Our brave girl, Elizabeth: November 2011

Saturday, 12 November 2011

Back home today!! (7days post op)

Dear friends,

I am happy to report that Z's recovery has been nothing short of miraculous.

The doctors were so pleased with her progress we were able to discharge today - just 3 days after extubation! Praise the Lord!

Before leaving hospital she was still unable to walk on her own, but within hours of reaching home she's already walking quite quickly by herself I had to stop her in case she fell down!

One of the many things that touched my heart was that Z received reassurance from Jesus again - she told me he hugged her "tight" and according to Z said "I love you" when she was in surgery.

That just moved me to tears as I know our Lord and Saviour was there reassuring and comforting her when she was not able to see, hear or feel human touch.

Our little fighter did so well during the entire hospitalization. Not a single tear during setting of IV plugs, insertion of drains, removal of wires, getting her throat and nose suctioned repeatedly causing her to retch. She took every procedure in her stride and wasn't until after everything was removed and done on the last day, that she wanted lots of cuddles.

Thank you for all your faithful prayers and support

I believe that it is through the prayers of many that have moved the hands of God, so that Z has had such a successful surgery and recovery. As she rests and recuperates at home we continue to give thanks for His faithfulness, for the blessing of such skillful surgeons, caring hospital staff, and so many wonderful people in our life.

We pray for total healing of all her wounds and incisions with no complications, and strengthening of her body so that she may soon join her friends back at school.

I hope Z's testimony will always be an encouragement and blessing to others.

And this is not yet the end of our story :D

God Bless,

Elaine

Monday, 7 November 2011

Post op update (day 4)

Dear friends,

Thank you for all your prayers.

Lizzie went though open heart surgery on Friday 4th Nov - starting at around 9:00am.

After 9 hours she was out and taken to the pediatric ICU at National University Hospital.

She remained under sedation, and her chest was left open to allow swelling to subside - with her exposed heart protected by a piece of plastic dressing.

On Sunday 6th Nov in the evening the surgeons managed to successfully close her chest after having drained about 1L of accumulated fluid from her abdomen.

Today Monday 7th Nov, Lizzie though still heavily sedated has started to open her eyes and struggle to move her body more and more. At this point the doctors are looking to tail down the sedation, remove her breathing tube and also start chest physio tomorrow.

Hopefully then she'll be able to fully regain consciousness soon.

Here are some pictures of Z the evening BEFORE the surgery.

God Bless,

Elaine

About This Blog

This blog is about our baby girl Lizzie, who was born on 9th August 2006 with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a rare chromosome defect also known as DiGeorges Syndrome. This resulted in calcium deficiency and severe cyanotic congenital heart defects called Taussig-Bing anomaly (ventricular septal defect and double outlet right ventricle with pulmonary artery atresia). She underwent surgery on the 25th September 2006 to place a Blalock-Taussig Shunt on her right side. Lizzie spent two months in the ICU, and went through months of intensive physiotherapy. On 18th January 2008, Lizzie had a second surgery for a BT Shunt, this time on the left side. By God's grace she recovered quickly, and was discharged after only four days. Despite all odds, Lizzie has continued to thrive and grow, in strength and character day by day.

Now as the doctors are planning for major open heart corrective surgery, we continue to pray for Lizzie's healing, for strength, and protection, as we trust in God's will.

We first started a yahoogroup back in April 2006, when we first received the diagnosis of our (then unborn) baby's defects. We decided to share our testimony online, with not only our friends and family, but also to be an encouragement to others who may be going through the same situation.
We believe in the power of prayer, and in miraculous healing.
Lizzie has come a long way, and has defied the expectations of doctors and specialists.
We thank God for her, she has been a blessing and a constant joy to us - she is our little miracle.
Our prayer is that, through our testimony, others will not only be encouraged and comforted, but also come to know the Lord Jesus Christ, and find hope in Him too.

To God be the Glory.