I’m sure most of you are wondering about my last post. Well, the infection in Emma has gotten worse. The doctors called us tonight at home with some amazingly bad news. The infection has prevented Emma from removing excess fluid. Her kidneys stopped functioning, her blood was not getting oxygen and she had fluid pockets all over her body, including the brain.
The doctors flat out told us that Emma is not going to make it through the night. I never thought I would hear those words. Daughters are not supposed to die before their parents, that’s just wrong.
As you can imagine, we were struck with adrenalin and we rushed into the hospital as soon as we could. Hence the cryptic post.
The doctors gave us a little more detail and again informed us that Emma would not make it through the night. I can not describe what it is like being at your child’s deathbed. Every emotion surges in your body at once. I don’t wish that feeling on anyone.
The doctors told us about a dangerous procedure where they could put Emma on an ecmo machine and they encouraged us to give this machine a chance. Basically, this is machine that will oxygenate the blood and will also put it thru a dialysis process as well — which will help eliminate excessive fluid. This is all a stop gap measure, and the doctor told us there was a very slim chance she would survive the procedure of putting her on the machine. If she did survive, there is a real possibility that she could get another infection. We had no choice but to put her on the machine. It is her last chance of hope.
I’m happy to say she has beaten at least one set of odds tonight. She’s on the machine and she is fair. Each minute is another minute closer to her beating this damn infection. She will basically stay on this machine now until the infection has subsided or the unthinkable… she can no longer tolerate it.
It has been a long night, and I hope to grab a few hours sleep. I’m not sure how… I will be worried about Emma’s survival all night long.
Thanks for the support from you all. I didn’t think it could get any worse, and it just did. Your thoughts and prayers are needed again. Wow. I’ve never been so numb and helpless in my entire life. This just sucks.
Pix here: http://flickr.com/photos/nomadicentrepreneur/sets/72157604208257206/
Comments
#1 re: Beating the odds so far
leo
12:00:00 AM Sunday, Mar 23 2008
My heart goes out to you. Go Emma!
#2 re: Beating the odds so far
jilly1217
12:00:00 AM Sunday, Mar 23 2008
we are thinking of you and sending every good thought in the universe your way. please let us know if there’s *anything* you need.
hugs and love,
jill, bill & co
#3 re: Beating the odds so far
iain
12:00:00 AM Sunday, Mar 23 2008
hang in there! We’re also sending you all the best thoughts & prayers.
iain, mel, mason & sophie
#4 http://blog.stefandpaul.com/
mattk
12:00:00 AM Monday, Mar 24 2008
Comments on this entry are closed.