Day +11 October 3

Woke up to rounds in progress. A dialysis machine and kidney doctor already in the room.  OK -at least Stefan knew a little about what was happening.  Apparently she was in acute renal failure duing the 3 hours I slept.  Getting the feeling I shouldn't sleep. 

So they tried to start her on continuous dialysis to pull off excess fluid and filter her kidneys for her.  It is gentler on her system than intermittent dialysis and it is called CRRT or PRISMA for the name of the machine used .  Her dialysis catheter (her Hickman or central line) would not work with the pressure of the machine.  Tried much of the day to make it work to no avail.  Kidneys in trouble and needed diaylysis so emergency line replacement needed.  

I had to change into scrubs and accompany her to OR for an unplanned surgery, but it was needed.  The surgery team was great and let me in to open her dressings, and re dress her after.  Surgery was difficult because of her skin and swelling and other complications.  The surgeon said it was a near disaster, but he got the line in and it works very well.  Some damage to her chest was unavoidable considering that a big "hose" had to be removed and another put in its place but I think he was  more disturbed by it than we were. 

I have to mention, the surgery was long and at first uneventful. As things sounded more tense in the OR and the surgeon started asking for another line, demanded more pressure and more suction and his ears turned red and blood started to fill the suction reservoir, I pictured Elle.  Not lying on a table asleep with traumas and troubles, but smiling with big eyes and playing and looking at me.  I calmed my mind and started to pray so hard.  Just as I finished my silent prayer, the surgeon said, "ok we're done, I'm closing up".  God is listening.

Her dialysis cath works well and she started on dialysis and she has been doing well so far.  She does have a bacterial infection in her blood and lots of antibiotics so hopefully her strong little will and fighting spirit will bring her around again.

Timmy and I said goodbye, I am going to miss him.  We had a nice visit. During this time, it is going to be a little challenging, but things have a way of working out.  Tonight, Chloe was on a pretend phone.  I asked her who she was talking to and she said, "Grandma Etelca".  I asked her what her grandma said and she replied that her grandma said, "I'll be there in a minute".  Maybe she will be visiting soon?



Trying to muster a smile with the weight of the situation, but achieved goofy



In transport on the way to OR

Just returning with Anesthesiologist at her side

Her mobile ventilator