Wednesday, June 18, 2014

57 days and 7 surgeries later...

Day 22 (hospital stay #3): So, here is the update. Tomorrow morning at 8am, Zelda goes in for what we hope will be her last surgery for a very long time. The EVD or external drain on the outside of her head will be replaced and internalized with a VA shunt. The VA (ventricular atrial) shunt will continue - as have her other shunts - to drain the excess fluid off of her brain and then through a line to deposit it near her heart. The fluid will then be reabsorbed into her body and life goes on. Both she and Creed have lived with VP shunts since their first year of life. A VP shunt drains into their abdomen. However, with all of Zelda's infections and scarring from surgeries as of late, the battleground is ravaged and they need to drain the excess CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) into another receiving area. The VA shunt drains into the right atrium of the heart. http://neuroanimations.com/Hydrocephalus/Shunts/VA_Shunt.html Am I worried for this surgery? Yes, of course. Am I a bit freaked about a surgery that involves not only her brain but now her heart as well? Hell, yes. Do I want my daughter to be out of the hospital, healthy and happy? Yes, more than any worry or fears that I can have. Zelda is a warrior and is an amazing kid. We all have amazing kids and I hope that none of them ever have to spend this much time in the hospital and have this many surgeries ever again. So tomorrow, please hold good thoughts for Z. I know she will be ok. I have no doubt. We just want to go home on Friday. One of my favorite pics of Z when she was 3 years old...

8 comments:

Marybeth said...

Gail it's Marybeth from way back to inciid days, mom to Georgia and caitie. Good thoughts for the incredible Z.

Wannes said...

We're thinking about you & sweet zelda every day. Keeping our fingers crossed. Let's get this surgery over with, and let this be the start of wonderful times free of worries. Enough already. Zelda and the entire family deserve a break... Sending you lots of love.
Xxx
Wannes, annelies & stella
Ps: that is an absolutely wonderful picture!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the update! xxooxxxo

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update, Gail.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Hope all goes smoothly and well.

Andrew in Cambridge, MA

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update, Gail.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Hope all goes smoothly and well.

Andrew in Cambridge, MA

Christi Greene said...

I am sending you and your tribe so much light and love today. I have been following you via Todd W's photos. I knew you via Selena way back in my Big Red Sun days, and I am in absolute amazement and awe of your incredible family.

Unknown said...

Wishing Z the best my daughter Zoey goes by Z I know how scary it is as a mother, but have faith I can tell she is one strong child just like my daughter. I will be thinking of her and sending her lots of love and prayers!!!!! Stay tough Z !

Merritt~ said...

Will think of and be sending Z strength, resolve, and wrapping her in our thoughts. Max, LaLa & I did a little ritual for her before bed tonight. They ask me many questions. LaLa says, "I want to meet this girl". love to you Gail.