Tag: respiratory

Early Departure Due to Illness

Thursday, 22 Sep 2016

It appears Ella’s “slight cold” may in fact be a respiratory infection.  Rather than run the risk of remaining away from her support network, Ella will return to Oahu this afternoon on Hawaiian Airlines (HA395).

Initially, we are unsure if Roxy would accompany Ella to Oahu today, or if she would remain on Maui and travel over the weekend with her trainer.

The current plan is to keep the dynamic duo together and for Roxy to fly (in the cabin) with Ella today.  It doesn’t get much better than that !

Thank you for your prayers.

Out for a Walk

Saturday, 28 Mar 2015

(72 = ANC @ 09:15 on 28 Mar)

God gathers us from all the places we have been scattered:let us give thanks and praise!

One of the best things you can do to defeat a respiratory infection is to take it out for a walk. Unfortunately, going out for a walk “can be” a bit risky when Ella’s immune system is so low. Luckily for us it was a quiet Saturday at the hospital.

As soon as Dr. Glaser gave us the green light we headed out on our walking adventure.

As usual, Ella’s favorite part was making new friends.

Please know, Ella is safe and comfortable.

We are hopeful that Ella may soon be discharged.

Thank you for your prayers.

God bless you.

Bitter Sweet 16

Tuesday, 24 Mar 2015

(16 = ANC @ 1145:40 on 24 Mar)

The Lord listens to our prayer: let us approach the throne of grace.

Ella had a pretty good day today – she went to the KMC PAU with Mum and Nurse Irvin. She received a second dose of IV antibiotics and she met with Dr. Glaser for the second day in a row.

However, the real highlight was meeting Auntie Mo and service dog Jake. Auntie Mo and Jake are from the Service Dog Academy on Maui. They flew over from Maui today just to conduct Ella’s “in-home interview.” Soon, Ella may have her very own Service Dog…how cool is that?

Ella’s medical condition is our continuing concern.

The respiratory infection is still with her.

She continues to require supplemental oxygen 24/7.

She continues to have fevers – just above 101.5 at various times.

Most frightening of all, Ella’s ANC number is lower than low.

16 is suppose to be part of the NCAA basketball tournament.

16 is NOT suppose to be an ANC number – ever.

For all intents and purposes, her immune system is completely off-line.

Your prayers are needed more than ever.

Thank you for your prayers.

God bless you.

Respiratory Infection Confirmed

Monday, 23 Mar 2015

(126 = ANC @ 09:40 on 23 Mar)

God is our rock of refuge: let us give thanks and praise.

As suspected, Ella has a respiratory infection.

It is unclear at this time if it is viral or bacteriological.

Ella will receive IV antibiotics over the next several days to support her severely weakened immune system. We are grateful Ella is able to recieve these infusions on an outpatient basis.

126 on today’s Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is the lowest since she began treatment on 14 April 2014. (click on the link above to see Ella’s ANC history) Patient’s with ANC scores below 500 are considered at “high risk” of infection.

Please join us in saying a prayer of thanks to God for sending Ella into our lives.

Thank you for your prayers.

God bless you.

Tuesday, 28 Sep 2004

Tuesday, 28 Sep 2004 ( 8 pm ):

Gabriella is doing well and the outlook for her continued progress remains positive. However, there have been a few small setbacks.

On Sunday morning they removed GG’s breathing tube. Analysis of her arterial blood gases immediately after the “extubation” procedure indicated her respiratory system was not quiet ready to handle the load.

They reinserted her breathing tube after less than an hour and GG quickly stabilized and regained her happy personality. Later that same day, the arterial catheter in GG’s right wrist became unusable and it was removed.

Since access to arterial blood was still a priority, the doctors tried for several hours to reinsert an arterial catheter – unfortunately, they were unsuccessful. Luckily, little GG was fully sedated throughout the procedures.

On Monday, GG rested and regained her strength and vitality. Today GG has been as pink as a rose and very lively.

The surgeons just (7 pm) successfully completed a surgical procedure in which they insert an arterial catheter in GG’s lower leg. As such, Gabriella is now ready for her second attempt to come off of the ventilator – which should happen tomorrow morning. Details to follow…

Thank you for your prayers.