God is still faithful to us

Dear friends, I am sorry for the silence since Lizzie came home with us. Ms.Lizzie is keeping daddy and mommy very busy with dirty diapers and many feeds... much to our pleasure. :) Lizzie went for her reviews with the surgeon and the cardiologist on 10 and 11 August. Both commented that Lizzie is very pink, which is a good sign of healthy blood flow. However, the pulse oximeter showed that Lizzie's O2 level is only around 70. It was recommended that Lizzie stay on the O2 concentrator every night until the level is higher. We brought Lizzie to see the cardiologist again on 23 August and the results are the same - very pinkish but O2 level at 70. The cardiologist, seemingly satisfied with her condition, commented she is healthy and not showing any sign of physical distress. Her O2 level may possibly stay at this level without much change. We can take her off the O2 concentrator at night if we feel comfortable enough. On the same day, we met the genetic paediatrician, Dr. Denise Goh. As Lizzie was having her scan done, Denise did not get to see Lizzie that day. She commented that her (extensive) experience with Digeorge's (DG)Syndrome children shows that most are able to attend normal schools but they are unlikely to be the top achievers. Mild cases of DG will not be obvious to the layman, although she can spot them, after having seen many cases. She agreed to follow up with Lizzie's care on a long term basis to ensure that Lizzie gets her necessary medication, therapy and anything else as necessary. Elaine brought Lizzie to see Denise yesterday (25 Oct). Denise was surprised to see that Lizzie actually looks normal. We are very thankful with that comment, coming from someone who is trained in this field. Denise also checked Lizzie for her reflexes and other symptoms of DG. Denise thinks that Lizzie is healthy apart from her heart defects and calcium deficiency. Yesterday night, we did not put Lizzie on the O2 concentrator at all. We checked her colour every 3 hours and she is as pink as ever. Lizzie slept as soundly as before and did not show any sign of turning blue or had difficulty in breathing. This are exciting moments for us and answers to some of our prayers. We have been praying that God will not only heal Lizzie of her heart defects and chromosome disorder, He will also not allow her physical and mental developments to be affected. We are thankful for this confirmation that Lizzie is not physically affected, apart from her size. From our daily interaction with Lizzie, we can also tell that she is slowly sizing up her daddy, mommy and grandma and know to what extent she can demand things. She even have different sounds and cries to express different emotions. We know that our prayers (and yours) are working and will continue reach the courts of Heaven and the ears of Jesus. We thank you for your prayers. They are most precious to us and Lizzie. We know in our hearts that one day, God will heal Lizzie of all defects and disorders. Thank you. We will keep you posted of her developments.
God bless, Simon & Elaine

Lizzie's homecoming!!!

Dear friends, Lizzie will be discharged directly from the Paeds ICU tomorrow (7Oct). While her O2 level still fluctuates a bit, the docs are confident that it will improve as her lungs develop further. Meanwhile, they will arrange for some O2 concentrator device to come home with Lizzie for use when applicable. I thank you for praying for Lizzie. All your prayers and encouragements touched our hearts and let us know that God is near, even in our darkest days. He sent you to be our comforters and weare most grateful. We saw her surgery wound yesterday. It stretches from under her right arm to mid-way round her back. There are 2 other puncture holes where tubes were inserted. By God's grace, these are healing well. We have a long journey ahead with regards to Lizzie's heart condition, but we will leave it in the hand of God. Elaine and I asked that if you wish to visit, do let us know in advance as Lizzie still need lots of rest. I am sorry if this sounds snobbish. We appreciate your well wishes and care but we just want to be extra careful with Lizzie. Thank you for your kind support during this difficult period. I will continue to update you on Lizzie's development through this website. God bless you, Simon & Elaine

Lizzie back in Paediatric ICU

Dear friends, After 2 nights in the normal ward, Lizzie is transferred back to Paediatric ICU. Lizzie's O2 level has been dropping and went below 60 on several occasions, especially at night. The past 2 nights were a struggle for Elaine and myself as we took turns to watch over with Lizzie. Besides the lack of sleep, observing Lizzie's desperate attempt to breathe, O2 level plunging and several rounds of choking were very despressing for us. After seeing her O2 levels this morning, Prof Quek decided to step her back up to Peads ICU. Lizzie is back in Ward 46A, with a O2 tube into her nostrils to push up her O2 level. While we have the peace of mind to know that she will be better taken care of in PICU, we are also thrown off-track. There goes our hope to bring Lizzie back home this week (which Prof Quek thought was going to happen). We asked for your prayers, that Lizzie will be able to breathe without tubes, and that she will not desaturate or choke easily. Pray that God will heal her so that we can bring our baby home. Thanks for your prayers, Simon & Elaine

Lizzie stepped down to normal ward

Dear friends, Elaine just informed me at 3pm today that all machines and tubes are taken off. Lizzie is completely free from medication and machines. Her O2 level is hovering in the mid 80s. Lizzie will be stepped down to a normal ward today. It's ward 47. We know that we are going to bring Lizzie home very soon.... after almost 2 months. Lizzie will finally get to see her own bed and all the toys that everyone bought for her!! We thank God for all these and we thank you for your constant prayers and encouragement. We know that this is just the beginning of the battle for Lizzie and us but we also know that God is sovereign and He will provide us with the grace for what the future holds. This website will continue as long as there is a need for future surgeries. Thank you for being a part of Lizzie's first days. You will certainly see more of her in the coming days!!
God bless you all, Simon & Elaine