Tag: nurses

Wednesday, 26 Jan 2005 ( 5 am ):

Yesterday afternoon Gabriella transferred from the PICU to the General Pediatrics Ward. Once Gabriella was settled, the Doctors presided over another Trach tube change (cleanliness is next to Godliness). That procedure, which was thankfully uneventful, was performed by Ella’s Dad. Both Dad and Mum must master this skill, as well as several others, before Ella is allowed to go home. As for our quest to find a home-healthcare professional to help look after Ella: the search continues.

On a positive note, we believe Ella meets the qualification threshold required for that service. Qualification is “part one” of the home-healthcare issue, “part two” deals with the availability of trained personnel here on the island. We are hopeful that we will find a nurse locally, but if not, we are willing to try to “import” one from the mainland.

In other news, Lucy visited Ella yesterday after her Gymboree class with Grace Hausman.  According to Mum, Grace was a proper young lady. Lucy on the other hand was doing her best to bring life to the maternal admonition “just wait until you children.”

Every bit the two-year old, she enjoys exploring boundaries and testing life’s (Mum’s) limits. Finally, we are so grateful for the support we receive from friends new and old, thank you. And as always,

thank you for your prayers.

Tuesday, 25 Jan 2005 ( 5 am ):

Gabriella rested well despite two blockages to her “trach” tube overnight. Both blockages were cleared quickly so Ella’s stress level remained fairly low. Yesterday’s big event – the procedure to change Ella’s trach tube – went according to plan. Since Dr. Cable was pleased with the healing at the incision site (a.k.a. “stoma”) and her overall progress, he will probably transfer Ella to the General Pediatrics Ward some time today.

Once there, Mum and Dad will receive the requisite training to care for Ella at home – Trach tube changing and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), thus far. We will also attempt to ensure the other items needed for our transition to home are ready and in place. It is likely we will have a home-healthcare provider help us monitor Gabriella’s condition.

However, the one potential obstacle to that option is the fact that there is a shortage of nurses on the islands. So, if you know of a nurse who would like to spend a few months working in Hawaii, please let us know. If not, please remember that in your prayers.

Click on the photo to the left to see a photo of Gabriella’s Trach Tube. Once you see the narrowness of the trach tube opening, you will understand how easily it can become blocked. All for now. Please feel free to share Gabriella’s story with a friend…more prayers are always welcome. As always,

thank you for your prayers.