Monday 1 October 2012

4 Hernias- 2 DOWN!!

Today did not start out too well.  I had a terrible sleep and did not wake up ready for a long day.  The doctor came in to start Hope's IV in the morning and was successful on the first poke.  This was a relief, although it is always hard to watch Hope scream through the process.  Hope was so happy and playful all morning long.  She was playing with the toys in her crib and her soother chain for hours.  We spent some time snuggling and at times I forgot what the afternoon held for us.

Just before noon we heard a page that OR was headed to our room.  We knew Hope was going to be headed down and my stomach instantly began to turn.  There was no longer anywhere to hide, my sweet baby was going back into the OR.

We were taken down to a part of the hospital we've never seen before.  Hope's surgery was going to be done in the day surgery clinic because it was a general surgeon that would operate.  We waited in the hallway until our anesthetist came to speak with us.  It was a difficult conversation once again.  She was honest in saying that she did not want to put Hope to sleep.  She felt the risks were too high with the condition of her heart.  She reminded us again of all the risks involved, but assured us that it was our only option.  She kept repeating how dangerous this would be for Hope.  I started to feel really agitated and had to bite my tongue so I wouldn't say, "we KNOW, do you think we want to do this?"

Our surgeon came by right after and continued to remind us of how risky this procedure was in Hope's case.  She also reminded us of the risk in not doing the surgery.  Unfortunately Shawn was not able to walk Hope into the OR as we have in the past.  I had to hand my baby girl to the nurse and watch her walk away, not my favourite moment of the day.

I'm not sure what most mothers do while their child is in surgery.  I like to stay busy and be as distracted as possible.  We decided to go out for lunch, somewhere that would take awhile and make the time go by quickly.  After lunch we sat in the waiting room across from the PICU.  I really don't like this area of the hospital.  I have never sat in that room for something fun or exciting.  Each time we are there waiting while Hope is in the OR, being airlifted or taking a break from long hours next to her bed.

Hope's surgeon walked in shortly after we arrived.  Hope had done very well in the surgery and was being wheeled into the PICU right behind her.  She stopped them for a moment so we could see her sweet face.  She was already awake and extubated, still very sleepy though.  The anesthetist and the surgeon were both pleased with how well she'd done and we praised God for the very fact that she was breathing!  While fixing the hernia on the right side, they discovered another hernia on the left and were able to fix that as well.

Hope spent 4 hours in the PICU before she was stable enough to be transferred back to the ward.  She had another reaction to the anesthetic.  They don't seem to be getting any more severe or any clearer as to what causes them.  She is truly a mystery and may react every time she is put to sleep.

Hope is back in her old room on the ward and seems to be doing fairly well.  She is uncomfortable and getting medication for pain.  They had hoped that basic pain medications would be enough, but Hope made it clear that she needed something with a bit more power!

We are relieved that we have crossed one of the many challenges ahead of us.  Please pray with us for some important specifics:
- that the fluid in the abdomen would not increase while she's healing.  This could cause the stitches to rip and push the hernias back out.
- that her body would heal quickly and without causing stress on her heart.
- that she would not clot as a result of anything that was done today.
- that the reaction to the anesthetic would not become worse over time, or cause any further trouble tonight.
- that Dr. Ross would make the best decision regarding Hope's next steps in regards to her heart surgery.

The next few days will be very important as they evaluate how Hope has tolerated the surgery.  The surgery today was more simple and less invasive than the heart surgery that she still needs.  If they run into complications at this point, the heart surgery won't be considered for a long time.  Thank you for praying her through today, please continue to pray!

12 comments:

  1. Amy,
    You don't know me nor I you, but we are family in Christ. I saw your story on facebook thru sheer happen stance, and from the moment I did Hope and your entire family have been on my heart. I am lifting you up in prayer, asking for healing, strength, perseverance, peace and wisdom for all of you.
    Through out the day 2 things keep coming to my mind as I think and pray for you.
    1) Philippians 4: 6-7
    Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
    2)Psalm 18
    I will not type the entire chapter but
    here are the first few verses
    love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
    I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help.
    From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears


    Love in Christ
    Nicky

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  2. Hi Amy,
    My husband and I have been praying for you since this journey has started for you and we praise God that today went well for Hope. We will always be on our knees and taking these prayers to the Lord with you and all the countless people who have been touched by your family.

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  3. I just prayed for Hope. I am so thankful that we have a God who is not only powerful but is also concerned with the details of our lives. He alone is able to take care of your little girl. I have watched Him do it in little ways and very big ways. All praise goes to Him!

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  4. Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace. So happy to hear that Hope made it through surgery. My prayers continue daily for you all. Lots of hugs and prayers! Jenn

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  5. With thanks to our great God for answers to prayers, so glad the wee
    precious child has overcome another milestone in her surgery. What the precious wee 'lamb' has been through is amazing! Continue to pray for you all through this very difficult time

    Christian love

    Anne (Scotland) xxx

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  6. I do not know you - am a friend of Christen's on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. I am praising God in tears as I read your post. Utterly amazing. I will continue to pray. One day I dream of meeting this little girl - strong in faith, and in body. Love to you all xo
    Cath

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  7. We are praying for you and your family, I was so happy to hear hope did well in the surgery yesterday! We will keep praying!

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  8. I just saw your story today on facebook and am still in tears after reading through your daily struggles. What a strength God is giving you. My prayers will continue to be with you, Hope and your family. May His hand continue to hold you all, while you go through this journey, one day at a time. Give precious little Hope an extra hug for me. In prayers, Sandy.


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  9. Hey there Amy - Andrew from Canada here. I'm a friend of the Kirks. Praying for Hope. Praying for you. Our God's power truly is unending, and his love for Hope couldn't be any greater. It's awesome to read how you're trusting Him so completely. God bless you guys as you work through this in His strength!

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  10. Isaiah 40:31 - Praying for you and your family from Ottawa!!

    Love,
    Sheri

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  11. I was so happy to read the good news from the surgery! Praying for strength and healing for beautiful Hope and your family.

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  12. Hi Amy,
    I am a friend of Sandra Rigby. I am also a mother of a baby who was born 13 years ago this Sunday, October 7, 1999. She was born 5 weeks premature with pneumonia and the threat of menengitis. She was a very sick little girl for 11 days in PICU and many months to follow. Through prayer and love and the grace of God she flourished and 13 years later is fighting boys for the hockey puck instead of fighting for her life. Today you would never know that she was born premature and fighting for her life. She is tall, beautiful, bright, athletic and has a genuine spirit that reflects God's love for her. I believe in miracles. I am blessed to be mother to two of them - both miracles for different reasons. Never give up "Hope". Trust in God's will. We are praying for you.
    Love, Kari English

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