Friday, August 20, 2010

Josie Update

On Tuesday, Josie was moved up to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in anticipation of her cardiac cath on Wednesday.  One astute nurse had the idea to turn her on her belly to see if it would increase her oxygen saturation.  Sure enough, it worked!  By relieving the pressure on her pulmonary arteries, she was able to breathe better. 
Josie has not been on her stomach for the last six weeks while she recovered from her open heart surgery so she was fascinated by the new vantage point;  albeit, a little too interested in her CPAP tubes...
I wonder what happens if I karate chop this right here...

Problem solved by a few strategically placed, brightly colored plastic rings. 
 (Thanks Deb!)
Knowing that we would no longer be able to hold her once she was intubated for her cardiac cath, we took advantage of the opportunity while we could.
Josie and her mama

Josie with Mama Hop & Aunt Leanne

Unfortunately the cardiac catheterization did not provide the answers we were seeking.  Josie had a CAT Scan this morning and we are hoping that will give us some helpful information as to what is causing her pulmonary hypertension.  She remains intubated in anticipation of further testing.  She is also heavily sedated. 

Today marks a week that she has been hospitalized.  We sit here and wait, praying that someone discovers something that identifies the source of the problem. 
While I have certainly had my emotional moments, I derive hope from many sources including 1. In the middle of an emotional meltdown last night, one doctor told me last night that he believes she will recover 2. We have a new PICU doctor today who seems particularly perspicacious and confident 3. Aunt Leanne prays for Josie every day 4. Many people, all over the country (even wonderful people we don't even know from the blogosphere) faithfully pray for Josie and this means so much to us. 

Thank you!

19 comments:

  1. Praying in Pudge and Zippyland...and so envious of the pink John Deere blanket! We only have kelly green...

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  2. Oh sweet Josie, we need to figure this out. I can't believe the cath didn't give answers. Hopefully the CT will. Oh I hate Pulmonary hypertension!

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  3. Beautiful, sweet little girl. :-( I hope you get some answers soon. I am glad she's breathing better, though.

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  4. We are praying over here for Josie daily. Praying for your peace and some great answers and a solution asap!

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  5. Praying for Josie and your entire family.

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  6. Praying that they find some answers for sweet Josie. So glad the tummy time worked to improve her sats and that the docs are optimistic. Now I'm off to look up perspicacious in the dictionary. Get better soon Josie! We're all wishing you the best.

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  7. I was in the hospital for 3 weeks, being very seriously sick. When I came home and found out all the people who were praying for me, I was blown away. Pray works!!!! So I am saying prayers for you and your family.

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  8. so sorry to hear the cardiac cath did not give you any answers- hopefully the cat scan will come through with the answers you need to be able to treat the pulmonary hypertension! glad the tummy time is helping, though. could that give any clues - the fact that things are better w/ her oxygen sats and pressures when she is on her belly?
    thinking of you guys and saying prayers

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  9. What a beautiful little girl, she is so incredibly lucky to have such a strong family! Sending healing prayers from Montana:)

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  10. Wish you got more answers :( But as you said, you have a world of us that pray for your precious girl everyday! Hugs to you and Josie!

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  11. Josie and you continue to be in my prayers! Stay strong through this emotionally challenging time!

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  12. Brand new to your blog.Was directed over a week or so ago and caught up on your beautiful little love and your remarkable big sister!Quite the twosome that is for sure!

    And now,I pop back on to find your sweetie struggling.So sorry for her and you,her worried momma.Add us to the prayer list and remember, there is absolute magic in that extra chromosome.With that and a world, over flowing with prayers,she'll for sure show everyone that PH is no match for her!

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  13. Count me among the people praying for you

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  14. So much love is coming your way little one. :)

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  15. hugs and prayers for your sweet girl!

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  16. Hang in there! We are praying for you too...

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  17. Let us know what we can do? Praying for momma, daddy and little Josie.

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  18. Sending all our love and prayers to you and miss Josie. Love you!

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