Yesterday we were playing the numbers game. But now that the doctors are happy with the numbers we’re playing the spaghetti game. When Ellie first got settled into the ICU, her bed was a big old spaghetti bowl of tubes and wires. Every tube and wire that comes out now is progress.
Yesterday they removed the head bands that were measuring oxygen going to her brain and her wakefulness. Last night they took out the tube draining her stomach and her catheter that was draining urine.
Today, a surgeon is going to take out the line going into her left atrium and her chest tube that’s draining fluid from around where they did the surgery. The left atrial line coming out is the big news. Her left atrial pressure (which they get from that line) is still reading a bit high. But since everything else is good, they want to stop focusing on that number. So much so, that they’re yanking it out as we speak.
The next steps will be cutting back her sedation and getting her off the breathing tube.
Colleen got some sleep in the CICU last night and I had a room at the Devon Nicole House (more on that later today). I picked Colleen’s parents up at the airport this morning. They got in fine and are here with us at the hospital now.
We’ll update again this afternoon with a photo since Ellie should be awake and alert soon. We’ll also keep you up to date on the Spaghetti Game as more noodles go.
By the way, we love your postings! Every time we run out to the lounge to get online, we’re going, “Eww, Eww, who’s posted?” Thanks everyone!
-Ken
Yippeeee! It sounds like all systems are a go, there, Houston! I want to see a picture with that baby’s eyes open! We are delighted with her progress. I’ll call Nana Hutchens to let her know.
Thank you Lord!
Wow, things seem to be getting better and better. You guys are a really great team. I am still thinking of you constantly.
Progress, progress, progress! It’s wonderful; every tube, wire and band that goes is a great step forward. I know having her wake up and wiggle this and that will be so exciting. Hang in there, I’m really glad Colleen’s parents made it. Kiss Ellie and Colleen for me and thanks so much for the updates. I’m using them to update my prayers. = )
Only just found your email. Just read the entire blog and want to send you our love & prayers. I remember waiting for Dan’s tubes to slowly be removed and we feel your joy and pain. Look after each other. Give Ellie a kiss from us & Steve says he’ll score a goal for you tonight!
Love Jane Steve Dan & Jack xxxx
Colleen/Ken: What wonderful news, I don’t believe it could get any better than this. Jim and Sandra were so anxious to get up there, they could hardly wait. You all are the center of their universe. Isn’t it interesting how you ended up in Connecticut and so near the doctor who had had the experience needed to repair little Ellie’s heart. I don’t think it was by luck…I believe it was devinely orchestrated. Braeley sent the care bear….she told her mommy that if Ellie had a care bear she would get all better real soon. Hang in There! Polly Anne
I am so excited to hear that progress is being made. Such a strong little girl!
I would like to know if there are any financial needs you have that I could help with – a room in a hotel? Meals? Do you have a site for donations? Please feel free to contact me (I don’t want to post my info here, but Monique has my contact info if Colleen does not.) I would love to help out in that way since there is not much else I can do.
Hugs!
Katherine
Great news!!!!!! We love hearing good news. Keep the updates coming. We keep checking every few hours. Hang in there guys, Ellie is a determined little girl. Take Care!!!
Okay I was going to feed the kids spaghetti tonight, so we’ll have it in honor of Ellie! Thanks for the postings the progress is wonderful. Go Ellie go. I’ve been thinking about her dancing feet for the last two days.
One by one.. OH, Such great news!!!
)
Glad Jim and Sandra made it ok, thanks for letting us know! -Sarah
You guys! I love the humour. I think that is what has impressed me the most. Well done you two for staying strong. That is where Ellie gets it! We are still praying for her, everyone needs a prayer… and we are praying for you two as well. With each bit on news I am so happy for you and for her. It is amazing what modern science and medicine can do. Just think, it looks like a year from now this will just be a memory. Won’t that be amazing!? I am so happy for all three of you. I feel this warm overpowering glow inside my core that rises to my throat when I read how well she is doing. That is the only way to describe it. I am so happy. You are still in our thoughts and we look forward to hearing more tomorrow morning!
much love,
me
I have always loved spag. but not as well as I do today. GREAT, GREAT, GREAT! Keep up the good work Ellie. We love your e-mail’s, please keep us posted.
We’re still praying. Kathy
Wonderful news. I want to meet this little one.
Ken, a note to (and about) you. A student at Yale just told me about how “that nice guy who helps you with your class” found the ID card she had lost while running, looked her up, called her to let her know he had found it and gave it to her “even though he was just about to leave town.” She was impressed and grateful. Indeed! She did not know just how impressed she should have been. She knows now.
MMMMM…spaghetti is my favorite!!..especially this kind…so glad sandra and jim made it up safely…all of us here at brammer are still praying…may God bless you and keep you all in his arms…keep the updates coming!!!
Hi, heard about Ellie through Pam Sprouse’s list and have been sending positive prayers for recovery! Best wishes from Winston-Salem, NC.
FYI: Pam Sprouse is a wonderful lady at UVA who heads up a scripture/prayer list for military personnel and their families. Ellie has been on this prayer list since she was born. This group has been diligently praying for Ellie Beth throughout this time of her surgery, and for her family. And the world goes ’round and ’round and the sun never sets on a prayer for Ellie Beth.
So glad to hear that things are moving in the right direction. Way to go Ellie! I pray it’s not too difficult coming of the moriphine– that its as smooth a transition as possible. So glad that your folks are there to love and support you. David keeps asking to see baby Ellie’s heart pictures and we look and talk about you all every day.
Your are in our thoughts and prayers EVERY DAY and NIGHT!!!
Cynthia