Sunday, August 14, 2011

Highs and Lows, kinda

Thank you to all of you who sent us your prayers yesterday. Since you're praying for us, I thought it only fitting to update you.

Ava's surgery went well. The surgeon said she had a lot of adhesions in her intestines that he had to remove. She was fine in the recovery room, woke up a few times, but nothing too bad. But when we got back to her room, Ava was really uncomfortable, kept writhing on the bed, crying, whining, etc. Even at one point, sat up in the bed and flung herself over. All of which is not normal after a surgery. We kept telling the nurses that she needed more pain meds, but they kept saying that she's had what they can give her. The charge nurse came in and tried to tell me that this was normal, and I told her that this isn't Ava's first surgery. It's her SEVENTH. I know what the hell is normal for my daughter and what isn't. They finally called the surgeon, and got the okay for extra pain medicine. 

I understand that nurses don't have the power that doctors do. But I also know my daugher, and I'll walk thru fire for her. Which means that I'm not going to stand there and say okay when she's in pain. Tough shit, lady. You're dealing with a momma bear.

So the up her pain meds, and give her a different kind. My father and law and I left for home at 6pm, after hubby and I took the girls out to a mexican restaurant. He said that we needed to get out and clear our heads and it was really nice to do so.

So now I'm sitting here while Ava sleeps in my lap. I'm pretty sure I should just put on a diaper. The only time I put her down, she got really distressed and it just wasn't worth it.

So since I'm asking for your prayers, let me show you what you're praying for.






Happy girl during the day on Thursday.















Friday morning at 5am, after being up all night. Crazy how fast things change.
















Still waiting in the ER to get admitted.
















After the IV and ng tube were inserted.
















Saturday morning at 5am, before her surgery at 8:30. At this point, I had been awake for 48 hours with only 5 hours of sleep













Waiting to get wheeled down to surgery.

















After they gave her the valium to relax. I know she's only smiling because of the drugs, but it's the first smiles we'd seen in days. Drug induced or not, we were over joyed to see them.









Our awesome friends came to see us and brought us an entire convenience store :) Cherry Coke, Dr Pepper, candy, sea salt and vinegar chips, energy drinks. Everything you need to stay up for days on end.






Me and my father in law with Ava, Sunday morning.









So that's the updates. Waiting on a blood transfusion since her white blood cells and platelets are low. No clue how long we'll be here, a week at best? No idea. Thank GOD our wonderful friends are going to be watching the older girls Tuesday-Friday during the day so Jake and I can be up here together. Then we'll alternate nights. We learned with Ava's RSV that there is no sense in both of us being sleep deprived.

So thank you for your continued prayers for Ava. She just had her seventh surgery. Like, 7. And she just turned one last Wednesday. I know some people who haven't had that many surgeries in their entire lives.

So that's my version of highs and lows today. Everything else that I could bitch or brag about just seems so petty at this point.


11 people love me:

LP aka A Crafty Southern Chick said... [Reply to comment]

I am so glad you posted an update, and glad sweet Ava is on the road to recovery...Lots of love and prayers to y'all!!! xo~Leighann

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

Oh girl, where have I been. I have't stopped by in a while, and this is NOT what I wanted to see. I am so sorry, but SO happy that she is better, and that the surgery went well. Sweet baby girl, she is precious, and you are an amazing mommy.

My thoughts are with you my friend. I hope that you are able to celebrate her sweet bday in a very special way despite her surgery.

Many hugs and sweet kisses for your little girl.
Please stay well my friend, and try to have a wonderful day!!! Love ya :)
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.

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

I told you she would be better soon!
hang on there, girl! you're a rock! xox d.

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

So glad to see an update here - thanks for taking the time to give us all the breakdown on sweet Ava. So glad she has all of you on her team!!! Sending prayers and hugs and wishes that things improve steadily from here! Love Laurie from Scene of the Grime

Alycia Grayce (Crowley Party) said... [Reply to comment]

Just found your blog. Wishing you and your family some comfort right now! Hope things get better!

Shayna said... [Reply to comment]

Stopped by to post Highs & Lows to see this :( Praying for your little girl and its good to see things are getting a little better. I feel your pain about problems with nurses and pain medications, way to take charge! Hope everything continues to go up from here!

Shay @ http://shaydesoflife.blogspot.com

emilyacarver said... [Reply to comment]

We're still keeping your family and Ava in our prayers and sending tons of good thoughts your way! I'm so glad to read that she's doing well after surgery!

Rachel said... [Reply to comment]

jen, thank you so much for the update. I have been praying for little ava and you & your family all weekend. Crazy, i don't even know you really! I'm so glad the surgery went well. I'm still praying; please keep updating!
xo, rachel

Sisterino said... [Reply to comment]

Oh my..what an ordeal for a little girl to go through! I just started reading your blog recently. Praying for you guys and for your sweet little one!

Janice said... [Reply to comment]

Oh, Jen! I just got home from the hospital with our newest little guy and was so upset to read your posts! I will be praying like crazy for you and Ava. I'm so glad you guys were able to get her in and that you know the surgeon. Oh, I don't even have the words to say how I'm feeling! You and Jake don't forget to be kind to yourselves and each other during this time. And good for you for insisting on the pain meds. Go mama bear! Give your sweet little girl and yourself a hug from me. I will be praying non stop for you guys.

Lindsay @ Delighted Momma said... [Reply to comment]

Hello this is the first time visiting your blog and I am so sorry to hear your baby girl is not %100. I will say a little prayer for her right now..sending well wishes to you and your family