2022
Happy Halloween!
A whole cast of characters has interacted with Ella today – from Batman to Snow White. Halloween is a very special holiday at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital – everyone is in costume and full of “Trick or Treat” mischief.
Ella was able to play her part today, thanks to Ella’s “child life specialist” Allie, who brought her a big bag of Halloween presents and a Disney Princess costume.
Ella loved it all and smiled throughout the day.
Ella has done exceptionally well during the first 24 hours since her surgery. She is eating and drinking with few difficulties.
The Pain Management Team here is doing a great job to ensure Ella’s comfort during her recovery.
As we expected, ice cream still ranks highest on Ella’s list of favorite hospital foods.
We arrived at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital on Monday morning, shortly before the 08:15 “show time” for Ella’s 09:45 surgery. The “pre-surgical routine was brightened by the many friendly faces we have come to know over the past 18 months. Beth, one of our favorite PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurses stopped by and played with Ella for about 15 minutes.
Four hours into the procedure, Ella’s surgeon sent word that he was unable to perform the planned procedure. Infection had compromised tracheal cartilage repaired in last April’s resection.
Instead, he performed a second “tracheal resection.” Thankfully, Ella was stable and safe through it all. The surgery concluded several hours later then originally scheduled. After debriefing with the doctor, I spoke with Lisa from the PACU. However, I could only bring myself to tell her Ella was safe. I called early the following day and told her the unhappy details.
Ella will remain in the hospital for two week. During which time she will undergo an IV antibiotic treatment regime of Zosyn (piperacillin/tazobactam, 1500mg/8 hours) and Vancomycin (254mg/8 hours).
Thank you for your prayers
Ella and Papa drove Mama and Olivia to the Cincinnati airport early this morning. As sad as we were to see them go, we knew it was for the best as Lucy had been without her Mama for far too long.
Papa took Gran, Grandpa, and Ella around Wal-Mart and Costco to get the final few items they would need during the upcoming hospital stay. After lunch at a Red Robbin (in Ohio?), Papa and crew got to work packing the bags in preparation for tomorrow’s early morning departure.
Papa received big hugs from Ella this morning when he arrived in Cincinnati. Later, Mama conducted a proper “turnover brief” with the new troops (Papa) who would be relieving Mama.
As usual, Ella delighted in having so many family members together at one time. “Big Hugs” for everyone was Ella’s contribution during the transition.
