March 12th, 2010

I got a call today that I hadn't wanted to receive. I was moonlighting and was in the midst of a handful of patients arriving around the same time. Deitre called saying that Kierson's hernia was back and PediSurg states she needs to go to the OR today. They had tried to reduce the hernia again, but it wouldn't go back this time. After re-evaluation a few hours later, there was concern that either her left ovary or some of her small intestines had herniated through her inguinal canal. There was concern for the blood supply becoming affected.
Thankfully, Dr. Juergens responded to my pleas for help and came to cover the rest of my shift (would this be a pinch-physician?). Deitre and I were able to meet with the Pedi Surgeon and we agreed that despite the risk of complications due to her lung immaturity and disease, the repair needed to be done. The surgery itself is relatively simple and typically without much complication. Our concern was the potential need for intubation and then the possibility of Kierson not being able to be weaned off the vent for days. This would be a huge set-back as the primary goal at this time is for GROWTH. If intubated, she would be off feedings for a few days and then back to incremental tube feedings, etc.
They just wheeled Kierson off to the OR about 30 minutes ago. We wait with anticipation for the good news that the surgery went well and everything that belongs in the peritoneal cavity is back in place (and in good shape).
Emmie is at home with Grandma who jumped in her van and flew up here to allow Deitre to be up at Kierson's bedside with me. I am so glad that Emmie is so young while all this is going on. She doesn't even know she has a younger sister yet!
Thank you for your continued prayers for Kierson and for our family. We have been through enough (in my humble opinion) and we are asking for a reprieve from any more "speed bumps" along the way to getting Kierson home. We know she has a long road ahead of her as far as development is concerned and is at a much higher risk of future hospitalizations over things such as a cold or asthma. We are just worn thin right now, and the thought of these things is a real discouragement in the present.