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Friday, January 28, 2011

The Results are in...

The results of the sleep study are in. The results confirm that apnea is the cause of Faith's low oxygen levels.


Pulmonology
The study began without any oxygen assistance and during this period Faith had about to 50 apneas an hour. During these apneas Faith would go without taking a breath for about 15 seconds and her OS level at times would dip to 60%. When supplied with a half a liter of oxygen her apneas decreased in number and her OS level averaged about 80%. When supplied with 1 liter of oxygen her OS level averaged above 90%, this is the preferred average, but her apneas still did not cease. While faith experienced all three types of apnea during the study, the most common was the apnea related to brain function. The pulmonologist suggested that all three apneas being present could be an indication that the chiari malformation is the root of the problem.

Neurology
The neurologist agreed with this diagnosis. His recommendation is to do the decompression surgery. He reminded us that while this operation is not guaranteed to fix the problem it is the only remedy for pressure on the brain stem. We asked him if we could go home on oxygen and wait for a while to see if Faith would grow out of it. He said that it was a viable option to be considered in the interest of avoiding surgery, but to consult pediatrics to see what there recommendation was.

Pediatrics
The pediatrician did not think it was a good idea to wait. While Faith's OS levels remain in an acceptable range while oxygen is available, there is concern that her apneas were still severe enough that she is at serious risk if she is not monitored closely.

It appears that surgery will be our course.

The surgery is scheduled for 8:30am, Monday, January 31st.

Prayer Request
While we do have the heebee-geebees that come with any surgery the Neurosurgeon assures us that this is a very simple surgery, with very little risk. So the great unknown is really weather the surgery will actually resolve the issue. Please pray that it is a success, that Faith heals quickly, and that we get to come home soon with no more complications.

We love you all and thank you so much for your prayers and support!! God is with us and he IS listening.

4 comments:

  1. LOVE the new pictures. We read the update last night after getting your text and are covering you and Faith in prayers. You are rjight....God is with you and loves you, Faith and M & E more than you can begin to imagine. I went back to Psalm 139 after reading this post too...reminding me of before Faith was born.
    13 For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
    14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
    15 My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
    16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.

    We love you!
    Jill and Matt

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  2. Still praying here - she has been heavy on my mind. Keep trusting!

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  3. Thanks again for the up date. Alison has been keeping us up-to-date but really like reading your journal; and LOVE the new pictures! We continue to pray for Faith and all of you, asking the Lord to continue to hold you all in the palm of his hand. I pray the Lord guides the surgeons hand to find relief for Faith and the oxygen problem. We are looking forward to meeting Faith one day soon! Hopefully we'll see you all next weekend. Love, prayers and God's blessing to you all.

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  4. Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for Thou art my praise.
    Jeremiah 17:14

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