To those affected by a heart defect:

Busy Morning

January 23, 2007 at 1:39 pm by Mom & Dad

Early this morning, they transported Haven down to have her second digestive test. This test determines if there are any structural problems with her digestive system. Results won’t be available until later this afternoon or tomorrow. As soon as they are in we will post those results.

Due to her frail condition, she came back from the test with a few more problems (possibly caused by the stress of being transported to the test and back). Many doctors from several areas of expertise have been constantly giving Haven their attention all day. She is retaining a lot of fluid in her chest, particularly on her left side. This has caused a partial collapse of her left lung which in turn has created some serious breathing problems even though she is on the ventilator. Since they have her on the maximum level of ventilator support already, something else must be done to help her breathe. The surgeon is in her room right now putting in a special chest tube attached to a vaccuum that will hopefully remove the fluid around her lung. Hopefully this will also correct her carbon dioxide levels in her body (which have been on the very high side all morning).

She is also having trouble keeping her blood pressure up to an acceptable level despite assistance from blood pressure medicines. They performed an echocardiogram (special ultrasound of the heart) earlier and said heart function appears to be good, so they are hoping the blood pressure is low because she has been sedated and paralyzed again. Hopefully, the sedation and paralytic will allow her body to rest and gain strength so she can properly regulate her vital functions on her own.

Posted in Recovery #1 | 6 Comments »

6 Responses

  1. Sierra Says:

    Keep fighting baby girl! You can do it!! I’m praying for you.

  2. Don and Linda Nobles Says:

    Alison and Jeremy,
    Thanks for the updates on Haven. We are sorry to hear that the roller coaster goes on. You all continue to remain in our thoughts and prayers.
    Peace and Love
    Don and Linda

  3. Floyd & Judy Holmes Says:

    You all have been in our prayers for several weeks.
    The right words are hard to find.
    May the Lord continue to be your strength.
    In Christ,
    Floyd & Judy

  4. G.G. Uncle Virgil 'n Aunt Bonnie Says:

    I wish there was something we could do to lighten the load you two must be carrying. You show how great the love of Mommy ‘n Daddy can be for Little Miss Haven Leigh. What a precious daughter you have! Love ‘n Prayers

  5. Auntie Judie/Uncle Gordy Says:

    We believe in miracles, an Haven sure is one. We pray for you soooo often. WE also pray for Alison, Jeremey, the Dr.s and nurses. We love you!

  6. Rob , Becky and Tara Says:

    Jeremey & Alison,

    Just wanting you to know how often we are thinking of you and continuing to pray for your family. What a testimony you are to God’s abiding strength.

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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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