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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Sparkly heart update #10

We just left our sleeping beauty in the loving, faithful and capable hands of her medical team. My emotions are high and heart full.... Gabriella has been given a new chance at life.

She wheeled past us almost exactly 7 hours after we left her and I couldn't believe how great her coloring was. I didn't know how pale and washed out she was until I see her now. I'm sure that will keep proving true with her activity and energy!!

After they got her in, Dr Razouk came out to let us know how it went. No major issues and the heart was strongly beating right away. He told us the pressures in her lungs were high and he was surprised she was doing as well as she had been. She was definitely protected, all glory to God!! We would have found this at the cardiac cath which I'm sure would have increased her listing status. He spent a lot of time ensuring there was no bleeding or issues before closing her up.

I asked about the donor family. I know they won't tell me much. But Dr Razouk broke down. A man who just took a heart and placed it into a human body, after years and years of doing this, was in tears. He said it was tragic. It was in that instant I took on the burden of grief for the mother of Gabriellas donor in a way I cannot describe and was not prepared for. It is unlike anything I can describe right now, but the feelings in my heart run deeper than I can express.

On top of everything obvious, I ask for prayer for her brain. Being on bypass can cause swelling and strain on the damaged area from her stroke, worsening some symptoms. We are going to watch it closely and see how she does as she wakes.

Here are some pictures of Gabriella when we left her. They plan on trying to start extubating her in the late morning. She has a central like in her neck, arterial line in her arm, 2 IVs, a foley catheter, 2 chest drain tubes and 2 pace wires just incase her heart rate flips out. She is going to show them what a fighter and miracle baby she is over these coming days!!!



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We are going to get a little sleep in. Until tomorrow, my amazing friends and family!

God is amazing, and I have never seen a bigger miracle than the one performed on my child tonight. We praise you with all of our being, Jesus!

32 comments:

Paula said...

I just showed this to Anna, and she said she looks so peaceful. I agree! We're still praying for you here!

Grace said...

Oh Kristi!! I am in tears as I read this. Praise God for the wonderful Update. I know many people were tossing and turning in their beds last night. I know I was but I know it was for a reason. Know that you had continual prayer throughout the night. Can't wait to see this Miracle progress. Thanks again for all the updates.

Anonymous said...

What an amazing God we have! My heart breaks for the donor family and is overfilled with joy for your family.

Pati @ A Crafty Escape said...

I thought about your sweet princess all night and prayed that things were going well in CA. I was very relieved to see this update. Please know we will continue to keep her, your family and that of the donor in our prayers.

Mindy said...

I am so happy I woke up this morning and Gabriella had her new heart ! She looks amazing. What a roller coaster of emotions you must be going through w/ the emotions of the donor family , I cant even imagine.
What an amazing gift they have given you . How cool is it that you were getting text messages from the OR w/ up dates, i find that amazing !
Good luck and I hope your little girl continues to do so well !

Megan@SortaCrunchy said...

Oh WOW! Her color does look AMAZING! Thank you for sharing some specific things to be praying for as she moves into recovery. God's mighty hand is indeed on her - there is no doubt about that.

As I prayed and rejoiced for you all this morning, I thought about how this is the first morning a family somewhere is facing without their precious child. I cannot imagine the emotions you are feeling right now, Kristi. I'll continue to pray for that family as we remain before the throne of our Father, interceding on behalf of our beloved Gabriella.

I hope you can get some rest today! Love you, love you, love you.

Tina said...

Praise God! I will continue to pray for your family and the family of the donor. <3

Colleen said...

God is great! Your family is amazing and your little princess is amazing! Our prayers of strength, healing and comfort continue for both families.

Anonymous said...

Amen. I am going to go to bed now;the news will make for a peaceful night or morning or whatever.
Owen's Grandma

The Hopeful Elephant said...

Oh my gosh Kristi---She DOES look better!

Just wanted you to know I'm here. Crying and cheering with you. Praying for you all.

Denise said...

I just stumbled across this blog this mmorning. Gabriella and her donor are now in my prayers. Good luck, but I just know everything is going to be okay for you. I hope the donor's mother is able to find solace in that a little girl is going to be saved because of her generosity.

Eighteen said...

I'm am amazed at her colouring on the photo! A different child already.

Praying for you and remembering the sorrowing family too.

Mommy said...

Even though I don't respond to many of your updates I have stayed close to reading them, and praying for your family.
You all have been down a long, long difficult journey. I pray she will grow stronger everyday.
God is truley working for you and your family.
Love, and prayers,
Joyce Hall (Amy Shepherd's mom)

Candace said...

I am so incredibly glad to find you through Kristine and also to hear how well your daughter is doing after her surgery. I look forward to and will be praying for increasingly good updates!

Unknown said...

Praying, praying, praying that our Creator and Sustaining God will give strength and healing to Gabriella! God bless you guys, and may his peace fill your lives today...

tootermagoo said...

PRAISE GOD!!!! What an awesome God! It thrills my heart to hear how well Gabriella came through surgery. She is such a strong little girl. We will continue to pray for you all and for the family who's child went home to be with the Lord. Isn't it amazing how God worked everything out in His perfect timing?! AWESOME!!

Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Sara Jeffus said...

I have been following your story for awhile. I am praying for God's complete healing in every way on Gabriella, yourself and family, as well as the donor family. You all are amazingly strong and your faith has been so evident through out all of this. Glory be to God! It's been amazing to watch a real life miracle unfold!

The Simmons Family said...

I just woke up and logged on to check up on you. Praise God. My heart aches for the donor family. Gabriella will do great!! She looks great already.

Keep us posted. Get some rest.

Anonymous said...

My heart is overjoyed for you and your family! May God bless you and give Gabriella continued strength during her recovery. God bless the donor family and the angel donor who is now in the arms of the Lord!! Thank you for your posts, we are all on pins and needles as you must be too! Yesterday I could hardly hold back the tears of joy, excitement and fear...I can only imagine the range of emotions that you were all going through. Thank you for inviting us all in and being a part of your journey!!
Much Love,
Melissa Jimenez
Temple City, CA

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to hear the great news. We will continue to pray for your princess and the donor family.- Loreal

Tasha said...

Her coloring does look amazing! Glory to be God.

Get some sleep...she's gonna be recovering quicker than you can imagine...I can just feel it!

Anonymous said...

Kristi and Paul,

Praise God, for His mercies are NEW every morning.....and always remember that after a long hard night, JOY does come in the morning as He said in His word! I love you guys and Gabriella as well as you both are in my prayers and thoughts for a quick recovery and healing process. I pray that your little family will move forward with such a strong bond from this moment forward! Love you always, Bonnie Davis

AprilMay said...

I just found your blog today through a friend who posted it on Facebook. I want you to know I am praying for your family and the donor family! Your daughter is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

We've been reading from a distance and start our day with tears of joy--knowing a bit of the anguish that the process would have evoked but in the end so moved by God's goodness to you and Gabriella.

It was so touching to read of the Doctor's emotion--these are such gifted people and I love it when we get to see the passion and heart that drives them!

Peace and comfort--Go, Gabriella, Go!

Rolf and Trish (parents of Rudy-HLHS)
Santa Barbara, CA

www.rudysbeat.wordpress.com

Crystal said...

I am new here... and a heart mom. I just wanted to let you know we are sending many prayers your way. God is with Gabriella and protecting her and healing her through all of this. I am so glad to hear that she is doing so well.

My daughter had open heard surgery (not transplant) 1 year ago on May 20.

The prayers will continue. Thinking about you all!!!

Crystal said...

I am new here... and a heart mom. I just wanted to let you know we are sending many prayers your way. God is with Gabriella and protecting her and healing her through all of this. I am so glad to hear that she is doing so well.

My daughter had open heard surgery (not transplant) 1 year ago on May 20.

The prayers will continue. Thinking about you all!!!

Anonymous said...

God Bless you all!

Charles Miller

Laura said...

She looks so fantastic, Kristi! What a little fighter you have. Continuing to praise God and pray for His mighty hand all over the coming days. Much love to you all!

Dianne said...

Gabriella look great! I will continue to pray for you and the "SPECIAL" family that gave you this gift.

Anonymous said...

I've been praying for Gabriella and I'm so thankful to read the updates. Still praying.
I wanted to say that what you wrote about the donor's mother touched my heart. We are a donor family and I want to encourage you that, if the rules in your area allow it, it would have meant so much to us to know that the recipients were doing well.

Edeleen Cotton said...

Im in tears! To know that the doctor who see this more than we can bare still get emotional means so much. I know one day you will be able to personally thank the family. It wont be the same, but at least they will know their child did not die without a cause! GLORY TO GOD!

Connie Ellefson said...

She is in our prayers, I hope she get better and I will also have her added to my chruch pray list as well.

With Lots of Love & prayers, Connie Ellefson & Family