Megan's Gagging Isn't Any Better

[TCA]

Hey guys. Thanks for checking on Megan. I just posted to caring bridge. I hope all of you are doing well.

*********************************************

Sorry I didn't update more yesterday, but the keyboard was broken and that was about the best I could do. I was just too tired last night to get online. We FINALLY were discharged about 2:30 yesterday. Megan did really well yesterday and slept through the night last night. You would never guess she had been in the hospital if you saw her today. We even plan to go to church tonight.

As for the "medical talk" Cotrena mentioned: The pressures they measure during the heart cath are in the right ventrical. In normal people these pressures should be 25-30% of an individual's blood pressure. Before putting in the stint, Megan's was at 80%. After the procedure it was 60%. This is much better, but still not where she needs to be. The doctor said he was glad to get it down some, but it needs to come down to at least 50%, but hopefully lower. He plans to go back in 4-6 mos. and try to open it more, either with balloons or stints.

I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed that they couldn't get it open as much as they had hoped, but am thankful that it is improved. We so appreciate the prayers of all of you and hope that next time the pressures can be reduced to close to the normal range of 25-30%.

Another thing that was found during the cath is that her right femoral vein was closed. (The artery is what collaped before.) They were able to push through it and open it up. He hopes it will stay open now, but will check it again when he goes back in a few months.

She goes back to Vandy for checkups on 3/6 and we'll plan the next procedure then. He wants to give her plenty of time to fully heal before doing anything else. She also has a GI checkup the same day. She goes to the cardiologist here in 2 weeks.

We want to do the cath well after her 2nd birthday. We plan to throw her a big birthday bash and invite everyone. Instead of gifts, though, we ask that everyone bring the money they would spend on a gift as a donation to Ronald McDonald House in Nashville in her honor. They have helped us so much during these hospitalizations and this is a way we can give a little back. We'll get the details together and let you know as the time gets near.

Thanks again for your prayers and concerns. We are blessed beyond measure. There was one Mom in the waiting room that was there by herself and had to leave right after the surgery to care for her other 3 kids at home. I can't imagine. We sat there with all of Megan's grandparents, Aunt Kack, and our pastor and his wife. All of the other aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends were calling constantly for updates. I can't imagine having to go this alone. We know that all of you are here for us and that brings tears of joy to my eyes as I type this. Thank you for your loving care. Pray for those who aren't as fortunate.

Love to all,

Tanya

[nikki-uk]

Tanya, I am pleased Megan got through it ok!

Hopefully in time they will get the pressure down more.

Take care all

[jerseyangel]

Thanks for taking the time to post to us, Tanya. Praying that everything continues to progress properly. She's done so well!

[AndreaB]

Thanks Tanya. Glad she's doing well and hope the percentage continues to drop.

I'm thankful you have a lot of support. I can't imagine going through something like that alone either.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Tanya, I'm so happy to read about all the improvements! And Hooray for Ronald McDonald House! Let us know when Megan's 2nd birthday approaches?

Also, if you are in touch at all with the mom of 4 who was alone in the waiting room, please tell her that your friends on glutenfreeforum are praying for her and her child, as well...I hope her child came through the surgery all right.

[mouse]

Thanks Tanya for taking the time to keep us updated on how Megan did in surgery. She is a fighter. So glad that she is recovering so well. You always have my prayers and well wishes.

[super-sally888]

Hi,

Best wishes and prayers to you and Megan.

Another drug that increases milk supply is domperidone (motilium). This drug actually stimulates prolactin which has the impact on milk supply. I think it may be prescribed directly to increase milk supply. It is also used to help increase gastric motility (I think it is an earlier drug than reglan, and should have less potential side effects) - I used it for gastric motility before and got lactation at the same time. You could ask your doctor...

Sally

HUH?? Reglan is a drug given to ppl with acid reflux to help with that, I have never heard of it being used to increase milk supply?!?

[NoGluGirl]

Hey guys. Thanks for checking on Megan. I just posted to caring bridge. I hope all of you are doing well.

*********************************************

Sorry I didn't update more yesterday, but the keyboard was broken and that was about the best I could do. I was just too tired last night to get online. We FINALLY were discharged about 2:30 yesterday. Megan did really well yesterday and slept through the night last night. You would never guess she had been in the hospital if you saw her today. We even plan to go to church tonight.

As for the "medical talk" Cotrena mentioned: The pressures they measure during the heart cath are in the right ventrical. In normal people these pressures should be 25-30% of an individual's blood pressure. Before putting in the stint, Megan's was at 80%. After the procedure it was 60%. This is much better, but still not where she needs to be. The doctor said he was glad to get it down some, but it needs to come down to at least 50%, but hopefully lower. He plans to go back in 4-6 mos. and try to open it more, either with balloons or stints.

I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed that they couldn't get it open as much as they had hoped, but am thankful that it is improved. We so appreciate the prayers of all of you and hope that next time the pressures can be reduced to close to the normal range of 25-30%.

Another thing that was found during the cath is that her right femoral vein was closed. (The artery is what collaped before.) They were able to push through it and open it up. He hopes it will stay open now, but will check it again when he goes back in a few months.

She goes back to Vandy for checkups on 3/6 and we'll plan the next procedure then. He wants to give her plenty of time to fully heal before doing anything else. She also has a GI checkup the same day. She goes to the cardiologist here in 2 weeks.

We want to do the cath well after her 2nd birthday. We plan to throw her a big birthday bash and invite everyone. Instead of gifts, though, we ask that everyone bring the money they would spend on a gift as a donation to Ronald McDonald House in Nashville in her honor. They have helped us so much during these hospitalizations and this is a way we can give a little back. We'll get the details together and let you know as the time gets near.

Thanks again for your prayers and concerns. We are blessed beyond measure. There was one Mom in the waiting room that was there by herself and had to leave right after the surgery to care for her other 3 kids at home. I can't imagine. We sat there with all of Megan's grandparents, Aunt Kack, and our pastor and his wife. All of the other aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends were calling constantly for updates. I can't imagine having to go this alone. We know that all of you are here for us and that brings tears of joy to my eyes as I type this. Thank you for your loving care. Pray for those who aren't as fortunate.

Love to all,

Tanya

Dear Tanya,

It is so good to hear that Meg has improved! Those heart caths can be pretty difficult. My grandfather had one some time ago. He has congestive heart failure, and his heart only pumps between 15% and 19%. He often struggles just to breathe when walking. Hopefully, Meg will be able to go back and they can help reduce the pressure some more. Your little girl is like a soldier! She fights! We are so proud of her!

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[TCA]

Just updated caring bridge - hope all of you are doing well!

*****************************************

Sorry I haven't updated in a while, but our lives have been as crazy as usual. Megan is doing WONDERFUL. She's down to about 4 hours a night on her feeding tube and is eating so well. We're gradually decreasing her feeds and if all goes well should be eating entirely by mouth within a couple months!!!!

Since I have written last, we have a new arrival in the family - Travis Garner Andrews. Jarod's brother, Luke and his wife, Cotrena delivered him last thursday. He is 14 weeks premature and weighed in at 1 lb. 10 oz. You can follow his progress at caringbridge.org too. His site name is travisandrews. Please be in prayer for him and the family.

Meg had a checkup with the GI and cardiologist at Vandy last week. We intended to update then, but were busy with Travis. They were both amazed at how well she is doing. She was supposed to have a heart cath in the next month or two, but is doing so well, they decided to put it off until Sept.!!!

She is down to one therapy visit a month with each of her 3 therapists! She is ALMOST walking and may be by her birthday. You would never know she has ever had a problem to see her now. God is SO GOOD!!!!!

We plan to celebrate all of this good news and thank you for your prayers and support by doing a big 2nd birthday party.

You're ALL invited to Megan's 2nd Birthday!

April 21, 2007

2-4 pm

Lacey's Spring United Methodist Church

No gifts, but donations will gladly be accepted for Ronald McDonald House of Nashville.

We will have lots of games for the kids and fun for adults too. Please join us in this true celebration of what God can do!

Love to each of you!

Jarod, Tanya, Cole, and Megan

[jerseyangel]

Tanya,

What absolutely wonderful news about Megan! God is good, indeed

I'm so excited about the feeding tube and the walking. Wow!

I will keep little Travis and his mom and dad in my prayers. Sounds like you have all had a lot on your plate.

I promise you, if I lived closer, I'd be at that birthday party! Sounds like fun

[mouse]

What absolutely great news about Megan. I also wish I lived closer as I would certainly attend such a momentous day.

My granddaughter who lives with us, was born 16 weeks early and weighed 1#, 10oz. She is now 19 and perfectly healthy. I tell you this so that you know how far medicine has come with high risk preemies. My prayers are with the new little one and also still with your family.

[lonewolf]

Tanya, thanks for updating us. It's so good to hear that Megan is doing so well!

[Judyin Philly]

SO HAPPY FOR YOUR WONDERFUL MEGAN NEWS...

NOW DO YOU HAVE FOOD FOR ALL 13,0000 OF US?????

WILL PRAY FOR LITTLE TRAVIS TOO.

THIS IS JUST A TRUE MIRCALE.

LOVE JUDY

PS HOW ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR MEDICAL ISSUES, KIDO.?

[nikki-uk]

I'm so pleased Megan is going from strength to strength!, I knew she'd turn the corner!

I will keep little Travis in my thoughts.

BTW - would love to come to the party!! - but ...it's a tad too far to travel (I'm in the UK!)

[AndreaB]

Tanya,

Thanks for the update. It's so good to hear how Megan has progressed. She's definately a trooper. Will keep little Travis and family in my prayers.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Prayers sent for little Travis and his family!

I'm so thrilled to hear how well Megan is doing. There is NOTHING that child (and you) cannot accomplish!!

Thanks so much for the update--I'll be at the party in spirit only!

[TCA]

Hey everyone!!!!! If I thought all of you could make it, I'd find a way to feed all of you! Sorry I don't post much anymore, but Megan has reached the phase where she screams every time I get on the computer. Hopefully she will get out of it soon and I will be able to be on more again. I miss all of you!!!!! Just posted to caring bridge and copied it in below. BTW, Travis is doing great. Thanks for the prayers for him too!

Hugs - Tanya

********************************************************************

Megan took her first steps Tuesday!!!!!! She is doing soooooo good. She also saw one of her feeding therapists on Tuesday and was pretty much released except for a follow up visit in Aug. Melissa, her therapist, said she had never seen a child progress as fast as she has. Today she saw her physical therapist, Rhonda. She's coming back in a month and then will go to once every few months once she's walking good. They're all so pleased with her progress.

She's down to 2 hrs. a night on the feeding tube and we hope to turn it off next Tues. We'll weigh her then and as long as she hasn't lost weight, we can turn it off!! The button will stay in her tummy for a while, though, to make sure all goes well.

We hope all of you can make it to her birthday party next Sat. We're all excited about it and hope to show her off a little. It's such a blessing to see the results of your prayers!

[dlp252]

Thank you for the update, that is just FANTASTIC news!!!!

[jerseyangel]

Tanya,

I just came from my email from Caringbridge with your update!

She's walking!!!!! Such great news all around. Glad Travis is doing well.

Have fun at the party--wish I lived closer.

[nikki-uk]

Uh-Oh....now Megan's starting to walk she'll be getting into all sorts of mishchief!!!!!

Hope you have a great party!!

[AndreaB]

Tanya,

Another very positive update. So glad she's more than likely going to be off the feeding tube next week!

Have a great birtthday party.

[mouse]

What a celebration this birthday party will be. Megan walking has to be a wonderful sight for the whole family. And she eats - how awesome is that. Thank you for letting us all know as I just don't take the time to go to caring bridge. Hugs to you, Megan and your family.

[TCA]

I posted this to Caring Bridge yesterday. I wanted to update all of you. I hope all is well.

Hugs,

Tanya

*************************************************************

Thanks to all of you, Megan's party was a huge success!!! She raised over $2,000.00 for Ronald McDonald House!!!!! We're waiting on a few donations that we've been told are in the mail, then we will deliver it.

It was such a blessed day. The weather was perfect and so many turned out to help us celebrate. Megan was on cloud nine as everyone took turns taking her down the 20 ft. slide. She has NO fear!

You can go to this link to see pictures from the big day. It was so much fun!!!

Open Original Shared Link

Hopefully that will work.

We also appreciate all of you who couldn't come, but sent such sweet cards and donations. It was quite a day and we hate you missed it. We really do appreciate your support of RMH, though.

Megan didn't come off the tube last week because she had a bit of a cold and didn't want to eat much, but we're taking our time and not pushing her too hard.

She was released by her Early Intervention Speech Therapist today.

Her next heart cath is scheduled for Sept. 5. Things can always change, as we've learned, but that's the date for now. Thanks so much for you continued prayers. We see the results every day!

Love,

Jarod, Tanya, Cole, and Megan

[momof2sn]

TCA.. I know you are a very strong person to have gone thru all that you have already!! Am sending up my prayers for all of your family to get thru this stressful situation. God gives mothers of sick children an extra bit of energy & whatever else they need when our children are sick. We had 3 of them, that was a long time ago..am a gr. grandmother but I remember a lot of it. Take care of yourself, and I hope the answer to Megan's problems come soon!! evie

[AndreaB]

Thanks Tanya!

I read over at Caring Bridge since I got an email update.

Sounds like the birthday bash was a great success.