Thursday, July 24, 2008

July 24, 2008 6:30pm

Hello everyone! Well, for the last 24+ hours we have been on the "roller-coaster" ride everyone has been warning us about. Late yesterday afternoon Laurie began having trouble keeping her sats stable. The doctors were not able to wean her oxygen rate or pressures without having her de-sat (drop in oxygen levels in the bloodstream). It was an afternoon and evening of watching her monitors and numbers fluctuate from one extreme to another! Mrs. Judy and I finally left the hospital at about midnight when she stabilized. However, during rounds this morning the doctors decided to do another complete work-up because she was still not able to tolerate the decrease in her vent settings and there were inconsistencies in last few blood gases (used to measure levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood). All signs of infection! Laurie has really had a long, hard day of testing! She has had a blood culture, CBC, spinal tap, blood transfusion (7cc), two IVs started, a blood gas, tube adjustment and an x-ray all done today! The x-ray and CBC confirmed that Laurie has pneumonia and a collapsed right lung. They have started her on 3 different antibiotics and IVIG (used to help her immune system). Currently her feedings have been stopped and she is getting IV fluids. Laurie did gain an oz. last night and weighs 1lb. 8oz. The preliminary results from the spinal tap look good--thank God! Please pray for Laurie to respond quickly to the antibiotics, her lung development, and wisdom for her doctors and nurses! Please also pray for safe travel as Todd and Cole come to Birmingham tomorrow! This will be the 1st time Cole will be staying the whole weekend and we had planned to be able to have some time with him. Hopefully, Laurie will stabilize enough that we will have the opportunity to do so!!! Thanks so much for your continued love, support, and prayers! We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful support system!

Love to all!
Todd, Leah, Cole, and Laurie

17 comments:

Ceina Spicer said...

Just wanted you all to know the Spicer's are thinking and praying for you all many times daily. We are watching the post for updates and praying for good reports. Just know we love you all so much and are a phone call away. I was in hopes Laurie would not have times like the last 24 hours but almost all premies do so keep your faith strong and know God is in control. Love you all, Ceina, Terry, Hayes and J.Cole

Kelly said...

Leah,
We are lifting baby Laurie up right now, praying for her to improve during the night and get some much needed rest to recover from such a hard day of invasive testing. We are also praying for you to get some rest and to have some peace, knowing that God has his arms wrapped so tightly around that baby girl of yours protecting her and healing her pneumonia. Visualize the healing that is taking place in her right now and believe that her lungs are going to recover and get stronger. We are praying for Cole and Todd as they travel to Birmingham to be with you this weekend.
We, along with so many others, love you and want you take comfort knowing that prayer is powerful and God will heal Baby Laurie. Take a deep breath, and get some sleep tonight!
God Bless you and your beautiful family,
Kelly and Hank McCarley

Aunt Judy said...

Talked to your mom today when I couldn't wait any longer for a post. I'm so sorry that your have had so much going on these last 24 hours. Will pray that the antibotics will take care of the infection and she will have a much better day tomorrow. Hope you, Todd and Cole will get to spend some much needed time together this weekend.Love, Judy

Eloise said...

We are praying for healing for Laurie's lungs and strength and peace for you. I hope that Laurie stabilizes so that you can enjoy your weekend with your son in town.

Nancy S said...

We are praying!!!!! love, Nancy,
Randy and Drew

Wendy and Michael said...

Please let me know if Laurie needs more blood. One of my boys had to have blood twice, so my blood was checked. I'm O + and something negative. I can't remember what it is supposed to be negative to be able to donate to preemies but the nurses and doctors will know what I'm talking about. Anyway, I'm a donor candidate for preemies if you need me. I am praying and thinking of your family daily.

shannon smith said...

I have you in my prayers right now. We love to see the pictures of your precious baby each day that you post. Resting is the best thing for Laurie right now. God is working during this time to weave her lung back into shape. I told Julie and Matt to give you a hug from our family when they get there today. Just remember that there are many of us back here from your church family that will help you in a moments notice if you need anything!! Just give us a call.

Unknown said...

We're praying for you guys! Especially, that precious little girl! Please let us know if there's anything you need or if there's anything we can do for you here. Your church family loves you and we are all lifting you up to the Mighty God, the only one who can save! Laurie is His creation, His child and He never sleeps nor slumbers! Our God has Laurie in His arms, no better place to be! We're praying for healing, for strength, for perseverence for Laurie, you guys, and Cole. We pray that God will give every doctor and every nurse that has anything to do with her treatment an incredible dose of wisdom and discernment in the decisions they have to make. We pray that people all around that hospital will see and feel the presence of Jesus as a result of your and our faith! God bless you guys! "Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith!"
In Him, Jeff and Jeannen

Anonymous said...

We think about you all the time throughout the day and we check the blog for any updates. We love to see her pictures... she is a precious little girl. Mack has been in a revival this week and when we got home last night we had a message from Jan saying to pray for Laurie. Mack tried to reach Judy and left a message on her phone. He has just talked to her this morning and received an update on Laurie. Please know that our prayers are continually with you and we know that God is in control and that all things will be good for Laurie. Our prayers today are that the pneumonia will clear up and that her lungs will get stronger. We pray that today is a good day for everyone.
Love to all of you,
Mary Emma, Mack & Sue

emilypitts said...

I think I'm like the others who check this blog at least 5 times a day! I am so sorry that Laurie hasn't been feeling well and that her tiny body has had such a workout. She is surrounded by the best doctors and nurses -- angels on earth -- and you are such an amazing mother! We are praying for you, Laurie, Todd and Cole constantly! Love you!
Love, Emily

Unknown said...

Leah, know that we are praying for you and for Laurie. I am sure she will continue to improve. Enjoy Cole and Todd this weekend. Love, Kathy Bruce

Angel said...

I am a friend of Brenda Andress, a very dear and special Christian woman in my life. She told me about your precious baby girl and I can see how she's grown in the pictures! That's so hopeful! I wanted you to know that my mother was delivered in 1939 at 1 lb. and a few oz., even before all this technology. She was carried to the hospital in the Dr's bag and she's lived a nrmal, healthy life. I will continue to pray for only the best for your little Laurie!

denise said...

I have been fighting with this computer for weeks and it will not let me have an account. Anyway I think I have it worked out now. I love being able to keep up with Laurie. When Chace was there this was not available. I am so sorry you and your family are having to go through this. Those set backs are very hard. Chace had pnemonia at about a week old. Laurie is precious and a strong little girl. I will continue to pray for all of you. I hope you and Todd have a good weekend with Cole. Collin still wants him to come play. I plan on coming to see you during my break (about 2 weeks). Call if I can help.
Love,
Denise, Stevie, Chace and Collin

jeffandchantal said...

Praying Laurie responds to her meds
instantly. Praying for healing and strength that she tolerates all testing well and continues to improve. Praising the Father, the Great Physician as he guides all Laurie's doctors, nurse's, and provides them with all the wisdom and knowledge they need to help this precious baby get well. Praying for travel mercies for Cole and Todd. For continued family Strength, Faith and Encouragement during the ups and downs while Laurie continues to recover. Praying the family never loses focus on the Father that loves her the most, that they have Peace knowing our Heavenly Father is holding Laurie in His arms. Praising the Lord for all he has done and will continue to do though this little angel's life. Stay strong in the Lord and His word. He's been with you the entire time and He will never leave you. We will continue lifting your family up in prayer. As well as the other babies and their families. Prayer is a powerful, and I believe in the power of prayer! God bless you!!

Rhonda said...

IT'S ME
STILL PRAYING OUR BABY DOLL
HAS A SPECIAL ANGEL AND A
STRONG WILL LOVE YOU ALL
HI! COLEY DOUGLAS HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND GET SOME REST I'LL TALK TO YOU LATER
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THOSE
BEAUTIFUL EYES AGAIN
LOVE
AUNT RHONDA

Blanton said...

We pray for Laurie and her family daily. We know the good Lord is with you all. Thank you for keeping us up-to-date.

The Blanton's

Christina said...

Leah,
My family and I pray for you all daily. Laurie is such a blessing and we hope to hear of her improvement in the days ahead.
Christina Cook Anderson