Right now Jamie has just left with her sister, they are on their way back home for Christmas against all of Jamie's will. Ava is just hanging in there. Last night she started having seizures which the nurses had under control around 4:00 in the morning. Today she had a CT scan to determine the cause of these but the preliminary results show nothing. Carol and I are on our way back to see her and see if any other news has come from this.
Dr Hursh has commented that Ava has accomplished her goals for yesterday which was to rest and loose some of her weight. This morning she was around 12 lbs. Great news from the Dr. but Ava's road ahead seems to be getting smaller. We can only ask for a miracle because at this point, we feel like that is her only odds. Keep praying, she needs it.
Jamie, I apologize for trying to put a positive spin on things, but I'm not ready to face reality. She still does have a chance!! Tell Brayden I Love him and I'll be home tomorrow.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Ava with Mommy & Daddy
Isn't she beautiful!
It's A Girl!
Hello everyone and welcome to Ava Christine's Blog.
First a little info about the new edition to our family.
This beautiful little girl comes to our family after many years of trying on her parents part as well as her being the first girl in 19 years. Yes 19 years! So to say that she is going to be a little spoiled is putting it very lightly.
Ava Christine was welcomed into this world on September 29 2007 by her mommy Jamie, Daddy Jamie, big brother Brayden, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. Shortly after Ava's arrival the wonderful medical staff at Memorial hospital of South Bend found what they called a murmur in Ava's heart. After some testing little Ava was transported to Motts' Children Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Jamie and Jamie were informed that little Ava has a heart defect that could be life threatening and that she needed to undergo open heart surgery to fix the defects. So, on Tuesday October 2 2007 Ava was operated on by the wonderful medical staff at the U of M. What this team of doctors did to Ava is incredible. First of all Jamie explained to me over the phone today just what problems Ava's heart has endured. Ava's heart has a couple of different problems. The first is known as Interrupted Aortic Arch. The following info about interrupted aortic arch is best explained by the U of M Cardiac website, "Interrupted aortic arch is a very rare heart defect that occurs when the aorta does not develop normally while the baby is in the mother’s womb. It comprises about 1% of all congenital heart defects. It usually occurs along with other heart problems such as truncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, transposition of the great arteries, and aortic stenosis.The aorta is the large blood vessel that arises from the left side of the normal heart and takes red blood out to the body. The first part of the aorta, called the ascending aorta (1) arises upwards. It then curves leftward forming the aortic arch (2). The aorta then curves downward towards the lower body, and this part is called the descending aorta (3). Three blood vessels exit from the aortic arch and supply the head and arms with red blood. These vessels are called the innominate artery (4), the left carotid artery (5), and the left subclavian artery (6).In babies with interrupted aortic arch, there is a complete blockage between the ascending and the descending aorta (1). This means that there is no direct way for red blood leaving the heart to reach the body parts that are "downstream" from the blockage. The site of the defect varies (2) and may or may not involve the take-off of the head and neck vessels. In most babies with interrupted aortic arch (70-90%) there is also a large ventricular septal defect (3).In newborns with interrupted aortic arch, the only way for blood to bypass the blockage is via the patent ductus arteriosus (4). Prior to birth, this small blood vessel permits blood to by-pass the baby’s fluid-filled lungs. One or two days after birth, this vessel usually closes on its own. In a baby with interrupted aortic arch, if the duct closes, blood can no longer reach the lower body. This can cause the baby to suddenly become very ill. Therefore, after the diagnosis is made, a medicine called prostaglandin is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open until surgery". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
So how did the doctors fix this? "Interrupted aortic arch is a serious heart defect that requires surgery soon after birth. The goal of surgery is to create remove the blockage. This used to be done in a two-stage operation but is now done most of the time in one stage. The two ends of the aorta are sewn together (1) and the patent ductus arterious (2) is tied off. Sometimes a patch is needed to reinforce the repair. If present, a patch is sewn over the VSD (3)". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
In #1 of the picture below is the part of Ava' heart that was repaired.
First a little info about the new edition to our family.
This beautiful little girl comes to our family after many years of trying on her parents part as well as her being the first girl in 19 years. Yes 19 years! So to say that she is going to be a little spoiled is putting it very lightly.
Ava Christine was welcomed into this world on September 29 2007 by her mommy Jamie, Daddy Jamie, big brother Brayden, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. Shortly after Ava's arrival the wonderful medical staff at Memorial hospital of South Bend found what they called a murmur in Ava's heart. After some testing little Ava was transported to Motts' Children Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Jamie and Jamie were informed that little Ava has a heart defect that could be life threatening and that she needed to undergo open heart surgery to fix the defects. So, on Tuesday October 2 2007 Ava was operated on by the wonderful medical staff at the U of M. What this team of doctors did to Ava is incredible. First of all Jamie explained to me over the phone today just what problems Ava's heart has endured. Ava's heart has a couple of different problems. The first is known as Interrupted Aortic Arch. The following info about interrupted aortic arch is best explained by the U of M Cardiac website, "Interrupted aortic arch is a very rare heart defect that occurs when the aorta does not develop normally while the baby is in the mother’s womb. It comprises about 1% of all congenital heart defects. It usually occurs along with other heart problems such as truncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, transposition of the great arteries, and aortic stenosis.The aorta is the large blood vessel that arises from the left side of the normal heart and takes red blood out to the body. The first part of the aorta, called the ascending aorta (1) arises upwards. It then curves leftward forming the aortic arch (2). The aorta then curves downward towards the lower body, and this part is called the descending aorta (3). Three blood vessels exit from the aortic arch and supply the head and arms with red blood. These vessels are called the innominate artery (4), the left carotid artery (5), and the left subclavian artery (6).In babies with interrupted aortic arch, there is a complete blockage between the ascending and the descending aorta (1). This means that there is no direct way for red blood leaving the heart to reach the body parts that are "downstream" from the blockage. The site of the defect varies (2) and may or may not involve the take-off of the head and neck vessels. In most babies with interrupted aortic arch (70-90%) there is also a large ventricular septal defect (3).In newborns with interrupted aortic arch, the only way for blood to bypass the blockage is via the patent ductus arteriosus (4). Prior to birth, this small blood vessel permits blood to by-pass the baby’s fluid-filled lungs. One or two days after birth, this vessel usually closes on its own. In a baby with interrupted aortic arch, if the duct closes, blood can no longer reach the lower body. This can cause the baby to suddenly become very ill. Therefore, after the diagnosis is made, a medicine called prostaglandin is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open until surgery". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
So how did the doctors fix this? "Interrupted aortic arch is a serious heart defect that requires surgery soon after birth. The goal of surgery is to create remove the blockage. This used to be done in a two-stage operation but is now done most of the time in one stage. The two ends of the aorta are sewn together (1) and the patent ductus arterious (2) is tied off. Sometimes a patch is needed to reinforce the repair. If present, a patch is sewn over the VSD (3)". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
In #1 of the picture below is the part of Ava' heart that was repaired.
Before surgery
The Next Step
The next step in repairing Ava's heart was to fix what is known as Truncus Arteriosus. Truncus arteriosus is "characterized by a large ventricular septal defect over which a large, single great vessel (truncus) arises. This single great vessel carries blood both to the body and to the lungs". (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11073) Below is a picture of what Ava's heart was like before surgery.
Before Surgery
After Surgery
The above picture shows what the surgeon did to repair Ava's heart. "Surgery is required to close the ventricular septal defect and separate blood flow to the body from blood flow to the lungs. This is generally done early in infancy to prevent high blood pressure from damaging the lungs' arteries. A patch is used to close the ventricular defect. The pulmonary arteries are then disconnected from the single great vessel and a tube (a conduit or tunnel) is placed from the right ventricle to these pulmonary arteries. This is sometimes called a Rastelli repair". (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11073)
Blog Archive
-
▼
2007
(67)
-
▼
December
(18)
- News
- Quick Update
- Stocking full of ODDS!!
- Odds equal Hope
- Critical
- 12 hours of surgery
- Praying for Another Miracle
- So Many to Thank!
- Long Day
- New Surgery Date
- Quick Update
- ECHO Results
- Echo date moved
- Hanging Out
- A Better Day
- "The Floor"
- Ava had a low grade temperature this morning but n...
- Change of Plans
-
▼
December
(18)
39 comments:
Jamie, YES she does have a chance. Never say your sorry about anything Jamie. Thank you thank you thank you Carol Eull our Guardian angel.And Jamie, never worry about Bray with us. He was perfect! I never stressed and I had 7 kids! Well maybe at times I might have goteen testy or something! ha But mostly at Jim!ha
Dear God, we ask you AGAIN, PLEASE keep on helping Ava. And maybe in time, the Doctors can do their thing to make her better. Please God, keep Ava strong. Keep her family strong. If you fail in this, none of us will understand WHY.
Amen
granny and poppy
Praying for God to give Ava strength in healing and that He works through the hands of the doctors as well.
Love,
The Asmus'
When you come to the edge of all the light you have, and must take a step into the darkness of the unknown, believe that one of two things will happen, either there will be something solid for you to stand on or you will be taught how to fly- Patrick Overton.
Jaime and Jaime,
We know this time must be very hard for your family, but there are so many people here to lift you and Ava up during this time. Hold on to your faith, don't give up, and continue to believe God for Ava's healing. Continuing to pray for your family.
Zimmerman family -
Please know that we are with you every step of the way, every day, praying for Ava's recovery. May God give you all the strength you need to get through each day, be there for both of your little ones. You have so many people praying for Ava right now, it has to help. Our hearts go out to you all. We are praying for the miracle you need. God bless little Ava, keep her safe and strong, as well as you both.
Ginger and family
Tom and Paula Kazmierski
We are praying for your miracle as well.
Love,
The Lake's
Dear Lord,
Please put your arms of love around little Ava, her parents and family. Give them the strength they need to get through this time. I know that there faith is dwindling at this time. We know that you are a God of miracles, and are trusting in you to bring a miracle to heal little Ava's body. Bless her parents and keep them strong, show them your power. Amen.
Please know that the Almighty is with Ava. I pray that He touch her with His strength and healing.
I am so proud of you, Jamie, for making such a hard decision to come home for Christmas! Draw on your families support and strength.
Love & Prayers,
Janelle
Jamie,
I am often troubled by things that just don't make sense in this world. One thing lasts and that is love. I know you are all held in God's love, and in the wonderful example of that love that is your family. Many of us walk in prayer with your family during these hours. Love, Karen
Dear Family of Ava,
As you know, this is an extremely emotional and tough time you are in at this moment.
Ava is loved and please know that she can feel that love. That is a powerful gift you have given this beautiful child of God.
Bless you all and may God, in HIS infinite wisdom, help you to forge ahead in the coming days, knowing that HE is a GOD of LOVE.
Blessings, Morning Sky
Dear Zimmerman's,
I have wanted to write for so long, but I was at such a loss for words. As a survivor of open heart surgery, please know that there is truly hope for your little Ava, and that miracles do happen. Our children even being here are miracles in and of themselves. They have faught so hard just to be in this world, and that they made it here is such a miracle in and of itself. Please know that I have thought about you every day and I am thinking of you now in these trying hours. I am praying for your Christmas miracle.
Emily Iwaniuk
Jamie,
I can't stop thinking of you. I am so glad that you came home to be with Bray for Christmas. Your strength as a mother and a person amazes me. I wish so badly that there was something I could do to ease some of your pain. Since I know that is not possible, I will continue to pray with all my might for your sweet baby girl.
God bless your sister for being with you during this time. I am so glad that you have her.
Love,
Emilee
We believe in miracles.
We believe in Ava.
We believe.
Love,
The Brawley's
Johnny and Pam
Quinners and Jakey
You all have stayed so strong through this long winding road. Mom-Jamie, I am soooo glad someone handcuffed and gagged you to get you away from that bedside. EVERYONE needs a break sometime and Ava will understand and who better holding your place but Dad-Jamie and Carol. Your family is a pillar of strength and you are all so blessed eventhough I'm sure it's hard to see it right now. I so wish I could have been there for you during these really rough times. I am always here if you need to talk to me just have one of the nurses call me. Ava and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Jamie there is nothing wrong with having hope and just know that whatever the outcome Ava will be at peace. I'm praying she can stay strong and make this long road one more time. She is always fighting the odds. Hoping and Praying! God Bless your family and Merry Christmas! Now you just have to eat Jamie, sorry I had to get it in! See you on Wednesday, then you are stuck with me for a week. Hang in there!
Cheryl
All we have at times like this is the power of prayer and I have seen miracles accomplished with that power. Just hold on and keep believing because you never know what is right around the corner. God is holding that beautiful tiny baby in his hands. Jamie enjoy Christmas and hold Brayden in your arms and let him fill you up with that love that only our children can give to us. Ava is strong she has a purpose here and she will be okay. That is the only way to look at things. I send all my love and prayers and all the prayers together will heal her.
Much love and prayers,
Kristina
We believe too.
We continue to pray for you all.
Love,
The Meek family
Dear Zimmerman Family,
We are thinking of you often during this difficult time. Please know that we are praying for your little girl and that we DO believe in miracles!
We will keep praying for Ava and your family.
Jeff, Kellie and Hannah Montgomery
"Miracles happen to those who believe!" And Ava has a lot of believers out there! ALWAYS keep hope, ALWAYS!
Please know that we are still thinking of each you and praying for your miracle.
Much love & prayers,
Carey, Lori, Ally, Caiden, Adison & Kendall Baxter
Continue to believe that God is in control and ALL things are possible through him!! Miracles happen every day and we are believing through our Lord Jesus Christ that she will get through this! He said that by his stripes we are healed in his holy name, and we believe that for Ava! We are continuing to pray!
Love,
Josh, Becky, Chloe, Ella and Lily Asmus
Hooray Ava! I just heard from your Auntie Carol, she said you are doing better! THANK YOU DEAR GOD.
We love you. This is short, for I am helping your Gram take a shower.
We love you Ava! keep on sucking your tongue!
granny and poppy
We continue to pray for Ava...our Christmas wish is for her to get better. We believe in miracles!!! Never give up.
The Brentlingers
Hi Jamie and Jamie,
My neighbor and friend, Suzanne, told me about Ava. Suzanne's granddaughter, Mimi, was just released from Mott's after having heart surgery. I wanted to send you a note of encouragement and share a snapshot of my experience with you. My daughter, Stacey (now 12 years old), was diagnosed with congenital pulmonary atresia (missing pulmonary valve), along with a hole in her heart and several collateral arteries that allowed her to come into the world as a full term birth. We did not know that Stacey had these heart defects right away ... however, at two weeks old, she stopped breathing while I was holding her. We rushed her to the hospital, and this is when we were told of her heart conditions. The short story is: ten weeks in the hospital, three open heart surgeries, one thoracic surgery, four blood transfusions, six cardiac arrests, four days on the heart-lung machine (ECMO), two days withdrawal from morphine ... and then, through the grace of God, my beautiful Stacey came home to us! The doctors and nurses and care at Mott's is unmatched by any other hopital anywhere! Your daughter is in the best hands in the world! Your Ave looks like she could be my Stacey's twin. It is uncanny. I would love to share more of our story with you, if you like. Please feel free to contact me at VideoNow@helloworld.com. Our prayers are with you at this incredibly difficult time. Love, The Brennans - Bill, Mary, Alyssa, Stacey and Sean
Zimmerman family -
May God bless you all and be with you during this time. Ava is hanging in there and you should too. We are all praying for her and your family as well. You MUST believe in miracles. God is holding her in his arms keeping her safe and helping her to heal. Our thoughts and prayers for you all continue. Please try to enjoy Christmas with Bray. We will all be thinking of you and saying extra prayers. Stay strong, keep fighting and never give up hope.
Ginger, Mike, Chase & Allison Andres, Andy Bonham, Tom & Paula Kazmierski
Merry Christmas, Sweet Baby Ava!
May you feel Jesus' power of healing more than ever on this day of His birth.
Love,
Michelle
Merry Christmas Ava and Brayden!!! We love you both so very much. Santa will be at your house soon Bray. So sleep tight and have good dreams. Little Ava-We all wished you had been home for Christmas-but in spirit and our hearts-your face was EVERYWHERE. You really are a miracle of Gods. So please Dear God-on this day-put all our prayers on this special child of ours. God Bless Good night- and Thank you-To all our grandchildren, Justin, Nicholas, Hannah, Luke, Meggie, Jamison, Madison, Brayden, Mia and AVA, Merry Christmas, we love all of you so much, and may God bring miracles to all of you.
Granny and poppy
Thinking and praying for you and your family. Enjoy your time at home with Bray and your family.
I wish you a Merry Christmas full of Christmas miracles!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jamie please take care of yourself(eat and get your rest) so you have the energy to take care of your family.
Joyce Miller
Merry Christmas my dear sweet Ava.Please keep getting better. I was feeling so depressed yesterday. until I heard about the signs you were showing to improve. GOD Bless Dr. Hursh for trying so much to heal you and the Prayers everyone is saying for you. We all believe in Miracles and you have proved that. I just want you to know how much you have brought our family closer together. I want to Thank You. PaPa and I love you sooo much, see you on Thursday.
Again, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Grandma & Papa
Merry Christmas-Jamie, Jamie, Bray and Ava Christine!
Try and have a restful time with your family.
Have faith and believe...this is the most miraculous day of the year!
Love & Prayers,
Janelle
Merry Christmas Zimmerman family! We are thinking of you today and sending good wishes for a bright and beautiful Christmas Day. Enjoy your time together and rest easy knowing that Ava is good hands.
May your entire family have a very Merry Christmas full of miracles and hope.
Brenda, Alex and Benny
Though I don't know you personally your story has touched the heart of me and my family. We will continue to pray for your sweet baby Ava each and every day.
Love & Prayers,
The Schoenleber family
Hello there Zimmerman Family,
We are thinking about you and sweet baby Ava tonight. We hope that Ava is improving and that your Christmas prayers have been answered! We also hope that you have found some inner peace for yourselves.
Much love & prayers,
The Baxter Family
Jamie & Jamie,
The Hondorp's send us your blog site many weeks ago & asked us to pray for you. We pray daily. We worked @ UFP years ago, so know you both. We have prayed for Sweet Ava every day since we "met her". She is Beautiful!!
God Bless all of you. Please stay strong.
Dave & Tracey (Clark) Beemer
Zimmermans,
Merry Christmas to ALL of your family. We hope that you could enjoy some of your time at home as Ava rests. Thank you for all of your updates, we really appreciate your time to keep us informed. We are with you in prayer EVERY DAY. God Bless you all.
Love and Prayers,
Chris, Lori, Tate and Connor Brawley
Dear Ava, I Believe! Soon you will make all of our hearts smile. GOD IS GOOD...Cookie
Merry Christmas Zimmerman's. We hope you had peace today and enjoyed each other. Thinking of you as always.
Love,
The Lake's
Hope you all had a good Christmas. We continue to pray for you all. Praying especially hard for Ava to heal and get well.
Love,
Troy, April, Brendon, Kylie, and Ava
Merry Christmas to you all Zimmerman family on this day of miracles. We are all praying for your miracle. Ava is such a fighter, have faith.
Barb, Dana and Heather Daniels
Thank you J & J for keeping everyone updated throughout this difficult time. It has become a daily routine for myself to see how Miss Ava is doing.
Our love and prayers have been with your family all along.
God Bless all of you.
Cindy Coleman and family.
Zimmerman family -
We hope that you had an enjoyable Christmas. Our prayers continue on for little Ava and your family. God bless you all.
Ginger
Birdie,
I wish I was there to hold you.
Love and Prayers,
Aunt Stace
Post a Comment