Thursday 19 April 2012

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....


16 comments:

  1. Such a sweet sweet miracle!

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  2. It's so clear to see God's hand in all of this. So great to hear about all of the positive results. Praise the Lord. We're glad you and Shawn were able to get some good rest over night and we will pray that you continue to. We won't stop praying and lifting your family and Hope up to our God and true Healer. He truly is able to far exceed all that we can hope or even imagine.

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  3. As my grandmother might have said, "Bless her little heart!" Thanks for taking the time and energy to update your blog. Trust the rest of today will continue to go well.

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  4. Blair and Karen19 April 2012 at 11:30

    Thanks so much the update! We have been praying for a miracle for little Hope and so wonderful to hear of the progress this far post-op! Praying for strength for you all each day!

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  5. I saw this link posted on facebook by a friend and I just wanted to say that I am praying for your family. As a new mother, my heart goes out to you. Through this difficult time you are holding fast to your faith. Our God is a good God and ultimate Saviour and Healer - continue to hold onto this truth. I'll continue to pray that God brings healing to Hope's heart. Praise the Lord for the progress and improvements that you have seen thus far! Many blessings on Hope, you and your family.

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  6. So happy to hear such positive news!!! Praise the Lord!!! We will continue to pray for Hope and you and your whole family!!! Rom.8:28!!!

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  7. It is certainly wonderful to hear this news. Our prayers continue. Lyndsay and Dean

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  8. Glad that she is doing good. We continue to pray for complete healing in her body in the coming days. Ahh, breaks our hearts to see her go through so much, but she is a fighter by the grace of God. We have been praying for you guys here at ywam maui! Love you guys!

    -Josh & Ashley

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  9. That is unreal... amazing. Thanks for sharing Amy, prayers are continuing from us as well.

    Adam and Anna

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  10. Thank-you for the update. We continue to pray out here in Ontario.
    Friends from ForestView- Diana and Matthew Skinner

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  11. We're continuing to pray that God's good will would be done!

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  12. Hi Amy. I'm Kelsey's aunt. Just want you to know I am praying for your precious Hope.

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  13. Ann (McLean) Martin19 April 2012 at 19:40

    Continuing to pray for your darling little daughter!

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  14. 5 of us Oakville BSF ladies stopped to pray Wednesday morning after class for little Hope as she entered surgery! It was amazingly powerful to come together and pray for you and then share with my kids who were waiting in the car about what we had been doing! Praise God for his hand of protection, healing and peace!

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  15. I can relate to how you feel about the power of prayer. When we lost our daughter, I told people that I knew they were praying for us, cause I could feel it.

    May God continue to hold you, and the rest of your family, safely in his comforting arms.

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  16. We too in Winnipeg are praying for Hope. What a miracle to hear she is doing so well. Praise God.

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