Got to the hospital this morning and they had already started weaning Elli off ECMO. They restarted the Nitric Oxide and have turned up her vent settings. The ECMO flow is now down to 150 and her blood gases have looks great so far. They are going to turn it down to 100-120 at 11:00 and will continue to do blood gases every hour. The plan is to have Elli completely off ECMO today and the surgeons are even going to take the cannulas out of her neck. The reason that they are sort of speeding up the process is that Elli has been bleeding a little bit more, her chest tube is still having a fair amount of drainage, and now she is oozing blood around her silo. The nurse today said that the surgeons came in this morning before we got here and repositioned her silo because it was coming out on one side. Hopefully that was causing the bleeding and it will slow down. Once Elli is off ECMO and the Heparin clears her system, her blood will be able to clot, slowing the bleeding even more.
Elli just got a midline placed, since she didn't have any IV sites besides her ECMO cannulas, it was imperative that they find some sort of access. One of the male nurses, Brian, got access on the first try. That was very refreshing. Seeing her little hand get poked should have been no big deal, but as of today, we had really only seen Elli poked with a needle the day before she went on ECMO. The doctors have also decided to restart Elli's antibiotics for prophylactic reasons. Other than that we are just waiting and praying that this is an easy transition. Will keep everyone posted on her progress.
15 comments:
We will be watching for your posts and praying the weaning goes well and that the bleeding slows and stops. I've heard your house is looking good. Terri was impressed with the carpet layers. As you probably already know. What a load you two have had trying to get the money pit ready and what a blessing it was to keep you occupied. Hear Dave coming in for lunch. Love you all 3!
Hello Reed family. We just looked at your blog today and read through it all. Ryan and Nikki have been keeping us up to date also. You have such a beautiful little girl, and wow those pretty little eyes! You are all 3 in our prayers everyday and we will continue to keep you there. You are obviously amazing and strong parents, with a sweet little girl to love and kiss on! We will check back tonight, best of luck on the weaning. God Bless you all. Tommy and Blu
We pray and hope Elli continues to be the tough little girl she has proven herself to be, and that all of this will be a nice smooth transition for her as she recovers.
God bless, we love you Brian, Cassi, and Elli!
B,S,C, & R
Cassi,
As I read this mornings notes, I sighed. My mind started to entertain some fear...But I quickly stoped my self and prayed in faith instead. Keep strong in your faith, encouage each other !
This morning top page had an article about a family that will have a baby in Novemer with CDH !
I will call them and give them your page! God will using you as strength and education for other that need it, thanks for sharing Elli's story. I appreciate your knowledge in your sharings as a nurse as I can so easily grasp what is going on.
Hang on ...we all love you...Cassi,Brian and Elli & we are trusting God for what Elli need!
Sheryl
We are praying that the weaning goes well!
Good luck, Elli! Hope all goes well with your weaning today. Thanks for keeping us posted.
It is good to hear that little Elli is showing everybody what's she made of! What a fighter! I'm glad to see you and Brian got out for awhile. Don't feel bad for not posting...you two deserve some quiet time together and you three need your family time. But, thank you for posting...it proves to all of us that our prayers are being answered! One day at a time...
God Bless,
Amber & Jesse Thompson
MY little Reed Family
have been away from the computer.(at the farm with gpa) and couldn't get to it quick enough. when i played the video of you changing elli's diaper, gpa had a tear in his eye and said "she will make an awsome mommy, so confident in her movements" Elli is so blessed to have you and brian for parents. i'm sure that gpa & i didn't have that kind of confidence and strength with our first born. you two are amazing. lots of prayers and well wishes from church this am. posted the blog in the bulletin. was asked if there was an address to send well wishes to rmh. miss elli is an inspiration to us all. love you all and hugs and kisses to elli
It seems that Elli is headed in the right direction!!! I will pray that they bleeding slows down but that she comes off of ECMO without a hitch. She is such a tough little girl, she must get that from her mommy and daddy!!! Ever since I learned of your blog, you guys have been in my thoughts constantly...it might just be the connection we have with the two babies (miracles may I add). Thinking and praying for you all.
Amy
P.S. Brian is an awesome nurse (can you tell him Kaden says hi). I don't know if you have had Carla yet, but that was Kaden's primary so she knows us all too well, we think she is the greatest. Elli really is in great hands (all the way around). Remember to take care of yourselves so you will be ready to take care of Elli when she gets home.
One more thing...we too couldn't resist buying living room furniture at Nebraska Furniture Mart when Kaden was in the hospital : ).
Elli, I hope weaning goes well and you continue to improve. Thank you for your post. Tell mom & dad Hi!
Barb
Hi Brian and Cassi,
Ohhhhhhhhh the power of prayer. It's amazing how the love for another will cause all to join together to pray for something so very, very worthwhile, your little Elli. Sounds like she is amazing the doctors. Way to go, Elli. Glad she is doing so well. She looks beautiful, the look of innocence, makes one's heart leap for joy. May she some day soon, be in the arms of her mom and dad. Please know that you all will continue to be in my daily prayers, I won't stop. Another milestone reached bringing her to the next step.
God bless you all, may you feel His Presence all around you for He loves you infinitely.
Mary Nord
Thanks for keeping us posted on Elli's progress. She's one tough little girl. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Andrea
Such wonderful news, another great day for the amazing Miss Elli! This kid has got to stop making me cry (happy tears). It's so fun to see all the Vorthmanns on here. You have to know we're all here rooting for you guys!
Love you,
Chrissy
Elli remains in our prayers! We hope the ECMO weaning goes very well with no surprises. The entire Reed family are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep fighting Elli - we are so proud of how far you have come in so little time. Hugs from Wyoming.
Tracy Meats - WY State Rep. for Cherubs and mom to Ian (LCDH, 4/3/04)
Dear Loved Ones,
Gone for the weekend and can't believe all that is happened to little Elli...She is a trooper!
Cassi, I am so proud of how well you speak & understand medical terms and then report in laymen terms for the rest of us. (I believe God called you into nursing for a reason!!!) It is amazing how much you know and remember!!! Your mom said your house is already and waiting for you to bring your beautiful family to Iowa. God is good...Keep your strong faith in Him. It is amazing to watch as each miracle unfolds. You are blessed and Baby Elli is a unbelievable!
Love you all,
Aunt Jill
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