Needlesticks and Showers

     Today I don't have much to update in the way of new medical answers but being that today was a holiday, we didn't have a lot of doctor traffic.  Last night we had a small episode, but praise God for the first time I was able to make her laugh and she pulled out of it.  Around 4 AM the nurse came in to do a blood draw.  Bailey is pretty used to these but every once in a while we have a really bad experience.  Last night they tried twice in one arm (they couldn't do the right arm because of the medication going through the IV) with no success.  Her arms are so black and blue that they said they needed to try getting blood from her feet.  This is mine ( and Bailey's) least favorite place.  It hurts a lot!  They tried once and still didn't get it so my momma instinct came out and I told them they were done.  This lasted until about 6 AM. 
     Texas Children's has this great team called the vascular team.  Bailey requested they start another IV in the other arm so they could draw blood back from it rather than continue to keep sticking her.  She also requested the Vascular team to do it.  This team comes in and uses a sonogram machine to find a good vein.  Using the picture on the monitor, they give a very small injection of lidocaine to numb the area.  They use the smallest needle made to do this.  Then they use the sonogram machine to stick the IV in and they can see the needle puncture the vein.  All of this is done with almost no pain.  It is awesome!!!
     Bailey had some physical therapy this morning.  Dustin and I have decided you need the patience of Job to do this job with teenagers.  They are not the most enthusiastic about being forced to get out of bed (and yes this includes Bailey).  She was made to get up and actually walked around the hallways with some assistance.  Then she got to take her first shower since we have been here.  It is amazing what that will do for the spirit:)
   

     She seemed to be fighting the episodes all day today but was really looking forward to some visitors. She spent some time with two of her close girlfriends and had fun taking pictures and just being silly.  Unfortunately had another episode while they were here. When she came out of it (which happened very quickly) she began to cry and apologized over and over again about it happening and her friends leaving. She had a lot of excitement today and is now resting.
      Bailey is also excited because my parents are flying back from California tonight and are coming straight to the hospital. Tomorrow we are looking forward to getting to speak with the doctors and hopefully get a date for the cath. 
      I just want to send some specific thank yous to people who have really touched our hearts during this time. My David family has been so supportive and understanding. I have the best job!!! I also want to say thank you to Grace Crossing, Conroe Church of Christ, Sanger Church of Christ and all the people who have had prayer groups, sent encouraging words and basically have been the face of Christ. We would never make it throught these times without you and our Jesus!!!
In Christ,
Jackie