Ava~ Hope for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.: Pray

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Pray

Hey All. We are on our way to Iowa City, Ava isn't getting better in fact worse. She is now in pain so we are hoping that they will do surgery on her soon. I just hate to see her this way. My Mom is coming with me now and I have to call Brian when we find out what the plan is going to be. The discomfort comes in waves. She didn't sleep much last night.

Pray, pray, pray. Thanks again for all your support.

~Terri

11 comments:

Maxton's Mommy said...: We are thinking of you and Ava and your family and the doctors. Have a safe trip.; January 6, 2009 at 7:38 AM
My Three Sons said...: Sending prayers your way. Have a safe drive and I will check in later for an update.

Kaci and Carson; January 6, 2009 at 7:39 AM
Baylee and Blair's page said...: I'm praying for your family and especially Ava! I hope surgery goes smoothly as she can't keep on like she is. Is she losing weight from all the throwing up? I can only imagine how raw her throat must be! Please keep us posted!

Hugs - Tiffany; January 6, 2009 at 7:42 AM
Anonymous said...: Dear Lord
I pray that you keep Ava safe & strong. Please help the doctors to heal this child. Keep her family in your arms and help them as they struggle with the difficulties they are facing. I know you have plans for all of them. AMEN; January 6, 2009 at 8:26 AM
Fer said...: OMG Terri. I am praying for her, please keep us updated!; January 6, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Amy AKA "Baba" said...: In our thoughts and prayers.; January 6, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Kathyb1960 said...: I'm praying for you all. I'll also put a note on my blog.

Take care, and give Ava a little hug!

Kathy; January 6, 2009 at 5:55 PM
Anonymous said...: Hello!

It's Hilary, got your website from my cousin, Evie's sight!

Wishing you guys all the best!

Prayers and hugs!!; January 6, 2009 at 7:28 PM
The Rice Family said...: I will be praying for Ava hopefully they will do the surgery and she will get to being herself again.; January 6, 2009 at 8:03 PM
mommy to Kaden, Brody and angel Ava said...: You don't leave that hospital until they do what you want them to. There is no reason why she should have to go through this and they need to understand that. I hope things aren't tough for you and the doctors are very sympathetic and understanding of Ava's needs. You guys continue to be in my prayers. I hope they find a way to make Ava comfortable until they can do something...with in the next couple of days hopefully.

Keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything please contact me.; January 6, 2009 at 9:09 PM
mommy to Kaden, Brody and angel Ava said...: I already posted, but I don't think it went through. All I wanted to say was basically you are her mom and you know her best. Do not let the doctors send you home until they agree with you and do something now. There is no reason that Ava should have to go through all of this. I hope the doctors think of some way to make things better for this precious little girl. You guys continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Amy; January 6, 2009 at 9:12 PM

A Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Hello and Welcome Ava's Blog.

My goal to is educate and bring valuable information to the people that need it the most. If your baby has been recently diagnosed with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia or you know someone who has gotten the devastating news, please know you are not alone. Yes this is a very serious, life threatning birth defect yet there are those that do survive... Please let Ava give you Hope.

If your baby was born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and has recently reherniated (the diaphragm needs repaired) I have experience with this as well. Stay strong as this too is a very tough fight.

Ava's journey has been quite the ride. My Hope is that you find comfort knowing that not only do CDH babies survive but they can also thrive even after all the obstacles their bodies are put through.

"Carry Hope with you ALWAYS!"

~ Terri L. Helmick

What is Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia? (CDH)

A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that helps you breathe. The opening allows part of the organs from the belly (stomach, spleen, liver, and intestines) to go up into the chest cavity near the lungs. Also forcing the heart to move.

A diaphragmatic hernia is caused by the improper joining of structures during fetal development. As a result, the abdominal organs such as the stomach, small intestine, spleen, part of the liver, and the kidney appear in the chest cavity. The lung tissue on the affected side is thus not allowed to completely develop.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is seen in 1 out of every 2,500 live births.

Ava's Fetal MRI Results (May 2006)

Fetus is 23 weeks, 6 days and an estimate weight of 638 grams. Amniotic fluid is 21.2 which is in upper range of normal. Fetus has Left Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia containing the stomach, intestines, and a relatively large portion of the left lobe of the fetal liver. Heart is moved to the right. The calculated lung to head ratio is 1.3-1.4 after multiple measurements of the right lung. The best measurement of the right lung is 1.6 x 1.7 x 3.9 cm, with a volume of 5.5 cc. A small portion of the left lung is identified within the left apex and measures 1.9 x 1.4 x 0.8 cm with a volume of 1.1 cc. There is no other fetal anatomic abnormalities.

"My CDH Journey"

I've been told I'm a brave little girl. God has blessed me and my family beyond measure. My Mommy feels lucky that I'm still here with them. I hear I have touched so many lives.

This is my story. I am told I am a Miracle. I am!

(My mommy loved this song as a child. She told me it fits my story.)

"I'm something Special I'm the only one of my kind God gave me a body and a bright healthy mind. He has a special purpose that he wants me to find so he made me something special I'm the only one of my kind."

I would be honored if you read my whole story. You can find it at http://www.carepages.com/ avahelmick. Hold on because it is filled with ups and downs. Mom and Dad says it was quite the roller coaster. I not only survived CDH once, but twice. Thanks to all who read my story. God Bless.

~Ava Elizabeth

Welcome to Our Life with CDH.

Our daughter Ava was born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. CDH is when (inside of the womb) the diaphragm does not form properly. The abdominal organs move up into the chest cavity, compromising the heart and lungs. Fifty percent of CDH babies die. Sometimes with proper diagnosis and treatment, the babies have a better chance at birth.

We held our First Annual, "Ava's Awareness Walk" on March 27, 2008. I was so touched at how many family and friends came out to walk for CDH Awareness. I held back tears as I spoke about Ava's friends that have died fighting this birth defect. I played the song, "Little Angels" that Tamra (my sister) and I created for all the CDH babies. After walking around the beautiful lake we had a balloon release. I did it to remember all the precious angels that had been taken, far too soon, from their Mothers arms. They will forever be in our hearts.

My goal is to educate and provide valuable knowledge and information about Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. I want to let as many know of this deadly birth defect as possible and to share HOPE.

Miracles DO Happen!

Faith and Trust in God.

I was comforted many times by Bible verses.

"In ALL thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." -Proverbs 3:6

"We can do all things through Christ." -Philippians 4:13

"All things work together for the Glory of God."
-Romans 8:28

"Unto thee oh Lord do I lift up my soul." -Psalms 25:1

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28

"I truly believe we are handed things in life to make us become better and stronger people. I have learned more about life from little Ava than I have in all my years. I adore all my girls but I will always thank God and Sweet Ava for making me appreciate life to it's fullest!" -Terri Helmick

Hope for CDH.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Pray

11 comments: