Wednesday, August 27, 2008

We FINALLY got an update after what seemed like FOREVER. One of the surgeons came in and said they finished the repairs, and everything 'looked good' to him. they are always very careful with the words they use, but we were happy with the report. They were able to do everything they needed to do and there were no surprises. They were happy with how things went.. There was a lot of scar tissue to get through since she has been opened twice already, so they may not be able to close her up due to swelling. I have not had to see her chest open yet and I hope I don't have to, but we'll see in the next hour or so. They had to cool the room down to slow down blood flow and preserve organ function during some of the procedure, so they are warming her body back up now. They will keep her down there for a few more hours to watch for bleeding and/or problems. I just can't wait to have her back.
One of my biggest fears throughout all this was coming off the bypass machine, but Bela is already off and had no problems!! HUGE SIGH!! Hopefully she will be able to stay off now throughout the day, tonight, and tomorrow. Now we start the crucial 24 hour recovery period...
For those of you who care, or for our 'heart' friends who've been through this, this is what they did (in morons terms)... They took off the bands off her PA's and removed the stent from the first surgery, connected the superior vena cava to the right pulmonary artery, patched a narrowing in her aorta, connected the aorta to the left pulmonary artery to bypass the left ventrice and mitral valve completley. So there you have it...
We havn't been back in our room yet, but when we're in the room later I will post pictures. I took a bunch of my sweetheart before she went off. I'm not sure if anyone wants to see her post op pictures because I'm sure they'll be hard to look at, but hopefully we've broken everyone in by her previous surgery pics...
This is THE LONGEST day of my life...time seems to be going by at half speed... She's already been in there for 6 1/2 hours!! uhhh! So far so good though, so we are VERY hopeful and grateful at this point! We are feeling your prayers...THANK YOU!!

23 comments:

milenab said...

I am so glad that Heavenly Father gives us these doctors, nurses and the tecnology we need to take care of our babies...I am praying hard for you and Bella! I know she will beat this one too (tears flowing in my face...)

Matt and Jennae Porter said...

Lots of tears here... way to go Bela girl. You are amazing.

The Ridgway Family said...

I am so happy to hear this update. Way to go Bela for coming off bypass so smoothly. It will not be too much longer that you will see her again. Avery, I love you and have been thinking of you all day. Do not worry if she comes back with her chest open, you really can not see that much and I don't think it will bother you anyway as you have already seem more than most mommies. They will do whatever is best for her and I am sure close her up ASAP if needed. In fact, I found it quite fascinating to see Eden's little heart beating after her second surgery because we knew that the odds of her coming back to us were not good so I loved seeing it beat as a sign that she made it back to me for a little while longer. I told Eden to take care of her friend these next few weeks so I am sure they are having some fun times right now :)

Love you, Keisa

cait said...

way to go bela!

Lindsay Dean said...

Way to go sweet Bela!! Keep going strong and we will keep the prayers going! I know what you mean about the longest day of your life. We had to go through it twice because Lindsay had to have a shunt revision 3 days after her Norwood. Stay strong and Bela will feel the vibe, I just know it! Will be checking in later!
Love, Suzie

nicole said...

Both Cait and Danny told me yesterday that today was the surgery so I am happy for the updates.... I am so glad to hear everything is going well. She is such a strong baby girl!

Auburn said...

What a great update. It sounds like she is fighting through, as always! Yeah!

Anonymous said...

Oh I'm so glad to here that evertyhing is going as expected so far. Way to go for Bela on making through another tough surgrey!

Erin said...

Way to go Bela...as always a fighter! So happy to hear that so far things are going well and she is right where she needs to be. With all that had to be done we are just grateful she is hanging in there. Our prayers continue for your family as we know that is the very best we can do for right now. Lots of hugs to you guys...one huge hurdle is almost over. Thanks for the update.

Jennifer said...

Bela continues to be a fighter! We will pray she keeps on fighting through the next critical 24 hours. I know your waiting is not over -- Hang in there, my friend! Your little girl is as strong as her wonderful Mommy! Thanks for the update.

Life Unscripted said...

YAY Bela, the surgery is over...now on to recovery. Avery, I have to tell you, an open chest isn't to bad to see, Like Keshia said, it almost is quite fascinating to see their little heart beating. Lily came back with her chest open twice and it never really phased me...seeing we see so much as it is, with the lines, the monitors, the machines, etc...I think of it as one more thing. I pray that she comes back with her chest closed....We are all praying over here. I will be looking for more updates. Sending you our love and Heart hugs,

Jenna and Lily

S and K said...

OH YEAH!!! I'm so glad things went "good"--love the Dr.'s careful words. We all know she's amazing so we'll just fill in our own blanks!!! :) I'm so glad she came off bypass so well. I'm sorry time is going slow, I can only imagine. Hang in there and you'll be back by her side in no time. Thanks again for the update. Love you guys!

Andrea said...

Go Bela! We'll keep praying for all of you!

Wendy said...

I am so happy to hear that she is through the surgery and all went well. I've been praying for you guys today and am so relieved to hear that news. Way to go Bela!!!

Ali said...

wonderful news so far! we love you!

Dallas and Krista said...

Good girl little Bels! Love you guys!

Sally Jensen Interiors said...

Oh...good to have an update. Hang in there! Love you guys!

Danielle said...

We've never met, but I have been keeping you and your little girl in my prayers all day long! So glad that things went well and I will continue to pray for her speedy recovery!

La said...

little (and i do mean little) Bela is the strongest girlie I know.

ashley said...

love the huge sigh. hope things continue to go well, we will be thinking and praying for that sweet girl!

Ani said...

Avery and Tanner,
We are friends of you mom and dad's from years ago. We know of Bela through our daughters, who keep close track of her progress. Know that so many that you don't even know are offering prayers for Bela and for her family. Hurray for Bela!
Love and prayers from the Craig Bewsey Family (Hi, Debbie!)

Doreen said...

Hope Bela and you guys are having a good night tonight. Dave went to the temple today and put all of you on the prayer roll. Praying for an uneventful recovery for little Bela. :o)

Lindsay Dean said...

OK, we are officially Bela's stalkers for the day. :-) Praying that God is working is magic and that Bela is staying strong. Many heart hugs and love sent your way!
Suzie