The River Church Community

10/11

Dear Angel Helpers,

We returned home and Hannah Jane is doing better.  Her increased dose on antiseziure med was started on Thursday night.  She vomited once that night although there was no sign on increased brain pressure.  Throughout the night she continued to be very sedated and we worked with her for hours to get her to eat each time and it wasn't her normal intake.  Her diaper was dry for several checks and so we were sent to ER as she hadn't wet a diaper in hours and wasn't waking to nurse via breast or bottle. 

Upon check in they decided to do a blood draw to check the phenobarbital level and to check her iron to see if the supplement was too much for her tummy.  She wet a diaper while awaiting the blood draw, yes!  :)  And, then awakened during the blood draw.  They had a team of 3 holding her arm and drawing it while I soothed her the best I could during it.  With her more awakened state, got her to nurse there and was very happy to see her beautiful eyes opened.

We were released with a follow-up today with neurology for the weekend and to follow up with her own neurologist on Monday for a visit and updated exam.  She is doing better today and I just nursed her and she's resting and not as sedated today.  It is hard to know what percentages of sedation are coming from the phenobarb or residual from surgery. It is difficult to balance and I'm thankful for God guiding the docs and getting us help she needs.

We'll let you know how things go and SO very much appreciate your prayers!  Rod and I have been going through quite a time with concern for our little girl and are so blessed that you all stop by to keep us in your prayers.  The carpal tunnel is slightly better, but I am so clumsy with my hands with numbness and pain.  The drop in progesterone, recovery etc. for me is hitting hard and I am having a tough time with that too, although after a consult was suggested some amino acids, supplements as well as dietary changes and such that are safe for breast feeding moms and are to help with bipolar, post partum depression, and adrenal exhaustion.  Also, talked with Dr. Phillips, our Christian therapist.  If you could pray for God's will in using these I would very much appreciate it.

We continue to keep you all in our hearts and prayers, know that we miss you and will do our best to keep up with returning phone calls as soon as we can.  We're not getting sleep much trying to get Hannah Jane to eat, so we are a bit behind in that and replying to the very kind cards and gifts you've sent, sorry!

We talked with Dr. Kurtzberg from Duke yesterday and we are on for the 27th of October and will return within a week of that.  I so appreciated Stacy posting the clip about the procedure at Duke using cord blood; isn't God amazing at the creative ways He can work through medicine? He is the Great Physician and I am so humbled and grateful that He is lifting us up in so many different ways.  Often, I get discouraged and feel hopeless, the enemy whispers lies in my ear, but then the Holy Spirit swoops in and gives me a lift from His mighty wings.  May He wrap his wing around you and may you feel the restoration that only He can bring.

Love,
Shannon

10/10

Greetings Loving Angel Helpers,

Hannah Jane had to go to the ER tonight. Please forgive me if I get the details wrong but I believe it's like this: Her antiseizure meds tested low yesterday, so they raised her dosage. This caused her to be less responsive than before, to not nurse, and to vomit. It's probably just a reaction to the new dose, but the doctors ordered her to come into the ER so they could make sure she's OK.

So please send a special prayer tonight, that Hannah Jane continues to be well and strong and that this is just a very minor blip that will be fixed in no time at all.

Shannon or I will update once Hannah Jane is released from the hospital. 

Best,
Stacy