Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Washington, D.C. Day 3

After a long PACU (recovery room) stay, Ana is finally resting comfortably in her room watching movies. She has timed meals & snacks, timed motility medications (to see how her body responds to them), and timed x-rays (making sure that the catheter stays in place). We have been very impressed with the collaborative care that she has received and we are astounded by the knowledge that everyone here has about mitochondrial disease. 
Many prayers were answered today in regards to the procedure and anesthesia. Ana tolerated it well. They originally planned to do it without intubating (putting in a breathing tube) her, but that did not work out, so her biggest complaint has been a very sore throat. She will have the tube in her nose that goes into her stomach and small intestine for 24 hours. Once the 24 hours is over, this tube will be removed and they will begin the preparation for Thursday's testing. 

“For I am the Lord your God, 
who upholds your right hand,
Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’
Isaiah 41:13

Prayer Requests:
~Pray that the sore throat would go away.
~Pray for tomorrow as she is prepped for Thursday.
~Pray for the pain management consult... that God would give the physicians wisdom and knowledge in how to help Ana deal with the pain when it comes. 
~Pray for the colorectal surgery consult and that God would help guide Dr. Levitt in his care for Ana. He truly has been a life saver for her since 2008. Pray God's blessing on him and his willingness to help Ana.
~Pray a special blessing on the nurse anesthetist that took care of Ana in the OR today. She took Ana under her wing when we had to leave her and I am so thankful for her and the entire team! 
~Pray for answers... 

***For my fellow nurses and friends who are in the medical field... Never forget that the smallest things can bring our patients and their parents the most comfort... this simple gesture of tape cut in the shape of a heart brought a smile to Ana's face and warmed our hearts... I know how easy it is to get "burned out," but know that you DO make a difference!***





No comments:

Post a Comment