Monday, August 15, 2011

Day 4 in the land that time forgot.

Day four in the land that time forgot. I think that's the most fitting way to describe a hospital. 

This morning was BAD. Probably one of the worst mornings of my life. Ava didn't sleep at all last night. The dr took her off Toradol (a pain med) since it's an aspirin and she needed a blood transfusion yesterday. He put her back on the morphine, but on a continuous drip with a push button for an added boost if needed. The morphine was making her really itchy, she was rubbing her eyes so hard that she was breaking the skin around it. Plus, every time she would rub her eyes, she'd bump the tube in her nose, and a couple of times, almost pull it out. 

She could have benadryl every 6 hours, but it was wearing off in 5 hours, so I would have to deal with trying to hold her hands down for an hour until she could have it again. The dr decided to try another pain med (in the same family as morphine) and Ava had a really bad reaction to it. She was writhing on the bed, clawing at her face, her heart rate was shooting up and her oxygen levels were dropping. I called my husband to see where he was at (we alternate nights that we stay with her) and he was pulling into the parking lot. He pulled right up front, hopped out and let my father in law go park the car. 

The dr decided that Ava had such a bad reaction to it that they didn't want to give her any other meds until it had worn off. At this point, it was 9:15, so she said we had to wait until 11 to give her something else. Plus, with her oxygen levels dropping, they didn't want to give her any more benadryl since it's a sedative. So for almost 2 hours, my husband, father in law and I had to take turns holding down Ava's arms, trying to keep her from moving too much (she did just have abdominal surgery) and listen to her cry out in distress. It was fucking awful. Sorry, that's the only way I can describe it. 

She started to settle down, and the nurse got the okay to put her back on the toradol and benadryl. So Ava had those at 11:15. She still seemed really antsy and wouldn't sleep (even though she had been up since 7pm the night before) so my father in law suggested that maybe Ava was bored. We got some toys for her and she started to play with them. I did have to hold her up in a sitting position, but it was so wonderful to watch her be "normal" again. 

So right now it's just after 2pm, and she finally fell asleep. Jake did have to get the nurse to shut off an alarm (Ava had a lead attached to the wrong place on her chest) and I told the nurse that if anyone came in and woke her up, that I might have to kill them. Not even joking. 

So that's where we are, folks. Thank you for the continued prayers. I apologize that I can't personally write back each and every one of you who has commented and emailed me personally. But know that I appreciate it, so much. 

So, we're still waiting on poop before they can feed her. They're not hearing bowel sounds yet, but the morphine does slow down the bowel (another good reason to take her off it). The hemotologist just came by and said that Ava's blood levels are better, not perfect but on the low end of normal. At this point, I'll take it. 

I get to go home and sleep tonight, hoping hubby and Ava has a good night sleep. The support of our friends has been amazing. Food, gas gift cards, drinks, magazines, toys for Ava. As much as I'm hurting right now, I still have a lot of blessings to count. 



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-Lidy said... [Reply to comment]

Sooooo sorry that Ava (and you all) are having to go through this tough time. How scary and frustrating!! Yay for friends and their support. :) Believe me, I know how much it means to have friends stop by while you are dealing with kids medical issues.
I will continue to pray for your family.

-Lidy

Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Life said... [Reply to comment]

I am continually thinking of you guys and praying she gets better and is able to go home very soon. Hopefully tonight will be better and she gets some good rest to recover.

Lesley said... [Reply to comment]

You know our prayers are circling your family through this. We love you from far away sweet Dixons.

Carmella said... [Reply to comment]

praying for your sweet little girl and your family....

Samantha {Moody Mama} said... [Reply to comment]

I'm sorry y'all had a bad night/morning. Sending thoughts & prayers your way. Hoping everyone gets some rest tonight.

Vicky said... [Reply to comment]

I just read your story. My heart goes out to you. But you have a fighter on your hands, and you yourself are a fighter. Prayers and love to you and your household.

Bella @ Bella before and after said... [Reply to comment]

Wow what a night, that just sounds as horrible as ever. Nothing is worse than trying to comfort your sick or hurting child, and there is NOTHING you can do. I'm so sorry she went through that.

I hope things get only better, and I too am thinking of you girl. My heart is aching for your sweet girl.

Hugs, Bella :)
**AMAZE ME AUGUST** @ Bella Before and After Any projects, recipes, diy welcome.
**PARTY PLANNING TUESDAYS** @ Euro Style Cakes. All your party planning tips, decorations, invitations, and recipes welcome at my NEW party.

You, Enhanced said... [Reply to comment]

Jen, I'm praying for you and if I totally lived close, I would hang with you at the hospital. She is a special little girl and I hope that everything goes well.

xoxo
Nik

LyndaKay said... [Reply to comment]

Prayers for the whole family and for the doctors to make all the right decisions.

jandjhome said... [Reply to comment]

Jen, I'm so sorry. I'll be praying for all of you, especially your sweet baby.

Lisa said... [Reply to comment]

Praying for all of you and your sweet baby girl.

nicolette {momnivores dilemma} said... [Reply to comment]

Jen- Hugs and blessings and prayers...

Laurie in SC said... [Reply to comment]

So so sorry it has been such a rough day for sweet Ava, you and your family, Jennifer. You've certainly had enough of those lately. My goodness. Continuing to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. So hoping for some relief and smoother path in your VERY near future. God bless. Love and hugs from Laurie
Scene of the Grime

Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims said... [Reply to comment]

Still thinking of you guys so much! It makes me so sad to read all the paid such a cute little girl has to suffer through :( Praying for fast healing and comfort! <3

Sandi @ The Primitive Skate said... [Reply to comment]

So sorry to hear about all your going through. I'll be praying for Ava and your family! Hope you all can get a good nights sleep soon!

carolyn said... [Reply to comment]

Just reading about this now. Hugs and prayers for you and your baby.

Kris @ everywhereorange.com said... [Reply to comment]

sending lots of love and happy thoughts to you and your family. what an awful night! I hope that the worst is over and that Ava has many more comfortable nights ahead of her.

Roeshel said... [Reply to comment]

Extra hugs, thoughts and prayers for Ava and your family!

When you get a minute, stop over to see today's post (8/16) - YOU are going shopping! ;)

Roeshel

Jade said... [Reply to comment]

Sending warm hugs and positive thoughts to you and your family!

Janice said... [Reply to comment]

Still praying like crazy for you guys and wishing we were closer! Will definitely pray they get the meds worked out. Sweet little Ava! what a strong little girl!