Page 4 - Heartbridge Healing Home Update - May 2014

MEDICAL NEWS Since our last update, Celeste was discharged from the hospital in Shanghai. Thankfully she avoided having surgery, but she still has our medical team stumped. Celeste appears to be missing a kidney, and doctors think that she does NOT have megacolon. She does have a small leak where her previous heart surgery was done, but that is not cause for immediate concern. Her digestive system does appear to be doing better, but her lungs are her biggest problem right now. They may have been weakened due to her heart defect, poor early nutrition, and a bloated stomach pushing up on her lungs. Dr. Steve will continue with treatment and Celeste testing for now, at Maria’s Big House of Hope. Ian left for the hospital on May 15th, for a second attempt at his colostomy reversal. You may remember that Ian already had this procedure back in October, but the operation was not successful. Now after seven months of recovery time and with a few extra pounds on his frame, Ian has just had what we hope is his final major surgery. His operation was on May 20th, and so far he seems to be doing very well. Please keep this sweet boy in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. I’m sure he is tired of hospitals by now! Ian Miss Grace arrived in Shanghai on May 8th, scheduled for a heart cath to evaluate whether she would need her second surgery soon. Sadly, doctors discovered that Grace still has very small pulmonary arteries that don’t allow for sufficient blood flow to her lungs. Grace was deemed to be inoperable and she returned to Heartbridge a few days later. BUT THERE IS HOPE! Our consulting cardiologist feels that Grace is an excellent candidate for surgery in the US, with a good prognosis. We also have the good news is that her adoption file is already with a US agency. Grace is currently stable and gaining strength, so she does have time. Please join us in praying Grace this sweet girl home to a family and the chance for healing. Dear Steven has had more than his share of troubles lately! You may remember from last month’s update that Steven had been released from the hospital and was back at Heartbridge. He didn’t get to stay for long, and was back in the hospital before the end of April. Once again, he has a bowel obstruction. Doctors have tried everything they can think of, but they may need to perform surgery again. The photo to the left was taken two weeks ago when Steven seemed to be doing better, but he took a turn for the worse over the weekend. Prayers for his recovery would be most appreciated. Steven