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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Update on Scottish Rite



This past Tuesday we had our appointment with Scottish Rite to evaluate Ella's shoulder and it went very well. We were a little stressed about how everything would go and what the day would be like but it was great. Ella did so good and almost finished a whole bottle without a fight while we were there so we didn't even have to mess with the feeding tube! Thank you Lord! She was just flashing her sweet smile at the room full of doctors while they poked around on her as if it was no big deal. She loves being the center of attention. :)

We were very impressed with the team of doctors. They were prepared for us and we could tell they had done their research and knew all about Ella's history. This was an initial visit mainly for them to look at Ella's shoulder and decide if they would even be able to do the surgery there or if we needed to look at other options. They all agreed that they are confident in being able to do the surgery and their goal is to hopefully do the repair in one surgery. No promises were made on that but that is the goal. They do not want to do surgery until she is at least 8-9 months old so that time frame would be May or June. They want her to be bigger and to have had more time to really heal from her other surgeries before we do anything else. So between now and May sometime they want to do another MRI of her shoulder so they can really see what is going on and start putting together a surgery plan. She had an MRI done last month before she left the hospital which provided some good initial info but she was so small that it was hard to really see everything clearly. Once she is bigger and has had more time to develop they will be able to get better pictures and know more about the bone structure, blood flow etc.

They were impressed by the function she has in her left arm even though her range of motion is limited. However, they feel that even with surgery she will never have full range of motion with the left arm and felt like our hopes of her arm having completely normal range is shooting for the moon. While I respect their opinion and know that realisticly she may not have full movement I am still shooting for the moon. I mean we serve a God who created the universe, parted the seas and raised the dead and is still performing miracles today so I have full faith that Ella's arm can be healed completely. That's what He tells us to do in Hebrews 11:1 is to put our faith into action and "be sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." So that is our hope, that her arm be completely healed and have full range of motion. I am reminded of His healing power everyday when I look at both my girls and especially Eva. I just think back to the day when we were handed a box of tissues, given a pat on the knee and told I'm sorry but there is a 5 percent chance at most that your baby is going to live. And look at Eva now, she is perfect! God is amazing so again I say shoot for the moon!

So what happens now? We just continue getting Ella to heal, eat better and gain weight. She will have some developmental delays physically like head control, possibly crawling, etc. because of her arm so we are working with Early Childhood Intervention which is a program that helps families with children with physical and mental developmental delays. They will come to our house periodically to help us and Ella work on these things as well as feeding concerns. Down the road she will more than likely need much more therapy than they can offer but right now this will at least help us know what to do to keep her arm and muscles strong and moving until surgery.

Other than that, Ella is doing well. She is getting close to 8 pounds! Yeah, I know she is 3 months old and barely weighs 8 lbs. but it's cool. Feedings are still hit or miss but getting better. Please continue praying for that. Thank you all for your prayers for us and for Ella. We'll keep you updated as we know more.

19 comments:

Macy said...

Good news! I am glad you were happy with the doctors. My prayer is that Ella will shock them all and that they will see what a powerful God we call Father. I have three good friends who are OTs and PTs with ECI. You are in good hands there.

Mere Ware said...

Carders- It is great to hear more good news about Ella! And, heck yeah shoot for the moon!!!! We love you guys and can't wait to get back in a routine of seeing you each week! We miss you!

There were lots of exclamation points in that paragraph. I'm not really yelling those things, they just seemed more appropriate than periods.

Anonymous said...

Those pictures are great...beautiful Carder women! That Ella sure has a winning smile, I can just picture her smiling at all the doctors. Love you guys and praying for Ella's continued growth, eating, and healing. And shooting for the moon sounds good to me! Give those girls kisses for me and we'll see you guys very soon. Love yall. Oh and can Kelsie come for Christmas? You better watch out...she might just move in with yall!

Jodi said...

What fabulous news! I am so glad that your appt went well and that you are pleased with the doctors, the hospital, the plan, etc. And girl, you are SO right to keep shooting for the moon! I mean, yes, be prepared with what the doctors know... but also be prepared to throw our amazing God into the mix and be amazed! We'll do that together for our girls, ok?! :) Keep keeping us posted... LOVE YOU!

Unknown said...

Go right ahead and shoot for the moon - that's what we're all praying for! She is a beauty and you three look great! And by the way - she's doing great with her weight! I remember when Sam was 3 months old and only weighed a little over 5 pounds. And now, he bulldozes through any and every thing! Scottish Rite is such a wonderful place and I am so glad you are feeling good about your team of doctors. See you soon!

Amanda said...

I'm so happy to read the good news! So thankful that Ella is continuing to heal and that you were happy with the doctors. We are still praying! Love you all!

Julia said...

I'm so thankful the appointment went well & that the doctors are optimistic about the surgery! We will continue to pray for baby Ella - we can't wait to meet her & introduce her to her new buddy Lila! Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

What a great picture of the three of you, you are all beautiful! I am very glad to hear yet more good news on Ella, what a baby doll she is and up to 8lbs....good girl Ella! I am sure that sweet little face won over all of the doctors and that they will take very good care of her when the time comes, I am glad you are comfortable with them. We will continue to pray for Ella and for all of you. Keep shooting for the moon honey there is no way you can miss!! you are doing an amazing job and I love you very much.

Unknown said...

I am so glad you had a great day with the meeting the doctors...it means a lot to feel good about the docs Ella seems like such a sweet baby!! ECI is a great resource and they are great with the little ones. I was so glad to read the good news.

Kendra said...

I'll pray for the moon as well, dear friends. And that baby is GORGEOUS!!

Leilanni said...

Your continued faith consistently astounds me! It's so encouraging to read and be reminded what an awesome God we serve. I think about you guys a lot and we're praying for the moon, also ;-)

Anonymous said...

Hey Amy, Eva, and Ella,

This is Linda Ahern RN from Harris. I just checked out your blog and I am soooo excited to see how Ella is doing! I would love to get your email address and chat. Please email me so we can talk and I can check up on the family. My email is lmh_simplejoy@hotmail.com.
I didn't know that Rick was a pastor. Where at?

Thanks Linda

Anonymous said...

While I miss my little Ella here at work I am so thrilled for you guys that things have been going so well! Amy I think I emailed you a few days ago. That or I emailed a complete stranger. :) I miss seeing y'alls smiling faces and give Miss Ella a big hug and kiss for me!

Kerstin

Anonymous said...

it was so nice to find your blog & read the updates! it sounds like things are really going well(all things considered) for you guys!! absolutely shoot for the moon; i think it is a commandment!! i love you family portrait; you all look beautiful! thanks so much for taking the time to keep us updated. we really do miss you guys up here, but we are so glad you are finally home. i am here in room 1 with donna & chris & we all send our love!! i know you will have a very merry christmas!!! hugs & kisses, coracap

Faithcoach said...

We love you guys and trust that our God specializes in miracles!

Susan @ Blessed Assurances said...

praying for you guys and fully believe that God is going to put those doctors in their place one day. Keep shooting for the moon and with that I pray that Ella's life be proof that God is still alive and active. I pray that doctor's would be floored with the results and sit back scratching their heads at how good she is doing. Then you can swoop in and say "See we serve a BIG God with healing power!" love you!
Susan

Brooks Inc. said...

Amy-

I think of you all and pray for you all the time. I, too, am offering the "shoot for the moon" prayers...Asking for complete range of motion fo rhtis precious, beautiful baby! Know you are all deeply loved.

Becky

LYN said...

I feel a miracle coming our way!! LYN

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with all of you this season. Ella was one of our many little angels in the NICU
and seeing her smiling in the photo also makes me smile. May you be blessed this year with Ella's continued progress and lots of good news.