Hello everyone. Yana continues to do well. She's sleeping lots. Bandages and tubes continue to come out. They took out her chest tube last night, so that's a big painful one. But she seems fairly comfortable, and they're very happy with her progress. We should be moving up to the Intermediate care after lunch today.
That having been said, we have had some unexpected news. It seems yana will be on Blood thinners for three months after the surgery. This is so that her body can get used to a fenestration tube they've put in; sort of like an overflow release valve. This helps her lungs to adapt to the new pressure it faces by releasing some of the excess pressure back into the heart. If she's not on blood thinners, her body may decide the tube doesn't belong and clot it up. So it is a necessary thing. But we didn't know about it, so it's a little disconcerting for us.
What this means for us is that we will have to test her blood twice a day. Now they're trying to get us a machine to take home that can do this quickly and easily for us. (It would have a finger pricker and then we would be able to test on the spot.) But if that doesn't work, we will likely have to have home care come in twice a day to take blood. We're not looking forward to that. With a new baby on the way, and new procedures that yana will hate... That kinda sucks.
But, God is good. And we are so thankful for the tremendous care Yana is receiving and the strength He has given us over the last 3 years to persevere through every challenge. It's been really fun to hear every nurse who works with Yana describe her as both "Stubborn, and strong." She fights most procedures hard, and screams bloody murder every time they come near her. Exercise for those lungs is a good thing, so we're thankful for that too.
Please continue to pray for healing and strength and courage. And offer bountiful thanks for all the wonders God has done here.
- Mike, Heather, Yana, and the Bump
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
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I'm glad things are going well. You are very much on my mind and in my prayers. The peace of God be with you, Erin
ReplyDeleteI'll come over and be Yana's "pricker!!" I'm sure she won't even cry!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Heather and Mike,
ReplyDeleteThere are several places to leave comments, so I hope you have received my other ones! We are so thankful that things are going well for you so far. I am amazed at her progress already! That is cause for praise for sure! The blood testing thing is definately an annoying thing to accept when you weren't expecting it, but also a minor thing in the midst of the huge great things happening! We're sure it's been a hugely emotional week for you so far! We pray that she will continue to be her spunky self and keep fighting and heal quickly! We will pray for rest and calmness for you now, as you being the process of recovery, which will no doubt at times be tiring especially with the bump coming :) but at least you can put the surgery beHIND you :) Many here are praying for you so we hope you continue to feel surrounded and encouraged! Look forward to chatting again soon friend!
Carolyn :)
Praying for Yana and your family! May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping us all updated as we keep you and YANA in our prayers - every thought of her being another prayer winging its way to the Father's heart! He will sustain you in caregiving, as he has since your precious girl was born - we send our love - Janette and Joe. :)
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