Before leaving the hospital we were assured that we would have a night nurse soon after the 26th. Well...I talked to the company supplyin the nurse yesterday and they hadn't even started looking for a nurse yet! I hope they get their rears in gear. Our deadline is the 6th, that is when Jeff starts working graveyard. I also hoped to have Keala sleeping in her crib by then so Jeff could have our bedroom all to himself...not so much. During the hospital stay Keala regressed to sleeping in our bed again and nursing to sleep. I am working hard to break her of those things and also get enough sleep myself.
Hope everyone is well, we are getting there. We love and miss you all.
Amy
Friday, December 28, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
MERRY CHRISTMAS
MERRY CHRISTMAS from our family to yours. We are having a great day with our family and our prayer is that you will too. Allison continues to improve and is more and more comfortable at home every day. We are looking forward to the New Year and spending time with our family and friends. Happy Holidays.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Yes we're home!
It's Sunday and we got Allison home around 2pm yesterday afternoon ! ! As she was resting during the evening she fell asleep for a little bit. After about 10 minutes she woke up, looked around and smiled and went back to sleep. No honey, you're not dreaming... you ARE home!
She had a really good night last night and slept the entire night. Mom says she's had a pretty good day today too. We had a few angels come by and help get the house back in order and went grocery shopping for us and just helped watch the girls for Amy. Thank you SO much. Allison is still having issues swallowing and according to the dr's probably will for the next couple weeks. She seems so much more like herself being at home though and is definitely more comfortable.
She's still a little displaced because the hospital bed wont fit through the doorway of her bedroom, so we've got her set up in the den. That way we can roll her from the den into the living room or kitchen if we want to. We are so happy to be home and so grateful for all your support and love and prayers.
She had a really good night last night and slept the entire night. Mom says she's had a pretty good day today too. We had a few angels come by and help get the house back in order and went grocery shopping for us and just helped watch the girls for Amy. Thank you SO much. Allison is still having issues swallowing and according to the dr's probably will for the next couple weeks. She seems so much more like herself being at home though and is definitely more comfortable.
She's still a little displaced because the hospital bed wont fit through the doorway of her bedroom, so we've got her set up in the den. That way we can roll her from the den into the living room or kitchen if we want to. We are so happy to be home and so grateful for all your support and love and prayers.
Friday, December 21, 2007
HOMEWARD BOUND ! ! ! !
Thank you Lord for answered prayers! We have been officially scheduled to be discharged from Doernbecher Saturday morning. Our insurance company has agreed to pay for 3 weeks of at home shift care (8 hours at night) so that we can focus on sleep for the first time in 8 weeks. That will start hopefully by next weekend. Even so, we will still need some help during the day for the first few weeks that we are home, but we'll be AT HOME ! ! ! And we'll be there for Christmans and the New Year too. Thank you to our dear friend Leslie for taking the initiative to start rounding up some help for us and getting it scheduled even. There will still be some times of need and we will be getting those times covered once we get home. Please call us at home after Saturday afternoon at 503-435-0303 if you are able to help at all. We do understand that with the holiday everyone is going to be very busy with their own families, but we just really appreciate those of you who have already offered to help and the huge difference it will make. Amy will be the scheduling queen while Jeff concentrates on work and also his pending shift change. He will start graveyard on Sunday night the 6th of January.
Oh, have I mentioned we'll be AT HOME ?!?!?! We will keep you all posted FROM HOME.
We love you and thank you for all your prayers and support. And we'll see you soon.
Oh, have I mentioned we'll be AT HOME ?!?!?! We will keep you all posted FROM HOME.
We love you and thank you for all your prayers and support. And we'll see you soon.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Thursday Morning and only 5 more days till Christmas
WELL.....
Yesterday we decided to try a short course of a souped up anti-inflammatory drug. There is no proof that this will work, nor does it come with out its risks. That kind of drug comes with the possibility of Bleeding in the tummy, which we have dealt with before and can be serious. We are praying it will help--not hurt. Last night we were moved to a floor where she could have a one on one nurse for her suctioning needs. This was important because Jeff had to go home to work and I am EXHAUSTED. If this drug does not work we are back to waiting--waiting for the problem to resolve itself. If we wait for 4-6 weeks and it does not get better on its own, we will then re-evaluate for some possible surgical solutions.
We have been told that we might be able to take her home...but in order for that to happen we will need a night nurse. The need is for a few reasons. 1. Jeff goes to graveyard in January. 2. Amy needs to sleep as to not create any more new health concerns for her heart. 3. Everyone needs sleep in order to exist.
I talked to the insurance company this morning and they are doubtful that this is a covered benefit. I am working on some options but it will probably come down to getting private donations in order to help pay for the cost. The estimated cost may start @ 10$ an hour & could go up from there. I will post as soon as I know what needs to be done. I just can't imagine staying here for another 4-6 weeks after being here the majority of the last 10 weeks.
Thank you for praying for us
Amy
Yesterday we decided to try a short course of a souped up anti-inflammatory drug. There is no proof that this will work, nor does it come with out its risks. That kind of drug comes with the possibility of Bleeding in the tummy, which we have dealt with before and can be serious. We are praying it will help--not hurt. Last night we were moved to a floor where she could have a one on one nurse for her suctioning needs. This was important because Jeff had to go home to work and I am EXHAUSTED. If this drug does not work we are back to waiting--waiting for the problem to resolve itself. If we wait for 4-6 weeks and it does not get better on its own, we will then re-evaluate for some possible surgical solutions.
We have been told that we might be able to take her home...but in order for that to happen we will need a night nurse. The need is for a few reasons. 1. Jeff goes to graveyard in January. 2. Amy needs to sleep as to not create any more new health concerns for her heart. 3. Everyone needs sleep in order to exist.
I talked to the insurance company this morning and they are doubtful that this is a covered benefit. I am working on some options but it will probably come down to getting private donations in order to help pay for the cost. The estimated cost may start @ 10$ an hour & could go up from there. I will post as soon as I know what needs to be done. I just can't imagine staying here for another 4-6 weeks after being here the majority of the last 10 weeks.
Thank you for praying for us
Amy
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Anniversary Angels
Just a quick (but HUGE) thank you to the angels that showed up yesterday afternooon and told Amy and Jeff to leave and go have some alone time and celebrate their anniversary. And also to the angel that set up a surprise lunch for two. It made our anniversary very special and we will be forever grateful.
We are still in wait and watch mode with regards to Allisons treatment options. The dr's are discussing things amongst themselves and with us and we still have a couple of very important decisions to make on her behalf. As for coming home.... we just dont know. We are going to need some help no matter what the decision ultimately is. Jeff goes back to work Thursday... which leaves us unable to "tag-team" out efforts both throughout the day and overnight. To answer those of you who have asked... Yes please call, if the phone just rings it means we are tied up for that instant but try back in a few minutes. Or if you have our cell phone #'s try them. It is always good to hear voices other than the nurses or dr's here. Visitors? Yes, please. We are still on the 9th floor in rm 24.
503-418-5924.
Lord, please show us the right path. Even if it's not the easiest one or the one we want it to be. Just help us choose the right one for Allison.
We are still in wait and watch mode with regards to Allisons treatment options. The dr's are discussing things amongst themselves and with us and we still have a couple of very important decisions to make on her behalf. As for coming home.... we just dont know. We are going to need some help no matter what the decision ultimately is. Jeff goes back to work Thursday... which leaves us unable to "tag-team" out efforts both throughout the day and overnight. To answer those of you who have asked... Yes please call, if the phone just rings it means we are tied up for that instant but try back in a few minutes. Or if you have our cell phone #'s try them. It is always good to hear voices other than the nurses or dr's here. Visitors? Yes, please. We are still on the 9th floor in rm 24.
503-418-5924.
Lord, please show us the right path. Even if it's not the easiest one or the one we want it to be. Just help us choose the right one for Allison.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
updated
Keala and I have successfully tackled our problem. The less of these added/extra problems to come along, the better off we'll be. They decided to give Allison a test to figure out what is going on with all of her secretions and figure out whether she is actually swallowing them or if they are making it past her surgical site and into her belly. What they found was, nothing is getting past the swelling at the surgical site and therefore her saliva just keeps coming back up. The prognosis is that "this too shall pass" but in the meantime we get to just hurry up and wait.... something we've been doing a lot of over the past few weeks. (SIGH) So we still have no specific timetable, but the guesstimation is that the swelling will start to decrease and should remedy itself over the next 3-4 weeks. Doesn't look so great on paper but we're trying to work things out to get home in time for Christmas.
While we know that everyone is busy with planning the festivities of the season and the holidays with friends and family, please know that we are once again nearing the end of our collective ropes. To be blunt... please dont forget about us up here. Along with being cooped up in a hospital room there also comes loneliness. And the thought of spending the entire holiday season here without our family and friends is not one we want to deal with. We miss all of you and thank you for your continued thoughts and prayer.
Please continue to pray for our sanity and for healing for Allison and also that we may be home for Christmas.
While we know that everyone is busy with planning the festivities of the season and the holidays with friends and family, please know that we are once again nearing the end of our collective ropes. To be blunt... please dont forget about us up here. Along with being cooped up in a hospital room there also comes loneliness. And the thought of spending the entire holiday season here without our family and friends is not one we want to deal with. We miss all of you and thank you for your continued thoughts and prayer.
Please continue to pray for our sanity and for healing for Allison and also that we may be home for Christmas.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Blue Monday
Well it's Monday and the end of our stay here at the hospital has disappeared from sight once again. Allison had a really rough weekend and now has an infection that she is forced to fight. The dr's have not given us an updated timetable so at this point we are in "wait and watch" mode. Amy is going home today to take care of an infection of her own that Keala passed to her by breastfeeding and will return to the hospital either Tuesday or Wednesday. Please continue to pray for us as a family as well as for Allisons recovery. We are in desperate need of some good news.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Sunday Morning
Well...............We got our hopes up about going home, sadly they have been dashed. Allison is still having major problems with her secretions with an infection brewing. Some have said that it was bound to happen having been here so long. The longer you are here the easier it is to pick up something you didn't come in with. As far as her secretions are concerned, I mean that she is gagging, wretching, and vomiting copius amounts of saliva and what not. With Allison there is always fear of aspiration and we don't want to do that again. In order to protect her airway we stand over her with suction and can't leave the room for fear that she drowns in it.
This long hard road has had many bumps in it (sigh). We are very thankful for all the support--with confidence we say that it would be harder without all of you.
Prayer requests on on God's glorious day...
For antibiotics to do their job.
For the right tests to give answers about the secretion problem.
For some angels to be sent to help when Jeff returns to work starting Thursday morning.
For rest for all of us (there is so much traffic of nurses and doctors in and out of the room-all as soon as you lay down).
Love from all of us
Amy
This long hard road has had many bumps in it (sigh). We are very thankful for all the support--with confidence we say that it would be harder without all of you.
Prayer requests on on God's glorious day...
For antibiotics to do their job.
For the right tests to give answers about the secretion problem.
For some angels to be sent to help when Jeff returns to work starting Thursday morning.
For rest for all of us (there is so much traffic of nurses and doctors in and out of the room-all as soon as you lay down).
Love from all of us
Amy
Friday, December 14, 2007
Family time again
We are back together again. Amy and Keala are back at the hospital with Allison and Jeff and are pretty much settled back into the routine once again. Allison had a good day today and was smiling and happy to see mom, still not sure about the noisemaker called "sister".
The dr's are really pleased will Allisons progress and are actually saying the words "Monday" and "sending you home" in the same sentence. What a blessing that would be! We will know a lot more come Monday morning rounds, but if all goes well over the weekend, it is a pretty safe bet that we will be going home that day! That will give us 2 full days at home before Jeff has to go back to work. Then just 2 more weeks after that, Jeff switches to Graveyard and will be a lot more available to help during the day if Amy needs it.
Thank you Lord for all your blessings and you response to all those prayers being sent your way. We surely do praise you!
The dr's are really pleased will Allisons progress and are actually saying the words "Monday" and "sending you home" in the same sentence. What a blessing that would be! We will know a lot more come Monday morning rounds, but if all goes well over the weekend, it is a pretty safe bet that we will be going home that day! That will give us 2 full days at home before Jeff has to go back to work. Then just 2 more weeks after that, Jeff switches to Graveyard and will be a lot more available to help during the day if Amy needs it.
Thank you Lord for all your blessings and you response to all those prayers being sent your way. We surely do praise you!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Back on the 9th floor
We are all moved back into the "family suite" 9th floor room 24. The phn # is 503-418-5924 and we'll be there til we get discharged. Allison is doing pretty well today, and has her gtube button back in. No more computer in the room so not as many updates comin unless someones watching Punky for me.Will post when I can.
Jeff
Jeff
Thursday morning
Allison had a great night last night. She was up in her wheelchair again for over 1/2 an hour and was playing and squealing and really happy to be out of bed. Then she slept from about 10pm until 5am and was awake for an hour and then slept again until 9:30. Yay sleep!
We are ramping up the feedings today. Dr's want to make sure and get her tummy stretched out and working as well as (or better than) before the surgery. They are going to transfer us back down to the 9th floor today and I will get you a room # and phn # as soon as we get there. It's kinda hard not to get too excited since things have been going so well, but this is still a long process to get her healthy again. This is just one small step in that process. I will post again as soon as we get moved.
We are ramping up the feedings today. Dr's want to make sure and get her tummy stretched out and working as well as (or better than) before the surgery. They are going to transfer us back down to the 9th floor today and I will get you a room # and phn # as soon as we get there. It's kinda hard not to get too excited since things have been going so well, but this is still a long process to get her healthy again. This is just one small step in that process. I will post again as soon as we get moved.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Good day today
Allison has done really well tolerating her food so far today. We started her on her own food at about 2:00 and she has had no negative reactions to it. She already seems to have a little more energy and is smiling a lot more today that she has over the last couple weeks. Talks continue with the dr's and other staff here about reaching goals and targets for calorie intake and weaning off pain meds etc... Hopefully we'll be able to reach those and get discharged either this weekend or first of next week. Very positive day today!! Thank you Lord! Oh and by the way, Allison (with dad's help) got a bingo in all 3 games today!!! Go bingo princess!
Get that tummy movin
Well it's Wednesday mornin and the dr's have started Allison on some pedialyte to get her tummy workin. The plan is to have her on her regular food by early this afternoon. We're gonna take it nice and slow and easy though, since her tummy hasnt had anything in it besides medicines for a long, long time. Allison was awake for a few hours overnight and finally went back to sleep around 5:30. So we decided to sleep in this morning and finally woke up around 9:15. Her surgical site looks great, no swelling or infection at all, so thats great news. Physical therapy crew will be here around 11am to get the rest of her body movin along with her tummy. So for now, it's just wait and watch how her tummy reacts to something in it and pray that it remembers how to digest food! Amy and Keala are at home for the next couple days for a much needed break from the hospital. We expect them to come back up sometime Friday. Jeff and Allison willbe hangin out and spending some good quality daddy/daughter time. AND... it's bingo day today. Every Wednesday is bingo day at Doernbecher. So far, Allison has been (with mom and dad's help) a pretty good bingo player. We'll see if she keeps it up today !
Prayer requests....
For Amy and Keala, pray they really enjoy their time away and be refreshed and well rested.
For Allison, pray that her tummy works well and doesnt cause her any pain.
For Jeff, pray that he is able to stay positive and keep on top of everything for Allison.
Prayer requests....
For Amy and Keala, pray they really enjoy their time away and be refreshed and well rested.
For Allison, pray that her tummy works well and doesnt cause her any pain.
For Jeff, pray that he is able to stay positive and keep on top of everything for Allison.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Tuesday
One thing I can say for surgeons, they sure do start their rounds early and they know how to barrel into a room. Allison did get some sleep last night...but for the rest of us it is never good sleep. Allison did not get her g tube put back in yesterday. They said that her tummy is draining too much and that will slow down when her gut starts working again.
Last night she got a bed bath and sat in her wheelchair for about 30 minutes before that wore her out. She was all smiles getting into her chair and when she was done, putting her back she was all smiles again. I will say one thing for her...she has been a real trooper. She has had appropriate smiles and giggles as well as being able to tell us yes and no when needed. A milestone since we have been here...she now knows what 'owies' means. Can I just say that is very helpful.
Prayer requests would be for her gut to work so she can eat so we can go home:)
Praise to God for the angel he sent yesterday so Mom could have an overdue nap.
Praise to God for the strength he gives to Jeff.
Praise to God that he gave us a Husband and Dad like Jeff.
Praise to God for each beautiful day that he walks with us on this journey.
Love and Blessings
Amy
Last night she got a bed bath and sat in her wheelchair for about 30 minutes before that wore her out. She was all smiles getting into her chair and when she was done, putting her back she was all smiles again. I will say one thing for her...she has been a real trooper. She has had appropriate smiles and giggles as well as being able to tell us yes and no when needed. A milestone since we have been here...she now knows what 'owies' means. Can I just say that is very helpful.
Prayer requests would be for her gut to work so she can eat so we can go home:)
Praise to God for the angel he sent yesterday so Mom could have an overdue nap.
Praise to God for the strength he gives to Jeff.
Praise to God that he gave us a Husband and Dad like Jeff.
Praise to God for each beautiful day that he walks with us on this journey.
Love and Blessings
Amy
Monday, December 10, 2007
Planning for success
Allison and the family all slept pretty well last night and the dr's are starting to plan for the next stages of recovery. We all have a little bit up a cold type bug, and we're trying to keep that from negatively affecting Allison. The dr's dont seem to worried by it and she will get her G-tube button put back in today so we can start possibly feeding her today or tomorrow, and her epidural will come out today. Dr Harrison (the one that performed the surgery) came in this morning and mentioned going home soon. Great News!!! In Amy's previous post she mentioned the "bubble" we'll be living in... that was metephorical only. It means we wont be hosting any parties or accepting a whole bunch of visitors. The dr's are generally quite encouraged by her success so far. We still have a long road ahead of us, but today is a good and positive start.
Today is Jeff's last day at work for a week or so (thank God for pre arranged vacation that I bid for last year!!) and he will be able to be at the hospital for the next few days and let Amy and Keala spend some much needed time away and back at home.
Today is Jeff's last day at work for a week or so (thank God for pre arranged vacation that I bid for last year!!) and he will be able to be at the hospital for the next few days and let Amy and Keala spend some much needed time away and back at home.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Better day today
Allison was mostly restful today and with her meds finally worked out she was quite peaceful most of the day. Allison and Keala both really enjoyed the visitors today also. (so did Amy)
The plan for tomorrow is to slowly start feedings which gets us closer to going home. The sooner she is able to tolerate close to normal feeds, the sooner we can start working toward coming home. Thank you Lord for Allison's comfort and Keala's willingness and eagerness to make new friends.
Prayer requests for tonight and tomorrow....
Restful sleep for all 4 of us
Continued comfort for Allison (control of the pain and nausea)
The plan for tomorrow is to slowly start feedings which gets us closer to going home. The sooner she is able to tolerate close to normal feeds, the sooner we can start working toward coming home. Thank you Lord for Allison's comfort and Keala's willingness and eagerness to make new friends.
Prayer requests for tonight and tomorrow....
Restful sleep for all 4 of us
Continued comfort for Allison (control of the pain and nausea)
Better night
Allison got some sleep last night! She is resting now, let's hope all is well when she awakes.
Thank you to the girls who put up Christmas decorations at our house so Allison could come home to some Christmas cheer!!! We're still not sure when that will be. She has to tolerate eating first, we might start that on Monday.
Just a side note about coming home...the Doctors say that we might have to live in a bubble for a while so that she is not trying to fight viruses as well as heal from all of the stuff that has been going on since the middle of October. She is still down in weight which makes her vulnerable, and needs to pack on some pounds.
Thank you to the girls who put up Christmas decorations at our house so Allison could come home to some Christmas cheer!!! We're still not sure when that will be. She has to tolerate eating first, we might start that on Monday.
Just a side note about coming home...the Doctors say that we might have to live in a bubble for a while so that she is not trying to fight viruses as well as heal from all of the stuff that has been going on since the middle of October. She is still down in weight which makes her vulnerable, and needs to pack on some pounds.
restful sleep
Allison was finally sleeping peacefully around 3am. She woke up around 9pm when the nurses were giving her nighttime meds and ended up being awake off an on until 3. She was not comfortable at all and was making sure her nurses and her daddy knew it. Thank God for attentive nurses staff that really enjoys what they do. Amy and Keala were able to get at least a few hours of sleep, Keala was not wanting to stay asleep but Amy would will her back to sleep whenever she woke up. Jeff left for work about 5:15 and will be back up at about 9pm or so tonight. There are a few people coming up off and on today to help with Keala and hopefully let Amy get a nap or 2.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Todays lesson
Well, today has been a lesson in drug interaction. Some of the pain medication was reacting with the anti itch medicine and causing Allison to get nauseous and sick to her stomach. (Not good when you've just had abdominal surgery) So, we've been working with all the docs, anaesthesiologists, pharmacy etc... to get that all worked out so she can feel better. We've had a couple of visitors here today to help out with Keala and to spell Amy for a bit... Very, Very helpful. Thank you girls!!! Also thanks to Leslie for a big assortment of fruits, vegetables and snacks. Hopefully tonight will go a little more smoothly for all of us.
Friday, December 7, 2007
thank you all for the prayers
It is tough to balance the pain medicines with the side effects and the medicines needed for that, as well as all her regular medicines. Thank goodness all the nurses and doctors write everything down...my brain is on overload.
We feel very blessed that God has given us supportive family, friends and church the latter of which is both.
It seems that we have visitors coming on Saturday and Sunday. Thank you to those people...your help is priceless. Visitors are always welcome, just expect the possibility of chaos.
Pray that Allison has restful, painless night because Jeff had to go home to go to work in the morning. That means I have to balance both babies who can cry in the night and ther is only one of me. The lord has given me the tools I pray that I can make them work :)
God Bless
Amy
We feel very blessed that God has given us supportive family, friends and church the latter of which is both.
It seems that we have visitors coming on Saturday and Sunday. Thank you to those people...your help is priceless. Visitors are always welcome, just expect the possibility of chaos.
Pray that Allison has restful, painless night because Jeff had to go home to go to work in the morning. That means I have to balance both babies who can cry in the night and ther is only one of me. The lord has given me the tools I pray that I can make them work :)
God Bless
Amy
Now resting comfortably
Allison has been resting well since about 4:30am. They came in and removed her NG (nasal-gastric)tube that they were using to keep her stomach empty at about 9:30am. That really upset her for 1/2 hour or so but ultimately made her a lot more comfortable since she's not having to breathe around it and fight it in the back of her throat. We will be closely monitoring her the rest of this morning.
Jeff has to go back to work on Saturday and so we are really desperate for helpers to come up to the hospital on Saturday. Jeff will be back up to the hospital by 5pm or so but no one (so far) will be there to help Amy and Keala through the day. At this point we have all of Sunday covered. Thank you!
We are (for now) on the 10th floor in room 33. The phone # in the room is 503-418-5114.
Thank you all for your continued prayer and support!
Jeff and Amy
Jeff has to go back to work on Saturday and so we are really desperate for helpers to come up to the hospital on Saturday. Jeff will be back up to the hospital by 5pm or so but no one (so far) will be there to help Amy and Keala through the day. At this point we have all of Sunday covered. Thank you!
We are (for now) on the 10th floor in room 33. The phone # in the room is 503-418-5114.
Thank you all for your continued prayer and support!
Jeff and Amy
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Rough evening
Well it's almost 11pm and Allison is finally resting somewhat peacefully. After a few hours of some significant breathing difficulties and some struggles with pain management, it seems as though we may have a handle on things for now. She is still having some airway and breathing struggles but they have definitely improved from earlier.
Keep praying for restful sleep and a better day tomorrow.
Jeff
Keep praying for restful sleep and a better day tomorrow.
Jeff
Update on Allison's Surgery
At about 2:30 PM Allison got out of surgery. The doctors repaired the hernia and did not find any other problems that may be the cause of the bleeding. They are hopeful the bleeding will now cease.
At about 4:00 PM Allison was back in her room on the 9th floor and was doing well although in pain. The family was waiting for the pain management people to come.
At about 5:00 PM Allison took a turn for the worse. She was agitated and in more pain than she should be. They moved her to the 10th floor for closer monitoring while they gave her some additional medication.
At about 8:00 PM Amy reported that Allison's breathing is labored and her heart rate and respirations were elevated. Amy was going home with Keala so that Jeff could focus all his attention on Allison. Prayers are needed that the medications do not further hamper Allison's breathing. She is obviously in considerable pain and is crying.
At about 4:00 PM Allison was back in her room on the 9th floor and was doing well although in pain. The family was waiting for the pain management people to come.
At about 5:00 PM Allison took a turn for the worse. She was agitated and in more pain than she should be. They moved her to the 10th floor for closer monitoring while they gave her some additional medication.
At about 8:00 PM Amy reported that Allison's breathing is labored and her heart rate and respirations were elevated. Amy was going home with Keala so that Jeff could focus all his attention on Allison. Prayers are needed that the medications do not further hamper Allison's breathing. She is obviously in considerable pain and is crying.
Allison's In Surgery Now
They just took Allison to surgery. They put her to sleep before they took her and Mom says she was nice and relaxed. They expect it to be a couple of hours before she is out. As soon as we hear something, an update will be posted.
Keala is feeling much better and with each dose of antibotics is feeling better.
April
Keala is feeling much better and with each dose of antibotics is feeling better.
April
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Hey all:)
Allison has been very happy today. Her Daddy was with her most of the day while Sissy and Mommy went to see the Dr. It seems Keala has a pink ear and pink throat along with a fever. Mommy and Keala went home to spend the night and will be returning on Wed night.
The family is hoping for a some visitors 0n Saturday, Sunday and Monday. An extra pair or two of hands to entertain Keala so Mommy can shower, eat, or spend some one on one time with Allison would be greatly welcomed. If you can come please post the approximate time...it always seems that everyone cames at the same time and that can be alittle much in that small room and if the visitors are spread out, it seems to make the day less lonely.
Thank you and God Bless
Allison has been very happy today. Her Daddy was with her most of the day while Sissy and Mommy went to see the Dr. It seems Keala has a pink ear and pink throat along with a fever. Mommy and Keala went home to spend the night and will be returning on Wed night.
The family is hoping for a some visitors 0n Saturday, Sunday and Monday. An extra pair or two of hands to entertain Keala so Mommy can shower, eat, or spend some one on one time with Allison would be greatly welcomed. If you can come please post the approximate time...it always seems that everyone cames at the same time and that can be alittle much in that small room and if the visitors are spread out, it seems to make the day less lonely.
Thank you and God Bless
Monday, December 3, 2007
A Good Day
Amy says Allison had a good day today and there was no bleeding. She continues to be cheerful, despite everything. They also had one visitor. I will be trying to post a picture soon, so check back soon for it.
April (Amy's sister)
April (Amy's sister)
some prayer requests
prayer requests for today and the upcoming week......
for Amy and Jeff... give them the strength and fortitude to stay positive throughout this ordeal.
for the Dr's ... give them wisdom and knowledge even beyond their training.
for Allison... allow her to rest and relax and concentrate on healing. (we love it that she can still smile and be happy)
for Amy and Jeff... give them the strength and fortitude to stay positive throughout this ordeal.
for the Dr's ... give them wisdom and knowledge even beyond their training.
for Allison... allow her to rest and relax and concentrate on healing. (we love it that she can still smile and be happy)
Sunday, December 2, 2007
background
Hey all.....
Kinda figured some people might need a brief background as to what's been going on to keep Allison in the hospital for so long, so here goes. As most of you might already know, Allison was born with Cerebral Palsy and another birth defect that affects her joints, tendons and some other things. 1 of those other things was a cleft upper palate in her mouth. We started on Oct 17th with an elective surgery to repair Allisons palate which was not formed correctly. The pro's to this surgery were supposed to be increased ability to manage food so she could start eating by mouth and also assistance with word formation. That was scheduled to be a day surgery with an overnight stay for observation. Allison began having some pretty serious breathing difficulties after the surgery and ended up with aspiration pneumonia and was rushed to the ICU and was there for 3 1/2 days on a respirator. After spending a total of 12 days recovering we were sent home. Just a few days later Allison started bleeding from somewhere into her stomach and she got really sick. We were admitted back to Doernbecher and have been there off and on since. The Dr's have finally narrowed down the cause of the bleeding and have scheduled surgery to repair it. The hope is that we will be able to bring her home sometime before Christmas.
Thank you all again so much for your thoughts and prayers.
Jeff
Kinda figured some people might need a brief background as to what's been going on to keep Allison in the hospital for so long, so here goes. As most of you might already know, Allison was born with Cerebral Palsy and another birth defect that affects her joints, tendons and some other things. 1 of those other things was a cleft upper palate in her mouth. We started on Oct 17th with an elective surgery to repair Allisons palate which was not formed correctly. The pro's to this surgery were supposed to be increased ability to manage food so she could start eating by mouth and also assistance with word formation. That was scheduled to be a day surgery with an overnight stay for observation. Allison began having some pretty serious breathing difficulties after the surgery and ended up with aspiration pneumonia and was rushed to the ICU and was there for 3 1/2 days on a respirator. After spending a total of 12 days recovering we were sent home. Just a few days later Allison started bleeding from somewhere into her stomach and she got really sick. We were admitted back to Doernbecher and have been there off and on since. The Dr's have finally narrowed down the cause of the bleeding and have scheduled surgery to repair it. The hope is that we will be able to bring her home sometime before Christmas.
Thank you all again so much for your thoughts and prayers.
Jeff
Saturday, December 1, 2007
First Post
This site was created for updates to be posted regarding Allison and to share specific prayer requests with family and friends.
Allison remains at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon. She has moved from room 5 to room 24. This room is much bigger and will allow the family to spread out a little.
Allison has had a good day and is very cheerful right now. Despite the bad weather there have been multiple visitors today. She is anticipated to remain in the hospital another 10 days with surgery to repair the hernia scheduled for Thursday. They are still not sure where the bleeding is coming from, but they hope to be able to look around more during the surgery.
Prayer Requests: For the family as they have been in hospital with Allison on and off since mid-October. For Allison and the upcoming surgery.
Posted by: April (Amy's sister)
Allison remains at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon. She has moved from room 5 to room 24. This room is much bigger and will allow the family to spread out a little.
Allison has had a good day and is very cheerful right now. Despite the bad weather there have been multiple visitors today. She is anticipated to remain in the hospital another 10 days with surgery to repair the hernia scheduled for Thursday. They are still not sure where the bleeding is coming from, but they hope to be able to look around more during the surgery.
Prayer Requests: For the family as they have been in hospital with Allison on and off since mid-October. For Allison and the upcoming surgery.
Posted by: April (Amy's sister)
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