Today
I think we were spoiled to have gotten Bela home 3 weeks after she was born and to have had 2 wonderful weeks with her at home. She was doing so well and we were amazed but enjoying every minute of it. There was a piece of me that was wondering if it was all too good to be true and although I never liked to think it, I wondered how long it could last. We were prepared to spend the first few months in the hospital and go through many ups and downs, so I guess this is a little more like what we thought we'd be faced with. With all the challenges that her little body gives her, she's doing remarkably well. She's still doing much better than what was expected of her. It is frusterating that this is something on top of what she already has to go through, but sometimes things are out of our control. What is helping me get through this is that after she came out of surgery the surgeon came and talked to us and he said that he thinks Bela will come out of this stronger. He said that he thinks we'll notice a big change in her, she'll feel better, eat better, and grow better. That is what I will continue to hope and pray for.
She isn't doing as well as they'd hoped she'd be doing however. The procedure this morning took about 3 hours to get the PICC line in her. Her veins are so scarred from being poked so many times that the first vein they tried didn't work. They had to start over and finally got one in her leg. She's been through so much. Her blood pressures last night were dropping too low so they've upped the meds she was already getting and added more meds to help bring them up. She's back on just as many meds as she was after the last surgery. She's also having some irregular heart beats, so they're watching that very closley. She also hasn't been peeing very much so she's very puffy and swollen. they had to up those meds to to get her peeing more. They don't want to push her too quickly so they're going to take things very slow. She may not get off the breathing tube for another day or two. They havn't given her any food yet because she's not showing enough improvements and they don't want to over work her.
I hope that this is just her body trying to heal from the infection and recover from the surgery, and that she is just needing to do that very slowly, but that we will see improvements soon. the dr. has been in her a lot today and it always worries me. Its much better when you don't see too much of them because that means there's nothing to worry about.
I am reassured by the testimony that I have. I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father in charge of everything we go through. That will continue to get us through this. Thank you for your love and prayers. Hopefully I'll have some great news to post next time!
I also wanted to just note that i changed the setting to allow anyone to leave a comment that would like to, not just those that have a google ID. We love your comments, they let us know that people care and you'll never know how much that means to us during all this..
She isn't doing as well as they'd hoped she'd be doing however. The procedure this morning took about 3 hours to get the PICC line in her. Her veins are so scarred from being poked so many times that the first vein they tried didn't work. They had to start over and finally got one in her leg. She's been through so much. Her blood pressures last night were dropping too low so they've upped the meds she was already getting and added more meds to help bring them up. She's back on just as many meds as she was after the last surgery. She's also having some irregular heart beats, so they're watching that very closley. She also hasn't been peeing very much so she's very puffy and swollen. they had to up those meds to to get her peeing more. They don't want to push her too quickly so they're going to take things very slow. She may not get off the breathing tube for another day or two. They havn't given her any food yet because she's not showing enough improvements and they don't want to over work her.
I hope that this is just her body trying to heal from the infection and recover from the surgery, and that she is just needing to do that very slowly, but that we will see improvements soon. the dr. has been in her a lot today and it always worries me. Its much better when you don't see too much of them because that means there's nothing to worry about.
I am reassured by the testimony that I have. I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father in charge of everything we go through. That will continue to get us through this. Thank you for your love and prayers. Hopefully I'll have some great news to post next time!
I also wanted to just note that i changed the setting to allow anyone to leave a comment that would like to, not just those that have a google ID. We love your comments, they let us know that people care and you'll never know how much that means to us during all this..
Comments
I am so sorry about this setback. It is amazing how when they are that small, things just change from hour to hour. I hope tomorrow brings a turn for the better and that you will be home with her before you know it. Avery, my heart broke when I read about your experience when they were trying to get her IV in:( You are doing such a great job of holding it all together. Sometimes what you have to do for her seems to go against every motherly instinct, doesn't it? I am praying that the ventilator comes out soon, and you will be nursing her and taking her home again. She is just beautiful!
Victoria McDaniel from OC
I don't know you but I am a personal friend of Rebecca Butcher, Annabelle's mom. I found your link from her page and have been keeping updated with sweet Bela the last few weeks. I have been lifting your sweet family to our Heavenly Father daily. What a comfort it is to know that Bela is being held in the arms of our Lord Jesus. I will continue to pray for her recovery,
In Christ-
Johanna Chapman
Columbia, SC
Andrea
Owen's Mommy
love the andersens
Keisa
Love the Yeates's
my heart goes out to you, i wish i had something to say that could lighten the load. bela will be in my prayers- she can do it!
Christie
You don't know me but I am a friend of your Grandma Nielsen, Aunt Beth and your mom. Beth told me about your blog, and I have been following it with absolute amazement at the strength, faith, and courage you have shown through these heart wrenching experiences. So many people you don't even know have your family in their daily prayers, and are keeping Bela on the temple prayer rolls. I know that Heavenly Father is aware of the countless petitions on your behalf, and I trust that He will continue to pour out His tender mercies upon you. I was so touched by the fact that your greatest desire has been for Bela to get stronger and gain weight, and this infection (as horrible as it has been) may be the way that your prayers are answered if it helps to strengthen her tiny body.
With love,
Adrianne Coleman, RSM ward
You probably don't remember me, I was in YW with you in the Santa Margarita ward, if you do then great! I found you on Nicole's blog, I have been following little Bela's story, I am so sorry you guys are back in the hospital. She is the most precious little thing ever! You have the most amazing strength I have ever seen! I really don't think I would ever be able to handle a situation like this, but your strength is amazing! Your are such an example to me! Your family and Bela are in our thoughts are prayers!
Amy
marcus-amy.blogspot.com
Brady Garrick Family - Logan, UT
My sister (amy) has told me about your sweet Bela. What a beautiful little girl you have. She looks so angelic. Your testimony and strength are touching beyond words. Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily.
Shelby
mike-shelby.blogspot.com
Michele
(Gracie's mom)