15 Hours Post Op

Warning: I have included some post op photos at the bottom of this post, they are difficult to look at and I didn't want to force anyone to see them that would rather not.  These are fairly tame - we have some close- ups that would make even the strongest man cry.

Hope finished in the OR just 15 hours ago.  We were getting anxious near the end as it was taking so much longer than anticipated. It was a relief to hear she had finished in the OR and although they had to rebuild the aorta twice, she had done well and was no longer on the heart and lung machine.  The surgeon told us that if her heart showed any signs of weakening, she would be put back on a heart and lung machine through the night.  We are thankful that this has not happened, what a miracle!

When Hope arrived in the PICU, she was surrounded by doctors and other medical staff.  It was difficult to get close to her and we weren't able to sit down.  When we realized she was decently stable, we made the decision to go back to the RMH and get some sleep.  The nurse assured us that they would call if anything changed at all.  We slept, only by the prayers of God's people, and when I woke up at 6 to call and check on Hope, the nurse said she'd had a "surprisingly good night".  We were so thankful for such a strong start.  We realize we're still in a critical time and that things can change quickly, but we praise the Lord for the progress we've had thus far.

During morning rounds, they again confirmed that Hope was doing well and had been weaned off some of her medications.  There was even talk of her chest being closed tomorrow.  This would be a huge step in the right direction and we pray she is strong enough to have this done.  It takes some of the risk for infection away and shows her progress as well.  They have lowered her oxygen intake a great deal.  This is getting us closer to her being extubated and us finally saying goodbye to that tube we dislike so much. 

We've been able to sit next to Hope more today.  She's on a big bed and looks so tiny.  Just before we left to write this update, Hope had her eyes open and was looking at us all..... what a gift!  We continue to covet your prayers as we're still in a very critical time, but praise the Lord for the progress we've seen so far. 

We definitely feel the prayer that surrounds us and we are feeling pretty at peace with everything.  It's difficult to see Hope covered in wires and knowing that her chest is covered in open wounds, but we are thankful that the doctors were able to start rebuilding our precious girl's heart. 

Here are the pictures for those that are able to look at them....