Friday, August 21, 2009

Surgery...

Annaleigh is in surgery again. This was very sudden, to say the least.

We were on our way out of the house to visit this morning and Dr. Hiatt called to tell us that she was not doing well. She had thrown up multiple times and her belly was looking swollen. By the time we got to the hospital, they had had a surgical consult and an x-ray and numerous tests, all of which pointed to NEC. About 10% of babies who weigh under 1500 grams at birth get NEC and it is extremely dangerous.

Basically, NEC is caused by bacteria in the bowel that eats away at the bowel tissue. In its best form, it goes away and does relatively little damage. In its worst form, it can destroy the bowels and kill the baby. Most cases are treated with medicine, but unfortunately Annaleigh needed immediate surgery. Dr. Gallucci, the same surgeon who did her previous surgery, only needed to look at her very briefly before he started arranging the surgery. He's going to open her up and see what the exact situation is and do what he needs to do to keep her healthy.

Before the last surgery, Dr. Gallucci looked at me and Brooke and said "I've never lost a baby because of something like this." That made us feel better, more confident that she was going to be okay. This time, he looked at us and said "all bets are off. This is very serious." On the consent form, he outlined the procedure and wrote "the baby may not live through this." That was not easy to read. When I saw that I near lost it.

The irony of the whole situation is that she still looks really good. Her eyes have been open and curious and her breathing was great. They only put her on the respirator because she would need it for the surgery. Up until 11 am, she was still only breathing room air.

Dr. Hiatt said that this is something for which there are no warning signs and that it is not related to her previous digestive issues.

So we're waiting. We're are in the "parent's room" where we're planning to stay the night (at least) and we're waiting to hear from someone (anyone) with any news at all. They told us that it would probably take a few hours at least. We'll post again when we hear. In the meantime, please keep our beautiful Annaleigh in your thoughts and prayers.

97 comments:

Amy said...

I am saying a prayer right now for your precious little daughter. Stay strong!

Becca said...

Thoughts & prayers for your sweet Annnaleigh.

Anonymous said...

Praying for your family...

Ivory said...

prayers..

Kayla said...

Annaleigh is in my thoughts and prayers...

Jade said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

emiannie said...

I've got you and baby girl in my prayers. Hang in there Mom and Dad!

Sarah - The Home Cook said...

Tons and tons of thoughts and prayers coming your way. ((HUGS))

Michelle MGD said...

Sending my prayers all the way from California!

Jennifer said...

Lots of prayers coming your way.

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with all of you.

Andrea said...

((HUGS)) I am so sorry your little one is going through this. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

Melissa said...

I'm so sorry to hear this...but she is a very strong little girl. Hang in there and all of you are in my thoughts.

Stephanie said...

I am praying for your sweet baby girl.

Bella said...

Praying for a successful surgey an a healthy little girl!!

jeanna said...

I am praying for your little girl and will be thinking of you all this weekend. (((HUGS)))

Bluebird said...

Thinking of and praying for your sweet little girl.

(SAIF GuitaristsGirl)

Melissa said...

lots of prayers and hugs!!!

BMK said...

Many prayers for you and your family.

Kelsey said...

Big prayers to you, Brooke and Joe. Annaleigh is a strong girl and you have a great doctor on your side.

Andrea said...

Annaleigh is in my thoughts and prayers.

Andrea
edasmommy0709

What's Cookin Chicago said...

Thoughts and prayers out along with a million hugs!

Molly Jean said...

Sending prayers your way...

TripMomma said...

Many many hugs and prayers.

The Roose Family said...

*Sending lots of prayers from WI*

nicole said...

lots of prayers sent your way!

wifeplzak (from WC, the nest)

Stacie said...

Sending prayers your way from CA...

D. said...

Sending lots of prayers your way. My daughter Alaina had a terrible case of NEC and lost 1/3 of her small intestine and she's now a happy healthy 11 month old. Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

I am sending many, many prayers your way.

Cheryl

~*~ Rita Danielle ~*~ said...

Sending lots of prayers and love for Annaleigh and both of you.

Jessarella said...

Oh no! I am so sorry. Your family is in my prayers!

squarepeg said...

You're all in my thoughts - Hang in there little one!!!

Lani said...

Thinking of you all and praying very hard for Annaleigh!!!

Anonymous said...

sending tons of prayers to you and your little one. My family is also praying for you all. (((HUGS)))
Kellyn

Jennifer said...

I am so sorry! She will pull through this. They don't know exactly what causes NEC, but be sure to steralize all pump parts and treat expressed milk like sterile fluid. When our boys were in the NICU the doc suggested this and believed it realy helped. Thinking of you.

Jamie said...

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Annaleigh is a fighter...that will pull her through this...thinking of you all.

Amber said...

Saying lots of prayer to all of you. Wishing you the best tonight.

Kenley and Adam said...

prayers said. i'm so sorry she is not well and i'm praying she will be okay soon! let us know when you hear anything!

Anonymous said...

Saying tons of prayers for you guys!!!!!!!!!!

Kiane said...

Sending tons of prayers for all of you.

(SAIF kianew)

Kimberly said...

Praying for you, Brooke, and Annaleigh.

LanY said...

Sending positive vibes and as many prayers as I can Annaleigh's way. Hang in there Brooke and Joe.

Quince Family said...

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there...

Rebekah said...

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Hang in there baby girl.

Anonymous said...

I'm praying for all of you.

Sarah
(RockysLove)

The Weekly Plate said...

thoughts and prayers and many hugs for you guys!!!!!!! she is a fighter!!!!

Anonymous said...

I know you dont know me, but I follow your blog religiously ( Brooke's cooking blog brought me here) I just wanted to say, Im praying for both of you, Annaleigh, and her brother and sister. She is a very strong little girl, and God will watch over here.
My niece and nephew were born at 25 weeks, so I am very familiar with the ups and downs of the NICU, but I have a feeling after this surgery goes well, it will definately be an UP day. Hugs to you all :)
Lexie

Miesl said...

My thoughts are with you all.

fresh365 said...

I'm sending prayers your way...

Julie said...

I can't imagine how scary this is.... prayers are being sent your way right now. (HUGS)

Kaitlyn said...

MY heart goes out to you and baby Annaleigh. Good thoughts and prayers are being said. Stay strong baby girl!

k-mart said...

Keeping you all in my thoughts.

Hopeful34 said...

Saying alot of prayers that she makes it through this..she has come so far...you are all in my thoughts

Amanda said...

I'm praying hard, guys!!!

Flutterby918 said...

I am praying for your little girl and your family. (((HUGS)) I am so sorry that you have to deal with this.

Anonymous said...

Fight my sweet Annaleigh - you are going to lick this. Show us your strength as we give you ours along with our love and prayers. Hang in there my sweet baby girl. Charlie and Lily you need to continue to stay srong for Mommy and Daddy - they need you to co-operate ever so much right now.

Joe and Brooke - your precious Annaleigh will be JUST FINE... Believe that and hang on to the fact that they have all come so far
and they will continue. Believe and have faith...

My prayers are with all of you always.

All My Love, Auntie :) xoxox

HesseTwins.org.com.biz said...

Annaleigh is in my prayers!!

Anonymous said...

My prayers go out to your family at this time.

Jane from The Nest

Lori (o: said...

Fight little Annaleigh...

Unknown said...

Annaleigh and all of you are in our prayers. She is strong and will get through this!

Anonymous said...

I just said a few extra prayers for Annaleigh. You're entire family has and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. The strength you and Joe have shown is amazing, please know that I look up to the both of you.

God Bless.

GLTP Reflections said...

Dear Joe:

I'm so sorry for all of this. I've been following your blog since your father emailed us the link. Please know that all of your little angels are in my prayers, but I'll say a special one for Annaleigh.

Tammy Ranello (Joe's mom)

Lindsay said...

I read your blog every day on my blackberry and don't typically comment but I am just far too emotionally invested to not comment on this post.

You all are in my thoughts today. And I am cheering for Annaleigh.

Anonymous said...

Praying and praying and praying.

Twin momma said...

All the best to little Annaleigh. She is a fighter and will pull through this coming out a stronger little girl.

Anonymous said...

you have been in our prayers for a while but we are praying extra for your beautiful little Annaleigh. bless all of you.

Suzanne
(firegirl05)

J said...

I am so terribly sorry you are having to go through this. I'm praying for a miracle for little Annaleigh.

Kelly said...

I will be praying for little Annaleigh and you both as well tonight!!

Anonymous said...

praying for all of you... so sorry you are going through this.

Mrs.OL said...

I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry that you are going through this.

Anonymous said...

prayers... prayers... prayers. I'm so sorry all this is happening.
gail (goldielocks5)

Annie said...

All my love, hope, prayers and thoughts are with you. Annie/sweater

Sue said...

Sending good thoughts and lots of prayers your way. Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

There are so many prayers coming to you from so many people.
-monica (monica92603)

Sunny said...

Sending prayers for a miracle for Annaleigh! Stay strong!

kim said...

I am praying like crazy for Annaleigh and your entire family. HUGS!

Anonymous said...

I am praying as hard and as much as I can...

Sarah

Jamie said...

We love you Brooke - we are praying for a miracle!

Newman Family said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My baby Brandon who was born at 26 weeks, 1 day had a similar thing happen to him when he was almost 2 months old and still in the NICU. He didn't wind up needing surgery but they thought he might. He pulled through as I am sure Annaleigh will.

MM4ver said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Have faith in God and trust he will protect little Annaleigh.

CRS said...

I'm sending so much positivity your way. Lots of vibes and hugs.

Celine said...

Sending you lots of positive thoughts.

KCB said...

Annaleigh will pull through this. Praying for your whole family.

Mary said...

Marcel and I are just broken about this. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you tonight.

Valerie said...

She's in my prayers.

Amy said...

Sending tons of prayers your way!

Anonymous said...

hugs, thoughts, and prayers for you and your family.
april (april062604)

Anonymous said...

Praying for you all tonight!

Grammy Suzzy said...

I am praying for sweet little Annaleigh! Have faith!

Kris said...

Prayers coming your way!

Heather said...

All my prayers are coming your way this evening.

HeatherD

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers your way.

Anonymous said...

Sweet Annaleigh is in my thoughts, as is your whole family.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry you are going through this. Please contact Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (I believe it's www.NILMDTS.org)to come and take photographs of your beautiful daughter. They send out professional photographers to take pictures free of charge of babies that have passed away or are going to. They came for my twin boys that were born at 22w5d and I cherish the photos so much. You're all in my thoughts.

Tiffany said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Gillian said...

I'm so very, very sorry for your loss. Beautiful, sweet Annaleigh was so very loved and will continue to be forever.

My thoughts are with you all.

jodi lipman said...

My thoughts are with you and your family throughout this difficult time. I can't imagine what you are feeling or how you are coping, but I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.