The past few days have truly been amazing. I can say that I am truly surprised, as are most of those that have cared for Jemma, how well she has done since being moved to the conventional ventilator. I mentioned in my last update that on Monday, the 21st of January, she was moved to the conventional ventilator. She continued to do well and was weaned each day. On Thursday, the 24th of January, I was given the best blessing. My baby girl was extubated!!! She passed all her tests and they came in about 2pm on Thursday and pulled the ET tube out. It was amazing to see her without it.
The first time I have seen her without a tube in her mouth for 13 days.
Jemma continued to improve and her oxygen was weaned during the day and overnight. She was on room air just over 24 hours after being extubated. It was amazing. Jemma had her last chest tube removed Friday morning and xrays showed some change (for the worse) but it isn’t anything at this time that can’t be handled with what they are currently doing.
The biggest problem Jemma is having is with the withdrawals from the pain medications. They started weaning her on Thursday but we hit a road block yesterday afternoon when she started shaking, gagging, flushing and sweating. She just wasn’t feeling well. They bumped her dose back to the previous one and gave her a bolus of Morphine. Since then, she has had several instances of the same. She looks horrible and it breaks my heart when it happens but the extra dose always helps. They brought in pain management docs (anesthesiologists) today to take care of the weaning process for her. A plan is in place and they will get her off the IV meds and on oral as soon as they can so we can go home. When she is not having withdrawal symptoms, she is in good spirits and plays. One of the first things she did was play with my Kindle. We have seen her beautiful smile and even heard some giggles and it is like music to my ears.
I finally was able to HOLD my baby girl! We both really enjoyed the snuggles.
We were moved out of the ICU about 2am this morning. Jemma was originally going to stay another day there to try to get a handle on that withdrawal issue but they needed the bed for a child who was vented so we were going. I was okay with it as long as her withdrawals were managed well on the floor and it was a bumpy morning with it but it all worked out and Jemma is okay. That is all that matters. We have a private room due to her isolation requirements and are told we will likely being going home next week (barring any other problems). She will go home with her PICC line and medication for her Staph pneumonia. She also will have several doctor visits over the next few months (and longer) to follow up and make sure her lungs are functioning properly and there is no long-term issues due to the extreme lung disease, if the staph has cleared up, how her blood looks, if she has any other complications and more. We have a long road still ahead of us but the worst is behind us and I am so happy.
Again, thank you everyone for all that you have done for our family but especially for the prayers for Jemma. It is so nice to see a light at the end of the tunnel with this. We are on day 26 of her hospitalization and when it is all said and done, we will be here for a month or longer. I can’t wait to get out of the hospital and just be able to take care of my baby at home. But, until then we will sit and be thankful for all that we have.
I will leave you with one more picture from today. Jemma was playing peek-a-boo. She is just so beautiful and I will thank God every day the rest of my life that I am so blessed to be her mommy.
I was so happy to read this update! I’m so glad she is doing so much better, able to snuggle and even play, that is wonderful!
So wonderful to hear. I’ve been following your story from the beginning and even though this is the first time I comment I want you to know that you have all been in my prayers. So happy for this wonderful news. <3
You don’t know me I am just another customer on your husband’s route. My heart & prayers go out to all of you. What you have been going through is one of the most terrifying adventures your family could have. It sounds like Jemma is getting better now and I am happy for that. She is going to be an awesome young lady and have a wonderful life, I just feel it in bones. As you have said she is a fighter and is beating this. I can remember to this day the fear and helplessness of watching your child endure medical porcedures. My son was a premie and had pneumonia at birth, that was 32 years ago but I still remember it. i will keep your family in my prayers!
Thinking of you! Prayers
I wanted to send prayers to you & your family.
So happy for you and your family! Your sweet girl looks amazing! I used to be an ICU nurse and now I’m a mom and reading your previous posts made me cry. It must have been so hard for you as a nurse to know so much sometimes. I’m so happy that Jemma is doing so well 🙂
As I read this, I literally had tears of joy streaming down my face. The power of prayer is incredible and amazing! Also amazing is the strong fighting spirit of your daughter. While I will continue to pray for her healing, I am glad to see that it seems the worst is over and that while recovery from this will take a very long time, you will be able to have your daughter at home with your shortly! God’s Blessings!
Maravilloso Dios primeramente pronto estara recuperada tu preciosa bebe. Mis mas sinceros saludos y un fuerte abrazo!! Dios los llene de Bendiciones!!
Oh Stefany, I am so happy that everyone’s prayers helped and God listened! My mother asks about Jemma every day to see how she’s doing. 🙂 I will email her this post.
Contiunued prayers for little Jemma- so nice to see her up and awake!
I am so glad to hear she is improving. Thanks for the update.
YAY, Jemma!!! So Awesome, Stephany!
So happy to see her awake and untubed! You’re in the home stretch now. ;o)
So happy that Jemma is doing much better! God is so awesome!
Deo Gratias! Still praying.
Seeing Jemma awake and sitting up is such a blessing from God. I will continue to keep her in my prayers.
I have been thinking of you and wondering how she was doing. Thank you for the update. I’m so happy it is good news!! I’ll keep praying that you are all home soon!
Wow! Wonderful news!
I must say this reinforces that God is good all the time. I am so happy that you are both getting to snuggle each other. I think snuggling is some of the best medicine you both can get at the moment.
Praise the Lord! What wonderful news for first thing on a Sunday morning! 🙂 Go Jemma. We will continue to pray for her recovery and, though I don’t know you, I can’t wait for the post saying that you’re going home! Blessings on you and Jemma and your whole family!!
I haven’t often commented, but I have been reading every one of your posts. I am thrilled to see your baby up and about, playing, alert. My heart aches for her and almost more so for Mama because I just can’t imagine how hard this has been for you. I am excited to see her continuing progress!
So wonderful! What a great recovery she is making! My son just looked up at the computer screen, so I had to explain all of the tubes and how she was very sick but is getting better. He told me how happy he is that she is getting better… best wishes from my 2 year old.
Hurray (Happy Dance)!!!
I’m so glad! It’s so good to know she is doing better!
So glad to hear Jemma is doing better!! God is so amazing & so wonderful!! Our prayers will continue for your baby girl, yourself, your family, & all who know & love your precious little beauty 🙂
Very exciting to read! Continued thoughts and prayers. 🙂
The pictures of her awake and doing better are priceless. SO happy she has improved!
I am so pleased to read this :). Fabulous news!
bless her little heart, and thank the Lord! continued thoughts & prayers to jemma, you, & your family!
Such great news! The first snuggle after your baby has been vented and unable to get out of bed is the most amazing thing 🙂 And so is each and every snuggle afterward!
I have tears in my eyes at such a good update. I have been praying for Jemma and your family, you are blessing me by allowing me to do so. My son has spent numerous days and nights at SLCH and they do a great job. So thankful for your update!
melzie
What wonderful news…thank you for the update!!
Hooray!! Wonderful wonderful news – just on my way to bed and will do so with a smile knowing baby Jemma is doing so well! xo from Canada!
So great to read… and to see her awake and playing! Praise, God. Continuing to pray for her complete health.