Ellie’s out of the ICU!
This photo shows her on the move. Click here or on the photo for another picture of Ellie.
She’s been off most of her IVs and has been doing so well that the doctors decided to move her to “The Floor” tonight. The Floor is the cardiac step-down unit officially called 8 East. It’s adjacent to the CICU and more like a regular hospital ward where we’re sharing a room with another patient and the nurse only comes around every so often. We should be here until we go home now. This is a big step.
Ellie’s been awake all day and in good spirits. She wasn’t even that upset when they stuck a new IV line IN HER HEAD! They couldn’t find a strong vein anywhere else so they jabbed one popping out in her melon. So our new job is keeping a 16-month old from pulling a tube out of her noggin that’s dangling right in her eye.
She still has some fluid on her lungs, which is a bit of a concern, her tummy’s been upset and she has a little grunt when she breathes, but things are definitely heading in the right direction.
All of this is good for Ellie, but it’s getting tougher for us. She needs constant attention so she doesn’t yank out any lines or mess with her wounds. She also hasn’t been sleeping well because of her tummy. After a week, fatigue is setting in on us, too. But, she’s on Zantac now and we’re in a quieter room so we’re hoping for a better night (cue the wails of the 13-day old sharing the room with Ellie as I type this sentence).
Thanks for everyone’s continued support and prayers – they’re being answered. For those of you going to church tomorrow, please pass on our deepest gratitude to all of the prayer groups who’ve included Ellie in their thoughts.
-Ken
This news makes me so happy. I am on the phone with Mom or “Auntie Phyllis” to Ellie and she is elated at the news and is going to call Grandma and PaPaw to give them the good news.
We have prayed everyday morning and night, and you are never out of our thoughts. Mom says she has been dreaming of wounded kittens and birds and is desperately trying to help them. I am sure it is because she has been worried about Ellie. (You know how your Auntie P is…)
Keith and I are sorry to hear of your exhaustion and wish you could rest your weary heads for a bit. We love you both so much and thank God that things are improving on a daily basis. We do worry about you two a lot and have many blessings to be thankful for as we progress into the holidays.
All our love,
Monique & Keith
Oh, if we could only all be there and help you guys get some rest! We are delighted at her progress, and are still praying without ceasing that she continues to makes a rapid recovery. I hope you’re all at home soon and resting quietly in your own beds. We will pray for a restful, quiet, and safe night for all of you. Please take care to guard your own strength and health. Eat well, rest when you can, get a breath of fresh air once in awhile, and take courage. You’re on the upswing now! We will lift you all up at church again tomorrow. Love & God Bless, Auntie A.
This one from Sydney: Hi again. I just want to see her, she is so beautiful! She has made so much progress. I am so happy for you guys and love the pictures. I love and miss you. Sydney!
Great news. Thanks for the pictures, Ellie looks wonderful. I can only imagine your exhaustion, I’m just trying to keep a diaper on my toddler and it wears me out! Your in my families thoughts, hope you get some rest.
I was so happy when I got home from work this evening to see her doing so well. Your website is a wonderful thing. Ellie is in our thoughts all of the time. There are even people here in Statesville praying for her, and special prayers on Sunday, tomorrow. Here’s hoping her lungs improve real soon. Take care Colleen and Ken
Love,
Your Aunt Chick and Uncle Ron
Ellie’s wide open, beautiful eyes in the picture look wonderful. Of course, it sounds as if you two are having trouble keeping your eyes open.
I wish for peaceful nights and sweet dreams for Ellie, her roommate, and both sets of parents.
Yay Ellie! We are so happy. I couldn’t wait to check the progress posted this morning- I am so pleased to find such wonderful news. As the mommy of a newborn who now wants to feed every hour through the night I understand the desperation of fatigue. In our waking hours I will pray for you guys to get some rest and continue to wish Ellie a speedy recovery!
She looks ao great and PINK! We love it. David had an IV in his head as a newborn so I can only imagine the difficulty of having it in a toddler. So glad that she is doing so well. Hopefully you’ll be home soon, that is the best medicine for healing. Hang in there guys it gets tougher on you now but you will make it through. You are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day.
Love,
Cynthia