We do believe in the power of prayer, hence our appeals for prayer yesterday.
Corenne thought we had lost Isabella when I was still halfway to the hospital, at 4:00 AM. I had no idea of what to expect when I arrived. (I had stayed home due to a flu).
Earlier the baby had just stopped breathing several times in Corenne’s arms, and she had to shake the baby to stimulate her breathing again. The resulting emergency intubation was anything but smooth (essentially artificial life support). This is already a risky procedure, with a risk of airway hyper-extension and anoxia, which could lead to permanent damage. They finally applied a muscle tranquilizer to still the squirming baby, and this is what Corenne interpreted through the ICU observation window as her baby having given it up.
When I arrived the ICU doctor was outside having a smoke, and he assured me with details of the procedure. Corenne had gone into hiding in another part of the hospital to avoid hearing any further news until I arrived, so I was able to assure her.
Isabella is now in an medically induced coma, tubes up her nose and down her throat. The only positive thing is that Corenne can finally get some sleep, as there is nothing we can do for the baby in this state but a ministry of presence. I got a hotel for Corenne down the street from the hospital, and she collapsed in the bed (she does not want to come home because everybody is sick here). I returned home in time for a normal breakfast with Marc, and took him to school – he never knew I was gone.
So, now we await tests and the diagnosis, but for the time being Isabella will remain sedated on life support. Perhaps this will give her a chance to replenish her strength.
Blessings and thanks again, Philip
HISTORY: Isabella was adopted into the Smith family July 18, 2008. She had been born 2-months prematurely, and was 2 months old when we got her. One week later, she suddenly had a breathing crisis and was rushed to the hospital following a traumatic resuscitatation.
This was the begginning of a (now) seven month odyssey. Isabella suffers from Bronchial Displasia, related to premature lungs at birth. Whenever she gets a cold or flu bug, within hours it can become life-threatening.
Between medical incidents, Bella (or "Bellaboo" as Marc calls her) is strong, fat, healthy, robust, smart, active, alert. She is an EASY baby, happy, sleeps well, eats well. However, over 40% of her little life since birth has been spent in the Intensive Care Unit -- with either her Mommy or her Daddy at her side.
This was the begginning of a (now) seven month odyssey. Isabella suffers from Bronchial Displasia, related to premature lungs at birth. Whenever she gets a cold or flu bug, within hours it can become life-threatening.
Between medical incidents, Bella (or "Bellaboo" as Marc calls her) is strong, fat, healthy, robust, smart, active, alert. She is an EASY baby, happy, sleeps well, eats well. However, over 40% of her little life since birth has been spent in the Intensive Care Unit -- with either her Mommy or her Daddy at her side.
