To those affected by a heart defect:

Just waiting

December 16, 2006 at 7:45 pm by Mom & Dad

Haven’s heart rate has dropped just a little (this is good—it was very very high). She is currently on ECMO (a type of life-support system) which is basically pumping blood through her body for her so her heart can rest a little. The doctors want her heart to rest for at least 60 hours (from last night) before they decide to move forward with the recovery process. She is breathing on her own, so they do not need to use the “lung” portion of the ECMO machine. This is a good thing. They would still like to see some of her numbers improve, but are happy that she is at least holding steady where she is at now (a steady trend is better than a downward trend). At this point, we wait, and pray that Haven’s body is able to cope during this very strenuous time. She has three nurses that are assigned only to her and many doctors and surgeons are checking on her throughout the day. We’re still on the roller coaster and will be for some time. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. Your comments and emails have been so encouraging and comforting to us.

Posted in Surgery #1 - Norwood | 4 Comments »

4 Responses

  1. Grandma M Says:

    I am so Happy that she is doing better. Have been praying all day for her and both of you. Hope you two are getting some rest. It is a long stressful ordeal. Am praying that things will improve more in the next few hours, and you can get the rest you need. Alison, I hope you are feeling better too. I love you all Anything I can do let me know. Love, Grandma M

  2. Sierra Says:

    All three of you have been constantly in my prayers. I know you are going through an emotional battle but I pray that God will give you peace! I am praying for Haven’s little body as well. I’m very glad to hear she is starting to stabilize. As always, if you need anything let me know. I am praying for you all!

    In God’s Hands~ Sierra

  3. Carissa P. (and Chris) Says:

    Keep hanging in there! It is great that she has made it this far. She’s a strong little girl! It’s good to hear her heart rate is coming down and she is stabilizing. I’m also glad to hear she is also breathing on her own…. thats a good sign. I know it will be a long, slow process but she made it through her first day of recovery! That is wonderful! It sounds like the docs have everything under control and are doing a great job! Is she in the PICU? or NICU?? Don’t forget to get sleep, drink lots of water and eat good meals… you guys need the strength and energy! Jeremey… keep a water bottle in Alison’s hands. 🙂 We are praying for you all.

  4. Tammy Jerry Says:

    Hang in there Baby Haven, we are all pulling for you, and Mom and Dad too. Love you all,and our prayers are 4-ever with you.

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This site contains the story of Haven Leigh and serves as a source of hope and encouragement to anyone who has or knows a child born with HLHS, a congenital heart defect, or other terminal illness. Here, we show the rewards of nurturing and supporting a special child while celebrating her memory by sharing her story with others.

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