Thursday, September 24, 2009

New challenges

Miss Mia had her chest tube placed last night and the result was bloody fluid. Gross, huh? It isn't fresh and is not related to her eating. That I am told is good news. The best "guess" as to why it developed is that it could be due to irritation from respiratory therapy working to get secretions out of her lungs. She had a full blood work up and everything looked good so we may not get a solid answer for why it is there. It is starting to run clear so that is also good news.

I love that she is finally returning to her "old self" don't get me wrong but it has brought its own set of "challenges." Her sleep schedule is a wreck! She barely sleeps here in the PICU and if she does it is in 10-20 min increments. She is so tired but the constant activity is keeping her wide awake. She is also managing to wiggle around just enough to end up at the end of the bed. She is crabby and who wouldn't be with all that she has been through? She is obsessed with trying to get all of her wires out and has succeeded more than once. Today I actually had the nurse restrain her left hand after she pulled the cannula out of her nose numerous times.

I am trying so hard to be patient with all that is happening. I am desperately searching for any amount of light at the end of this very dark tunnel. As I type this post the respiratory therapist just listened to her and said she hears more diminishment in her left lung and the doctor has ordered another chest x-ray. I am teary eyed and bracing myself once again for what this could possibly be and ultimately mean to her recovery process.

7 comments:

Musings from Kim K. said...

Just when I think you've ALL had ENOUGH, some other twist happens. Please know that I'm here for you. If you need a good cry or someone to vent to, I always available. Please don't hesitate to call me. Although Josie's hospitalization wasn't nearly as long as sweet Mia's, she was a crazy beast of a child. Please know that we're praying for you ALL. (((HUGS)))

Leslie C. said...

I am so terribly sorry for all that you are having to endure. I can't imagine how exhausted you all must be at this point. Have continued faith that there WILL be light at the end of your tunnel. I am still praying and from all the numerous posts there are many others also praying. Stay strong and positive (I know easier said than done). This will all be worth it in the end as you watch you beautiful baby girl grow up happy and healthy in the years to come!!
Leslie

Anonymous said...

This blog below sounds a lot like mia's recovery. Maybe they could be of some support.

http://roomforatleastonemore.wordpress.com/

Anonymous said...

The blog that I just gave in the last post-their daughter just had surgery too, but her recovery from a previous surgery-to repair her cleft lip, sounded a lot like what Mia is going through right now.

Wendy in OH said...

Oh Melinda, dig deep my friend and hang in there. The fact that she wants OUT is good and her sleep schedule will get back to normal once she stabilizes. Praying that this latest "thing" is nothing more than a bump in the road to recovery and praying that you get some much needed rest as well. Thinking of you often,
Wendy

Pamela Askew said...

Melinda,
I am so sorry about all that your family is going through. Know that I am praying that God will give you strength and He'll encourage you with His love. Praying for healing for Mia. Blessings to you

Anonymous said...

We are hoping that there will be no more obstacles in Mia's healing process, and as always we are praying for all. We love you and miss you. Big Hugs, and Kisses!

Love, Diana, Paul, and Briana