Ups and Downs

Unfortunately, Tessa gave us another scare today... and another test of faith. We know that God is in control but it is still very difficult when Tessa has a down day.
As the day progressed, Tessa's vital signs and blood gas readings continued to worsen. All attempts to make her more comfortable or increase her oxygen did nothing to improve her status. Even a visit from her "Greensboro Grandmother" Brenda did nothing to raise her spirits. Her blood pressure was very low and she also stopped urinating as she did a couple of weeks ago. Because of these issues and to avoid complications, they decided to once again stop Tessa's feedings. No more milk for now.
By 3:00 they decided to take her off the traditional ventilator and replace it with the high frequency jet ventilator. This achieves higher oxygenation of the blood using lower pressure by giving her a very high number of breaths per minute. Currently the ventilator is set to 420 breaths per minute and her blood gases are back to a desirable level.
When we returned from lunch, Tessa's color was greyish and pale. This was extremely scary for Nancy and I but now her color looks good. The new ventilator is working. The high frequency jet ventilator is similar to the oscillator that she was on at Women's Hospital.
Tessa was completely off medication except for a sedative as needed and some Zantac that was part of her liquid nutrition. As of today, this is no longer the case.
Because they suspect infection, she has been given two antibiotics today. In addition, she is on dopamine for blood pressure and received sodium bicarbonate for metabolic acidosis. They put an arterial line into her left arm to draw blood and a hep lock into her right arm to give her blood. She is currently receiving a blood transfusion. She is also getting a fentanyl drip as a sedative and papaverin to relax her arteries.
Fortunately, God does answer our prayers and things are looking better. They are now reducing her dopamine and they have reduced some settings on the ventilator. Her latest x-ray and blood gas tests are good and her blood pressure has increased. Mom and dad are in better spirits and God has given us peace. It is difficult seeing her like this so continue in prayer for all of us. God heals all manner of sickness.....those in which we know the cause and also those where
the cause is unknown.

Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.