On my way home from work today I called Kim and she was able to give me an account of the day’s activities and provide me with an update on ZAC’s condition. Kim sounded better and even managed to make it to Wal-Mart in search of a 40 watt, frosted light bulb in order to replace one in the kitchen. She was having a hard time locating her elusive prey and, as she put it, “Every light bulb known to man is here except the stupid one I need. Grrrrr!” In the end she did find it and all was once again ‘well with the world’. As you can see, Kim’s temperament is better and she is beginning to regain her sense of humor. She and Phil are also trying to bring some normalcy and regularity to their lives. Time will tell if they are successful. Now, on to the ZAC Update!
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The staff at WMH-NICU, while not entirely good to their word, did limit their actions with Zoe today and the results of their effort were all good. After previous attempts at getting a second IV line inserted, today’s efforts were rewarded and there are now two lines, thus providing the staff with twice the access. On a ‘down side’ that became an ‘up side’, this second line was used today to perform a transfusion. This was necessary both to stimulate ZAC’s kidneys as well a supplement/replacement for the numerous blood samples that had been taken. (Hey, she only has so much to give. Give the girl a break!)
Once transfused, Zoe calmed down, was able to rest and the floodgates of her kidneys (or is it her bladder?) opened. This is a great thing! On a ‘neither good nor bad side’ the doctors confirmed that Zoe does indeed suffer from PDA, patent ductus arteriosus. On a related note, GP was able to expand his medical knowledge today when he learned that PDA is not another name for a Blackberry (I though it rather strange that ZAC would have one of these already) but rather it is when the valves of the heart need to fuse/develop more, in order to ensure that there is good ‘sealage’ between beats. Zoe is being administered ibuprofen in order to spur this fusion/development. (And this is why pregnant women are not allowed to take it! Wow, I am learning so much.)
An echo-cardiogram that is scheduled next week will/should reveal whether or not this treatment is effective. Until then… well, you know… PRAYER!
On a final note, Zoe was, when she was awake, looking around. This evening, Kim and Phil are going back up to WMH to read to their little girl. I wonder what she thinks about as she sees and hears all these strange, new things.
Some would say that she is too young…
Not developed enough…
Unable to comprehend.
I am not a believer in that point of view. I believe that anything is possible.
I believe this because I have already seen the impossible happen, and it’s has only been six days.
Welcome to our world little girl.
Welcome to our world little girl.
- ZAC’s GP
4 comments:
I just love your reports. How nice to be able to see what God is doing as well as pray very specifically for God to work even more. Just reading these updates has at times brought tears to my eyes. I can't even begin to imagine the emotional roller coaster you all must be on. Even the kids have gotten to know little Zoe through these updates and ask regularly about her. Please know that we are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
You have 8 people in Michigan who are praying earnestly for your little one (yes, even 10 month old Peter joins us!). I look daily for the updates and have cried a few times at the mercy and awesome nature of our God. What a miracle! God be with you all and sustain you now and in the future!
This is a passage that has seen us through many tough times. May it comfort you as well! Psalm 4:8 "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
All prayer circuits from Alaska are busy!
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