Little Bella has captured the hearts of our family and everyone that meets her. We want to share her story with all.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

It Is Finished!

The surgery is over.  To re-cap what Dr. Salazaar said:

The repairs were text book.  Everything went wonderfully.  Her valves are not leaking at all – wonderful news.   (tremendous blessing in fact!)

They did NOT close her chest – because he is worried she might become unstable.  He didn’t want to close her chest and then have her heart swell.  This might lead to an arrest.  He will close her chest when he feels she is doing better – as soon as tomorrow, but we have to let Arabella tell us how she is doing.  It is strange to watch the yellowish plastic move in time to her heartbeat and realize that her heart is laying right there.

Her pressures in her pulmonary arteries are high.  She is on nitrix oxide and oxygen.   Her oxygen levels still are not where they should be.  She is on a ton of different medications to help her.  She is currently paralyzed from the medications to help her body have to work less.  She has pulmonary hypertension and sick lungs (his words), so they are really going to have to keep a close eye on her.  After talking with Dr. Mott in the CVICU (he’s on in there – which makes me feel wonderful) he showed us her chest x-ray.  Her lungs are heavy.  Dr. Salazaar reassured us that the nurses and doctors in the ICU are wonderful.  And he told us he lives 4 minutes away and left instructions for them to call him if needed.  Her lungs are healthier now then they were this morning, and will hopefully continue to improve with time.

He told us to get some rest, because Arabella is going to need us in a few days.

Debbie Hudson, my friend from church, came and stayed with us for the entire surgery.  I am so grateful.  She helped us so much.  Thanks Debbie!

I am grateful for the doctors and nurses  - the entire team.  We are so grateful to be able to take this next step to getting Bella healthy.  Thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts.  Our family thanks you all!  And we wish to express our gratitude to our Father in Heaven who oversees us all.  May He continue to bless our sweet girl.

before:

surgery 007

after:

surgery 008

7 comments:

Kristin said...

So glad to hear the surgery was scheduled and completed! We're all praying for her smooth recovery. Hang in there!

Baileybuds said...

I'm so glad to see Bella out of surgery... I was restless sleeping last night praying for the best. We'll keep praying for sweet Bella and her recovery! Love ya!

Claudia said...

Be strong, little lovely one.
And Mama as well ;-)

Love,
Claudia

CJ Field said...

I can't imagine what this is like. Em had hers done before we adopted her. Sending you hugs and good vibes!

Cammie Heflin said...

So similar to my Addysen, praying for good things!

Anonymous said...

So happy to hear everything went well! I'm glad they're leaving her little chest open. Our little granddaughter Mikayla had heart surgery when 24 hrs. old. They closed her chest, but had to re-open it for a day or two because of swelling inside. Hugs from our fam! -- Linda Stolle

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