Get Well Soon!

Looking out Tessa's window, there is a gas station nearby with a sign on the roof. It says, "Get Well Soon!" This is our most sincere prayer for Tessa. God places people and objects in our life and may he bless the creator of this sign along with all of you. Your concern and love for Tessa gives us comfort and hope.
In addition to the catheter in her neck, they have also inserted an arterial line into Tessa's groin area to easily take blood. While she is on ECMO they must draw blood for labs every hour to test blood gases and clotting time. She is on heparin to control blood clots and they must test clotting time regularly. She is at risk for internal bleeding so they completed another cranial ultrasound this morning. The preliminary report showed no signs of problems. Praise God. They are having some issues with blood pressure and oxygen saturations but it is expected that it will take some time to adapt the ECMO and medications to her needs. She has a urinary catheter to collect her urine. It is tested for lactic acid levels which were initially elevated but now have come down to an acceptable level. Lastly, she has a peripheral IV in her right arm. This is used to give her platelets which get depleted from her blood while on ECMO. We both have previously donated blood and platelets to the American Red Cross and are humbled that Tessa is now being helped through the generosity of other anonymous donors. We encourage anyone who is able to donate blood or platelets in Tessa's honor whenever there is an opportunity. It takes 4-5 cups of blood to initially prime the ECMO equipment and Tessa will be receiving blood and platelets frequently.
God is certainly in control and is cradling Tessa in his loving arms. We take comfort in his promises given to us through his holy word.

Genesis 50:21
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.