bleeding quite a bit. Gracie soon became unresponsive and nothing the docs did would arouse her so a med was given to reverse the morphine. So basically the last 24 hours has been a dance in trying to figure out the right combination of drugs to make Gracie calm enough to slow down the bleeding, keep her comfortable, and keep blood pressure in an acceptable range. After she got multiple doses of blood transfusions, a dose of fresh, frozen plasma, and platelets she is more stable and relaxed. But because so much product was pushed we are very much fluid positive, she has a plural effusion already and in the course of a couple hours her chest got quite a bit more hazy.

So the plan is just to keep her comfortable and get her to pee. Talking to the cardiologist we are just taking it slow and watching what transpires.

We are holding up pretty well. I think the doctors that aren't familiar with Gracie think I must be nuts because they keep apologizing for such the rough path so far, and I keep saying that Gracie is doing beautiful. I guess it's all relative, once you've been throughbwhat Gracie's been through this seems so much easier.

9 comments:

Allison said...

Go Gracie!! I see what you mean... this rocky road for most is more like smooth sailing for your little girl who knows all the naughty tricks! Hang in there. The first few days after Grant's Fontan were SO hard on me. We battled high blood pressure and rhythm issues and no amount of meds would calm him. It took till about day 4 before he finally settled enough to rest. I hope that her kidneys start waking up soon and she can clear some of that fluid. I pray that tonight brings a better balance of drugs and some rest for all three of you!

Hugs!
Alli

Crystal said...

Praying for you guys and won't stop! Love ya!

bjoycer98 said...

Thank you for the updates! We have been wondering a ton! We all are so happy to hear that she's getting rest and hope you will soon.please let us know is you need anything.
-Branden

cici said...

I'm here, still saying Prayers for no more bumps in Gracie's road to recovery. Stay strong Deanna, soon this will all just be a memory and you'll be home with your other babies :0)
Rest well tonight, the worst part is over.

Jon and Kim said...

Oh Deanna! My heart just aches for you guys! Little Gracie is such a fighter. I can just imagine her as you describe her behavior, etc. She is such a sweet spirit. I wish that things were easier for you guys. It just isn't fair to have to go through so much at such a young age. Tell Gracie that we love her and we are praying for her. Also, do you need any blood donated? Not sure if that is something they ask for. But we would be more than happy to donate. Or do anything that you need us to do. If you need a visitor or anything brought to you at the hospital, let me know. I would love to help in any way possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys!

Brad and Hailey said...

Wow how scary! I'm so glad she is working through it though! We are thinking of you guys and definitely sending many prayers. Thank you for all of the updates!

Veronica said...

Deanna and Jason: you guys are amazing - and strong and you know that Gracie is a fighter. We continue to pray for each of you - you're in our thoughts constantly and prayers are said in our hearts. We're praying for your doctors and nurses, too... :)

Larissa said...

Following your progress and praying for you! I love you!

Petersen Palace said...

go gracie!