Friday, March 28, 2008
Trying to Trial off ECMO
Earlier today they turned the flow of the machine down and she sustained her own pulse pressure for a few hours which is good. They were able to turn the machine down to the lowest it could go before they 'trial' you off. When they 'trial', they clamp the lines off and let her heart work on her own. During today's 'trial', her blood pressure went from the 60's on the machine to the 40's on her own. They want to see her blood pressure in the 70's. So we had to put her fully back on the ECMO machine. The doctor said that it was good progress. They will let her rest until they 'trial' her again tomorrow. The surgeons are also planning on washing her heart out tomorrow. Our understanding is that they will go in and visually inspect everything now that the swelling has gone down. They will also try to see if there is anything concerning that would clue them into the reason she flatlined on Tuesday morning. Everything we have heard so far is that Gracie is responding well to everything they are doing for her. We were just told that Dr. Hawkins will be here at 8:00 in the morning to do the washing and if she does well on her trial, they will take the cannulas out of her heart after the washing which means she would no longer be on the ECMO machine. So we will obviously praying hard for her tonight. The longer she is on the ECMO machine, the more danger she is in for a bleed. Let's hope Baby Gracie will be strong enough to sustain herself by tomorrow morning!!
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21 comments:
We will definitely be praying extra hard for Gracie tonight. I am so glad to hear her progress. She is trying so hard! I'm sure her body will gain more strength over the next few hours. Love, Kristi (TX)
Of course Gracie is in our constant thoughts and prayers. You all are. We will anxiously be awaiting good news tomorrow! Thanks for the update!
You and your family are in our prayers. It is amazing what the body can do! You have totally inspired me with your story. Thanks for sharing!
We are going to the Temple tonight and we will put her name in.
Go Gracie! We will keep praying for you!
Love,
The Mortensens
We will pray extra hard for Gracie's strenght tonight, as well as the rest of your family!
We will all pray for her. I have told my family about Gracie. They will all pray for her too. I look forward to good news tomorrow! We all love Gracie!
We will be saying extra prayers for Gracie tonight and tomorrow. What a blessing medical technology is to help our special little "heart babies". Sending hugs and prayers your way...
I can't help but think of you Michele, when you have to leave the PCMC to go home to your other kids, and then leave them to go back to Gracie. How your heart must be pulled in different directions. My family will also be praying for Gracie and your family.
Love, Jeanne
Strangers are praying for you!!!
All the Lewis Family will be praying for Baby Gracie tonight and tomorrow. We are so happy that she is doing better each day and are so amazed at all she has overcome so far!
PS: Can I just tell you how much I love your song choices? I am a huge music fan, and love Matchbox Twenty of course the lead singer is Rob Thomas and you have him on your list! You are my new favorite person!!!
GO GRACIE!!!
Tami
I'm Kaidence's Nanna (Shauntelle's Mom) and I want you to know that my heart goes out to your family. Gracie is such a beautiful little girl. I hope you'll feel the prayers and love of those that are praying for your family. Your in our prayers.
Denise Maddock
It occured to me today that in Gracie's one week of life she has affected so many lives!!! She is a special little angel!!! I went to the temple again today because it is a place of great comfort-I feel the Lord's love for your sweet family!! We will continue our prayers for Gracie and her amazing parents!!!! Much love-Shari (Tiff's mom)
(((HUGS))) and Kisses XOXO to Gracie from Kinsey, Josh, Abbey and Nick. They love looking at the cute pictures of their cousin. They can't wait to see her.
It was so nice to spend some time with Gracie today. I am so glad she is making progress. She wiggled her toe at me, I think she likes me! We hope she does well tomorrow and you get more answers. We will all pray for our sweet Gracie tonight. Love, Stef
Gracies gift to us today is that of endurance.... She is gonna be a champ tomorrow... We'll pray, cross our fingers, rub the Buda belly, send good vibes... ANYTHING we can... Brynn
Tom & Michele-
Thanks you so much for sharing such a personal experience. I check this every day and I think Tiffany checks it several times a day. She just went up to Bear Lake for the weekend and her request as she left was for me to update her on Gracie! I can't help but cry everytime I read all these inspiring journal entries and comments. You are so strong and yes the Lord is definitely holding all of you right now! These pictures are amazing and I especially treasure the one with Max lovingly looking at Gracie. I am so happy all your children were able to see and hold her. Know you are constantly in our prayers and hearts! We love you and can't wait to see Gracie!
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
---Allison (Ethan's Mom, HLHS)
We are all praying for baby Gracie. She is so beautiful. Our prayers and thoughts are also with all of you.
Love,
The Moline's
I read about your sweet family and for your sweet baby Gracie. Your family has great strength and faith. Your faith makes me want to be better. We, along with SO many others are praying for your sweet baby girl. I just can't imagine what you must be feeling, and pray you'll be comforted through all of this. :) Thank you for your testimony of faith. You are truly an inspiration. Families are Forever!!
Dr. Hawkins is amazing! I pray everything goes well. My best friend works up there as nurse, and I keep telling her about your little Gracie. It always amazes me how strong these little ones fight! I pray she will be able to come off of the ECMO soon!
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