Here's Ella's update from our wonderful nurse's notes (paraphrased by me with only the important stuff). Ella's EEG on 10/5 was abnormal, but revealed no seizure activity. It was electrical irregularity which could result from blood in the cerebral fluid. Dr. Hille says that the blood would resolve and would go away in a few days to a week or two. The MRI showed that there are enlarged ventricles of the brain, but the fluid is not obstructed. This leads him to believe there is no need for surgical treatment (shunts) at this time. Ella appears better than he expected for today's exam. She moves her legs, arms not as well, she cries, gags, sucks not so well, and withdraws from pain. She will have another EEG on Monday, and a possible additional MRI. Dr. Hille said there was no urgency for the MRI as long as she is stable.
Dr. Hille discussed her prognosis saying that he believes she will do well if this is only a grade III ICH without the need of a shunt. Dr. Hille stated that the question of oxygen deprivation is not so much after birth, but rather before birth. Ella did receive CPR immediately following birth and was receiving oxygen as her heart was pumped. He says that this provided oxygen delivery. His question was how oxygen deprived she was before birth depending on if my placenta completely abrupted/partially abrupted and for how long.
The MRI was suggestive of an acute injury to the brain. He did not see a major diffuse area from the lack of oxygen, rather small localized areas. He stated Ella is becoming more responsive. For prognosis, he said she may have mild to moderated injury. If the injury was only bleeding than he believes that there would be no permanent damage. He doesn't want to speculate on any impairments for the future. He did say we are not out of the woods, and there is a possibility of long term permanent injury.
This is a very medical post. Hopefully it will explain things a little more. Dr. Hille's attitude seemed optimistic to Jason and I, and these results are much better than we (probably more me) expected. Continue praying for Ella's complete healing. God has shown His miraculous healing already. God is so good to us!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
We love you guys.....we are thinking of you every minute!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat encouraging news Traci!! We have been following little Ella's progress and are praying for you all daily. She is so beautiful and such a little fighter!
ReplyDeleteTraci I can't even handle the news and goodness my heart also rejoices in the patience and love from this nurse. Traci, sing with me, God you are so good. I am praying for no permanent damage, if any damage that it will heal on it's own, that sucking will improve and that arm mobility will improve. Traci, selfishly I want to love and squeeze and meet your miracle. Spread our love to her. I am so proud of you. Please rest well tonight and enjoy some time with your boys tomorrow. I look forward to hearing your voice soon and hugging your neck. God thank you, Amen and please don't stop yet.
ReplyDeleteDaysha
That post sounds very encouraging Traci. I will obviously continue to pray for NO damage. Thank you so much for updating us. I love knowing exactly how to pray. I can't wait to see you. Love you.
ReplyDeleteHeather Burke
We are praying for you all and your sweet little girl. She is beautiful! I am so grateful that she doesn't have to have a shunt! That is awesome.
ReplyDeleteJulie Moore
Yay God! Oh, Traci, this is sooo encouraging. He can move mountains and he certainly is in little Ella! Ever since Ella was born and we have been praying for her I have felt this awesome confidence about her little life- that God has big plans and a specific purpose for her life. I look forward to meeting that "spunky" little girl. Will continue to pray without ceasing. Love you guys so much.
ReplyDeleteTraci that is wonderful news.. Little Ella is still in my Prayers.. Andi
ReplyDelete