Thursday, February 5, 2009

Hosptial Stay #2

First, I have to say, it's killing me to post with no picture!

Abby was readmitted to the hospital on Wednesday evening. We had been talking to her doctors about how often she would vomit after a meal - often times choking and other such scary things while vomiting. She weighed 8 lbs 3 oz on Monday - but was down to 8 lbs 2 oz on Tuesday. Not the right direction.

We had tried building up her mattress, increasing her reflux medication, slowing down the speed at which the pump delivered her food - but we continued to fly through shirts, sheets and burp cloths at least 3 times a day.

On Wednesday when we called to report no progress, the cardiologist said she didn't feel comfortable treating it at home anymore. She called and got Abby a bed in isolation so as not to subject her to any sort of diseases in the hospital and we came in around 5 on Wednesday.

When we got here they took out the feeding tube we had so wonderfully placed and put in another one - it looks the same - but this one goes past her stomach and into the top of her intestine. She is now on a continuous feed - instead of 2.5 oz every 4 hours - she is fed small amounts all day and night. So far it seems to be working - she hasn't vomited yet.

Our cardiologist came by last evening after a meeting with her team and the surgeons - and they were all in agreement that the risks in waiting for surgery outweigh the benefits at this point. Right now they are saying she will have surgery on Tuesday. The surgeon will be coming to see us at some point, so we'll post more information about that when we get it.

For now, we're here until then - giving her 5 days of good nutrition. They've also done a bunch of tests (chest x-ray, echo, bloodwork, etc) in order to make sure they aren't missing any reason for her to be vomiting.

We are in a private room with complete control of the TV remote and no roommate - also no adult bed - but that's alright. The hospital is easier to take in our own room. Abby's doing really well and is thrilled to report that on this visit - they're letting her wear her own clothes!

7 comments:

Laura N said...

love you guys! we will keep praying for God's hand in all of this. Hopefully, your dad's visit will be at just the perfect time.
Love -
Laura

pbarthold said...

Chris, Linzy and Sweet Baby Abby,
Missy called me yesterday right after she talked to you and our prayers for you Miss Abby changed after we heard the news. Reed (remember he is that big football kid that held you so tenderly Abby) said he would pray hard for you. Miss Betsy does not totally understand everything but that's o.k. we are giving her specific prayer requests!! I am thinking of you all constantly and praying for God's healing hand to touch you sweet Abby and to be with you Chris and Linzy and calm you during some very trying times. I am praying for the doctors and nurses and all those that are in contact with you during this stay and up coming surgery. Take care and thanks for the updates...you all are very cleaver and we love reading about your days and nights Abby. We send lots of love and prayers to all of you,
Peggy and gang

Katrina said...

Hi Linzy and Chris, my name is Katrina and I am a friend of Missy's from Darien and have gotten to know your mom through Noroton. Your Abby is the most darling little girl. I have three boys and I cannot get enough of that pink! I will pray for you both and especially for your sweet little Abby. Hang in there. It sounds like you are in the right place with the right doctors. God bless you all and I look forward to meeting you soon. I have a little one, Peter who might be swept off his feet by Abby but there might be some competition with Lila. With love and prayers, Katrina

Flora Haley said...

Linzy, Chris and Little Abby,

Hi! I am Christine Rose's mom. Chrissy has been keeping updated on your sweet Abby's progress. She is in my prayers everyday and I will keep praying for her until she comes back home with you.
Also you, Linzy and Chris, are in my prayers too, to stay strong and get through this time with your sweet baby girl.
Love to all,
Flora Haley

Anonymous said...

Hi Chris and Linzy, we're friends of Don & Laura's, and just want you to know that we are sending up our heartfelt prayers for you and for your beautiful Abby. "He will feed His flock like a Shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms. He will carry them in His bosom and will gently lead those that have their young".(Is.40:11) As I prayed tonight that is the picture I saw...He is gently carrying you precious ones close to His bosom. May His peace that passes all understanding guard your hearts and minds, and may you rest in Him.
Janice & Jake

Paul said...

Chris and Linzy,
I can't imagine what it would be like to have one of my babies in the hospital waiting to have surgery. All I can think is lean on our heavenly father and know he is there for you.
God Bless,
Paul Morton

Anonymous said...

Darling Abby (I've seen your beautiful photo from your grandma Cindy so I can imagine you as I pray for you). I'll be holding you up a lot on Monday during surgery and I know that God, the Great Physician, will be there guiding the surgeons and encouraging your mommy and daddy. The Lord bless you all! Love, Linda