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Thursday, April 23, 2009

No Room at the Inn...

At this point there are no beds at Texas Children's in Houston. I think this is a blessing in disguise. I don't want to mislead anybody, it is not a bad place to be. But I just need to be close to home for a little while. (Sorry for the whinning)
It was so nice to be home yesterday. After noticing that Annabel was not eating very good yesterday, I just chalked it up to being released and traveling home. Mel and I were able to go out for a quick dinner. It is hard to catch up on six kids, my life, his life, work, etc. in about 75 minutes. When we arrived home Tara told me that Annabel had lots of mucous and didn't want to eat much at all. As I was getting her ready for bed she just seemed to want to lay her head on my should. Again, just thinking she was tired from the release. After doing all the bedtime routines, I placed her on BiPap. I went to begin washing clothes and unpacking, try to catch up with the twins and their school schedule. Mel said Annabel was screaming. I immediately thought how she is probably spoiled from her and I sharing a bed for week. When I went in to her room, I was shocked. Her heart rate was over 200 and I had never seen her so stressed. I unhooked her from everything and thought I would rock her until she was comforted and maybe asleep. No dice, she was in some kind of pain. Her heart rate continued to stay high and I could barely touch her stomach. It seemed to subside briefly with some gas being released and then a BM. She comforted for about 20 minutes. I rocked and her numbers decreased. Then it hit again, high number and much pain, so much screaming. I looked and she was purple around her mouth. Mel said, "Cathy, I don't think you need to mess around! Maybe this is what the dr. meant upon release and you need to take her back." I was sick to my stomach at the thought of packing up dirty clothes, basically just packing anything. Her heart rate continued to rise and she was still in pain. Mel call 911 and they were there in minutes, kneeling beside my rocking chair. Also, I had called Tara for moral support and she had arrived. Since Annabel was hooked to pulse ox machine they just put her on stretcher and we were off. Her heart rate rose and she began vomiting as we arrive at the hospital. They began xray that showed an obstruction and then followed up with CT scan. They were not able to obtain an IV. We were told that she had to be transfer that she was too complicated a kid for this hospital. The problem is no bed, hence no room at the inn... About 8:00 a.m. she was brought up to PICU when she still lies.. Still no room at the inn.. The pediatrician arrived and he said that she could not have the surgery now if she still had c-diff. She would have to complete antibiotic and have stool culture again. I was safe, I didn't have to go right back to Houston. It felt so good to know that the kids could come visit me and I wouldn't feel so guilty.
My prayer is that in this time of waiting that somehow these issues will resolve. That this gut issue, large, loopy and lazy bowel will shrink down and function normally. It is a larger surgery than I want to put her through. At this point I am choosing not to dwell on those thoughts, just get her well and stronger. They just weighed her and she has lost exactly 2 lbs. from when she entered Texas Childrens last week. Of course, that is on a different scale. Thank you for checking in and I will keep you posted on her progress.

17 comments:

Tamara said...

OHHH sweetie, my heart hurts for you. I was praying for you today and was telling God, "It seems to poor when it rains why... I know, I know its all part of your sovereign plan, but why... help us to understand!"

I know I keep saying this, but really I wish I could be there for you during this time. Just know I am with you in thought and will continue to pray for clear direction, wisdom and peace for your tired heart!

I love you girl!

Kathy said...

Just got home and caught up with what is going on. I will be praying along with so many others for both Annabel and you.

Praying that she gets better on her own (the Great Physician can do this!) but if not, she will do well through the surgery.

Thankful that you are near home and that Annabel is feeling better at the moment.

Hugs and prayers!
Kathy

Isaiah 40: 28 - 31

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired and weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I am praying God gives you all the strength and peace that you need dear friend!!!

The VW's said...

Sounds like way too much excitement for one Momma! Hang in there! I am glad for you that there was "no room for you at the inn!" Being closer to home is better for your family. I'm praying and thinking of you all! Hugs! Hoping Annabel and you get a good night's sleep!

my3sons said...

You have all been through so much. I pray that things get resolved quickly so you can both be home! Katie

Laurie in Ca. said...

Praying so hard for Annabel and for you Cathy. I am so sorry that this is going on and I wish I lived close enough to just come and hang out with you and have a good cry with lots of Hugs!! Asking God to straighten her bowel so that surgery won't be necessary. Praying for rest for you and your weary soul and body. I love you Cathy.

Love and Hugs, Laurie

Anonymous said...

Dear Cathy,
You need your family around you now, and you also get the benefit of Dr. B too! So although I am so sorry that this has happened, I guess there is a "silver lining"??
Praying that you can finish your course of antibiotics without any additional episodes.
The whole community is praying! We love you!
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Oh dear Cathy, I am so very sorry for this difficult time. How I wish I could help in some way.

Know that we are thinking about all of you; Sweet Annabel and wonderful Tara and everyone else at home.

Hugs and Love.

Barb
Annie's mom

Anxious AF said...

I want to hold your hand.....

Penny said...

I am praying hard right now for Annabel to have some relief and that you could all get back to resuming your life. The thoughts that there is no space for her is upsetting for me. I hope that she is only needing to be there a minimum amount of time.
Over the past several days your sweet little girl has been on my mind in the strangest of times.... like when I am in the barn doing chores.... or weeding in the garden. I know these are the times that God speaks... (maybe life is too loud in the house ha ha) We have been praying on Annabel's behalf, she has touched my life.
Praying that she turns the corner she needs to so that she can get out and enjoy spring.

Brenda said...

Oh Cathy, I can't even begin to imagine what you and your family are going through. Not to mention Annabel. My heart absolutely breaks for you all. Keeping you in my prayers. Much love to you all.

Brenda

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

I am praying for Annabel! I hope that by some miracle her issues resolve themselves. I am glad you are able to stay close to home, at least for now!

Laurie in Ca. said...

Hi Sweet Friend,

I am just stopping in tonight before I go to bed to let you know I will be praying for you and Annabel until I fall asleep. Know that I love you girls and am praying Gods best for you. Please feel the hugs I am sending to you. I wish I could give them in person. My prayers continue for Kathleen and her husband too. Sleep tight tonight my friend. God is watching over both of you.

Love and Hugs, Laurie

Lauren Ford said...

Still praying for the little Angel~

Kelly said...

poor poor annabel. i am so sorry she has to have pain. she is such a strong little girl. please know that we are thinking of her and your family always.

Yin May said...

Dear Annabel, you be a strong girl for your surgery ok? All of us are hoping to see you get back home and smiling again.

Dear Cathy, it must be a crazy time now. Praying little annabel finds the strength she needs to pull through.

Hilary said...

Praying sweet Annabel!!! Lord please keep her comfortable! Thinking about you Cathy!!!

Yin May said...

We can't feel the pain you're going through
but we're doing all we can to ease it
Hang in there, Annabel.

We don't know how it feels to have our heart in overdrive
but we're doing all we can to put the brakes on
Hang in there, Annabel.

We can't tell you when there'll be room at the inn
but we're doing all we can to get one
Hang in there, Annabel.

We don't know how it feels to be you
but we're doing all we can to be here for you
Hang in there, Annabel.