Sat 26 Apr 2008
The Puffy Princess
Posted by Jane under Updates
[21] Comments
Hi all. Sorry for the late update, it’s been quite a busy day. Here’s what’s happening…
Ramona had some blood pressure issues overnight that were resolved by several fluid boluses. This caused low hemoglobin which was addressed with a blood transfusion. This clogged her central line so an additional PIV was placed. Her art and central line were also oozing significantly so we were unable to turn or sit her up.
At about 10:30 she was extubated and placed on 2 liters of nasal cannula oxygen. Her sats immediately shot up to 100%, giving us some concerns about excessive pulmonary flow. But as the oxygen was weaned the sats returned to the low 90’s and that is where they remain now.
At 4:00 they removed the foley catheder, art and central lines. She is now able to sit up and drink clear liquids. Right after sitting up she suddenly became very itchy, blotchy and puffy in her face (as you can see in her picture). We are hoping it’s just a fluid shift from being upright and not a sign of something more sinister.
The surgery seems to have been a success. We will not hear from the CV surgery team until next week about their plan for her, but we are encouraged that there was some growth, that she tolerated the angioplasty and that it appears she no longer has any significant collateral arteries.
We are hoping that she tolerates her feeds and that the puffiness decreases. If so, we will be discharged directly from the PICU tomorrow morning. Thanks so much for your prayers. Sorry to be so terse and technical. I’m very tired and my mind is spinning with all the implications of the last few days. Here’s a shot of her historic first 100% monitor reading and her sitting up in Aunty Julie’s lap, looking quite puffy…
Love, Jane.
Thanks for the update! Still praying that everything continues to go well. Ramona looks great…
It is hard to believe all that Ramona has been though and here she is sitting up and looking pretty good, really. Amazing. We are praying for your dear, sweet child that she be blessed with continued recovery and that you are all home together with Simon very soon! Hang in there- you sound like you are doing a great job. Love and best wishes.
Oh sweet girl…. we are so happy to hear you’re doing well.
That vitals picture is beautiful! 90’s!!! WOW!
Keep fighting big girl! All of you are in our thoughts and prayers!
So glad to hear that the surgery was a success. Will continue to pray for your puffy princess (and all of you) – what a trooper she is!
Jane,
I’m so glad things are going well. Ramona reminds me so much of Phare in this picture. She is so adorable, even puffy. I just wish I could hug her.
Bekah
That’s so awesome that she might get discharged tomorrow! Bless her heart, literally.
Way to go Mona. We are praying for you all.
way to go jane and andy. finally, a breath of relief…
Phew Jane, I am kinda glad I got this update all in one big summary or I would have been all up and down with worry.
I am so pleased things are looking good and hope that the surgery has indeed done Ramona a lot of good and that these new saturations give her more energy and feeling of wellbeing.
I also hope the puffiness/blotchy thing goes away soon. I have read about other CHD babies getting a lot of swelling post-cath. I have no idea why it happens. May it resolve quickly.
Shannon
I am so glad everything has gone well so far Jane and Andy. Hang in there. We’re all thinking of you.
Love,
Tina
Jane,
I am so sorry I missed your call today. I will explain later. I am so glad to see Ramona’s sweet face and that things are going well. I will pray for peace for you all tonight and rest. Healing rest.
Love to you all
Jen
Ramona looks beautiful. Am still praying.
Love, Val
So glad that the surgery went well. We continue to pray for you all!
Love, Kim
awww.. can’t wait to see her! i’m so glad to hear that everything went well. love you all.
She is my Sweet Pea. Thank you Lord for Your tender mercies, unending love and enduring grace. Another battle is won! Rest well, Andy and Jane.
Wayne
Thanks for the update. We are praying for little sweet Ramona.
She may be puffy but also adorable! Only Ramona could be so stylish post-op. We’re looking forward to her return home.
O Lord, she is a beautiful sight to behold.
Love, tears and smiles – and continued prayer.
Lipumas
So glad to hear all of this. We love you guys
Puffy but BEAUTIFUL! And amazing. A puffy, beautiful, and amazing princess! Go Ramona!
Puffy is better than Purple.