Tag: pediatric

Monday, 24 Jan 2005 ( 8 am ):

Overnight, Gabriella rested peacefully – with no blockages to her “trach” tube. Yesterday, she experienced a few stressful events but no major blockages or DESAT’s. Ella continues to eat well and she seems more comfortable each day. Today’s big event will be the changing of her “trach” tube. During that procedure Dr. Cable will use a small fiber-optic scope to view the portion of her airway below trach tube.

He will also see if the incision site (stoma) is healing properly. If so, Dr. Cable will probably transfer Ella from the Pediatrics ICU to the General Pediatrics Ward. We look forward to taking that step, as it brings us one step closer to home. Lastly, please remember to say a prayer TODAY for Captain Hausman, USMC and all those who are defending freedom around the world. God bless you and

thank you for your prayers.

Thursday, 19 Aug 2004

19 August, Thursday: GG’s first evaluation today was with the Speech Pathologist, Lorna, and the Occupational Therapist, Sandy. They watched Gabriella bottle feed in order to evaluate her ability to suck, swallow, and breathe. They were very impressed with her abilities in all areas and gave GG high marks overall.

However, Lorna cautioned that the ease and convenience of NGT feedings may reduce “GG’s” desire to bottle feed.  Accordingly, they recommend 15-20 minutes of bottle feeding prior to the NGT feeding, so that her suck, swallow, and breathing skills continue to develop.

Next, the nutritionist, Major Desrosier dropped by to explain the process he will use to develop the optimal diet for Gabriella. His task requires balancing calories and volume against Gabriella’s ability to tolerate the volume and process the high-protein formula. After just a short while, Gabriella captured his heart and all he wanted to do was play with her. They became fast friends and the Major gave “GG” one of his secret foot massages. Gabriella was asleep in minutes and the Major went off to crunch some numbers.

The final test of the day was the upper gastrointestinal (upper GI) exam. The radiologists injected Barium into Gabriella via the NGT in order to evaluate her esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. Bottom line: No problems were detected. Tired from all of the day’s activities, Gabriella spent the rest of the day napping.

Yesterday, Gabriella “ate” 530 ml (17.5 oz) of formula – topping her previous high of 425 ml. Gabriella’s weight today was off the charts and as such, probably inaccurate. She weighed in at 8 lbs 5 oz. Ideally, she should gain 1 to 1.5 oz per day on this diet. Thus ends another busy day.

Thank you for your prayers.

Wednesday, 18 Aug 2004

18 August, Wednesday: Gabriella was admitted to the Tripler Pediatrics Ward at around noon today. “FAILURE TO THRIVE” – the official reason listed on the admitting paperwork – provides a painfully accurate synopsis of Ella’s situation. Now 8-weeks old, she has just managed to climb back up to her birth weight of 7 lbs 14 oz. The purpose of this hospital visit being two-fold: 1. To determine if there are any physiological reasons, other than her heart defect, that are impeding Gabriella’s ability to eat and gain weight. 2. To determine whether Gabriella will gain weight if her caloric intake is increased.

Shortly after arriving on the Pediatrics Ward, a Nasal Gastric Tube (NGT) was inserted into Gabriella’s stomach via her right nostril. She bravely tolerated the procedure and received her first “low-effort” meal just minutes after the position of the NGT was confirmed by an x-ray. Once her little belly was full, Ella settled in for a well-deserved nap. Meanwhile, Mom and Dad met the Pediatrics Ward doctors and learned about the tests and evaluation Gabriella would undergo in the next few days. These tests, which include: an “Upper Gastrointestinal” exam, a “suck, swallow, and breathing” evaluation, a nutritional evaluation, and a “modified Barium” exam, all focus on answering the two key questions above.

On the lighter side, the nursing staff immediately took to Gabriella. They dubbed her “Gee Gee.” (the same nickname Dad uses for Gabriella). When we inquired why “Gee Gee,” our nurse explained that since Mom had checked the “do not release personal information” box on the admitting forms, the staff was not even allowed to put her last name on their status board. Instead, they opted for her initials “G. G.” Dad loved it and so did GG! Tomorrow will be a busy day of tests and lots of feeding.

Thank you for your prayers.

Tuesday, 17 Aug 2004

17 August, Tuesday: Late this morning we took Gabriella to TAMC for a weigh-in. She tipped the scales at 7 lbs 12 oz, a loss of 2 ounces. Given the recent “dip” in her eating, Mom and Dad were not surprised by the loss.

Our next course of action is to admit her to the hospital tomorrow for several days of evaluation and testing. A key component of her treatment will be a nasal feeding tube. Ella will receive supplementary amounts of formula via the tube, if she does not eat a specified amount in 30 minutes.

Continuing to feed “manually” for 30 minutes is import because Ella needs to develop her swallowing coordination and muscle tone. Mom and Dad are hopeful and fairly confident that Gabriella will “plump-up” rather nicely during her visit.

Dad will be with Gabriella throughout her stay in the pediatrics ward, Mom and Lucy will provide logistics support – Starbucks for Dad and Snuggles for Ella – during their frequent visits. Details to follow…depending upon internet availability at the hospital.

Thank you for your prayers.