Ramona Mae

You may have noticed from my last post, I’m not feeling very inspirational lately. In fact I feel awful lately. A few people have asked if I’m sure I understand Ramona’s prognosis clearly. I do I think. I’ve gotten clarification from every cardiologist, nurse practitioner, nurse and doctor I can get my hands on.
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I’ve gotten a lot of questions from folks about why Ramona is not going up to the Cardiac Floor before her discharge. I’m going to try and explain as best I can, the way the nurses have explained it to me, although sometimes I don’t even get it.
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Tomorrow, Ramona will be coming home again. Basically the Cardiac Floor can’t do anything for her that Jane and Andy can’t do for her at home. So rather than sending her upstairs from the PICU she is headed home. (more…)

I know it’s a gotta be a pretty small niche…
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Lately, when I get in my car and begin the drive to or from the hospital I find myself being uncharacteristically cautious. When someone taps their brakes in front of me or takes advantage of a super-stale yellow light, my heart freezes up in fear.
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When I meet someone who is new to infertility, I always have in mind a few things I’d like to share with them if the opportunity arises. One is that infertility is a multi-faceted loss. It’s not just not having a baby. As you move through your grief, you have to face new losses, big and small, that haven’t occured to you before. Some big losses on my list were: the ability to plan your future, genetic continuity, being “like other people”, experiencing the fullness of what our bodies were made to do and parenting the next generation.
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We’ve been overwhelmed (in a good way) by all the support, prayers and wisdom in our community. And I’ve been surprised by the number of people whose hearts have been captured by Ramona’s struggle to survive. It seems like every time I turn around someone says “Oh yeah, my college roommate’s cousin’s hairdresser was reading Mona’s blog and…”. Which leads me to believe there must be more of you praying for, thinking about and checking on Ramona’s progress than even your almost 500 comments indicate. So, satisfy our curiosity, if you’re out there lurking, just post a brief comment saying who and maybe where you are. Regular posters feel free to join in, it’s an all-skate.

Just a quick note to revise a previous posting error.
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Andy and I got a lot of much needed sleep last night. We both agree that, besides the night of her surgery, the 30 hours we had Ramona at home was the most terrifying experience of our lives.
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Ramona’s echo came back showing that there is blood flow. The cardiologist will now compare this echo with the one taken post surgery and see if there is any notable change. They believe her lack of sleep, nausea and inconsolable crying has been the result of methadone withdrawal. She is receiving some meds and care in the PICU once again. The estimate is that she will be there until the middle of next week. Ramona is in good hands and will get some rest tonight. Jane and Andy have gone home for some much needed rest themselves. They were all up for most of the 30 hours Ramona was home.
Please join me in praying for a peaceful restorative night’s rest for all of them. May the Lord Bless You and Keep You.