Tag: discharge

Home At Last!

Monday, 30 Mar 2015

(504 = ANC @ 04:15 on 30 Mar)

The Son of Man gave his life as a ransom for many: come let us adore.

Ella’s ANC number this morning was FIVE ZERO FOUR (504). With no fever for more than 48 hours and oxygen saturation numbers in the 90; there was no real reason for her to remain in the hospital.

Ella was in a great mood during the ride home.

The highlight was using the sign language Papa taught her to get the dump truck driver on the Pali to blast his air horn. HONK HONK!

Thank you for your prayers.

God bless you.

Headed Home on Good Friday

Friday, 18 April 2014

By Good Friday, Ella’s vital signs were almost back to their normal baseline. Her O2 sats on room air were in the high 90’s. Her lungs were clear and there was not even a trace of blood in her trach secretions.

With her “week one” chemo treatments complete and her vital signs were stable, the doctors agreed Ella should be at home for Easter weekend.

However, before letting Ella depart Kapiolani Medical Center (KMC), the doctors gave Ella one more unit of platelets – just to “top off the tank” better safe than sorry.

Ella was delighted to be home again.

We start each morning with prayers of thanks to God for another day and for all the people who are praying for Ella.

Thank you for your prayers.

Sunday, 09 Nov 2008

Although the temperature outside is nearly freezing, Ella and Nurse Dana are full of warm smiles inside.

Ella is looking forward to leaving the hospital tomorrow morning – especially having her chin to chest sutures and PICC line removed.  Papa is looking forward to being discharged, as it means being one step closer to home in Hawaii.

Speaking of “one step”… Mama informs us that Olivia has, over the past few weeks, become an accomplished and fearless walker.

We can’t wait to be back on da island with our Ohana.

Thank you for your prayers.

Thursday, 03 Feb 2005 (4pm):

Gabriella was discharged late yesterday afternoon. Her transition from hospital to home was uneventful – much to the relief of Mum and Dad.

Gabriella’s room at home is now equipped similarly to her hospital room: Pulse and Oxygen Saturation Monitors, Heart Rate Monitor, Warm Air Humidifier, Suction Machine, and Supplemental Oxygen.

Regardless of all the machines, Ella’s room is still warm and cozy now that she is back home. Although we are quickly settling into a routine, it is clear to us that we are in need of additional help. Our search for nursing help continues. All for now.

Thank you for your prayers.

Wednesday, 02 Feb 2005 (6am):

Gabriella had a bit of a rough night last night, mostly due to the commotion associated with getting a new roommate at 2 am. Scheduled for this morning are the final preparations for discharge and the transition to caring for Ella at home.

Both Mum and Dad are excited (and a bit nervous) about the prospect of caring for Ella at home but both are well prepared for this challenge. Pictured left is Gabriella with one of her best friends, Dr Burtis. Dr Burtis is part of the outstanding Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT) team at Tripler. All for now…

Thank you for your prayers.

Tuesday, 16 Nov 2004 (9 am):

Gabriella underwent surgery to open her airway on 10 November. The surgeon showed us some amazing photos of the work he performed to open Ella’s blocked airway. He was very pleased with the results, so we are all hoping and praying for the best.

Gabriella has remained in the PICU since the surgery due to some infection and oxygen saturation issues. Don’t worry though, as GG has shown once again that she is a strong little fighter. We anticipate being discharged sometime today.

God bless each of you and thank you for your prayers.

Monday, 30 Aug 2004

Monday, 30 August: Yesterday’s “Day of Rest” was followed by a busy Monday. Gabriella wolfed down this morning’s 0600 (6 am for the civilians) feeding of 75 ml and then dropped off to sleep.

About 2 hours later she was making lots of noise and acting fairly unsettled. When she failed to settle down after her 0900 feeding we knew something was wrong. By the time we reached the hospital, her temperature was almost 102 F degrees – well beyond the 100.4 F, “return threshold” set by the doctors when she was last discharged.

The doctors gave her Tylenol to bring down the fever while she underwent testing to look for infections. Sample collection, which included two blood draws and a catheterization for urine, left Gabriella worn and tired and Dad a little grayer. Initial test results appeared normal in all areas, so an infection is probably unlikely – Whew!

We return to hospital tomorrow for further evaluation. On the brighter side of things, Gabriella’s weight is up to 8lbs 12 oz.

Thank you for your prayers.

Friday, 27 Aug 2004

Friday, 27 August: New Photos Gabriella was discharged from the hospital late today once the doctors were able to evaluate the test results from her blood work – OUCH.

As always Gabriella was incredibly brave, barely letting out a yelp as they tried to find her vein. Once home we reestablished the feeding, monitoring, medication, and sterilization stations we use to look after Ella.

Our kitchen more and more resembles a M*A*S*H unit, as each time we return from the doctor’s there is an additional medication or piece of equipment. Still, we manage to smile while we keep all of the balls in the air.

Thank you for your prayers.

Saturday, 21 Aug 004

21 August, Saturday : Gabriella’s progress while in the hospital was finally confirmed during today’s weight check. She weighed 3.680 Kg or 8 lbs 2 oz. As such, her weight gain was much closer to the one ounce per day expected of little ones her age.

After a final round of poke, prods, and listening, the doctors said she could go home. As usual, paperwork and bureaucracy slowed the discharge process. Nevertheless, we still managed to escape by mid-day.

Once home, everyone settled in for a well-deserved nap. When we woke, we saw that GG had managed to completely remove her Nasal Gastric Tube (NGT). The wonderful staff of the Pediatrics Ward agreed to help – they re-admitted Gabriella and re-inserted the NGT.

Once the position of the NGT was confirmed by an x-ray, we were discharged again. The whole process took just over 3 hours – Gabriella now wears little mittens so she is unable to repeat that little trick.

Back home by 9 PM, we settled in to our nightly routine. It was wonderful to have our little family back together again in Kailua.

Thank you for your