What an adventure Elizabeth has been through this last week !!!

Elizabeth was admitted to Sydney Childrens Hospital on the 22nd November and at 7.00am on the 23rd November 2006 we walked her up to the operating theatre to be prepped for the Glenn Procedure.   We were greeted by all the Doctors, Surgeons and the very nice Anesthesiologist called Allan.  Daddy waited at the door as Mummy took Elizabeth into the room and sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star as Elizabeth drifted off to sleep. 

Daddy, Mummy, YiaYia, Papou & Nona sat in the Star Cafe waiting patiently for the phone call to say that Elizabeth would be okay.  Even Nono was calling to see if we heard any news as he too was worried for Elizabeth.  The clock was ticking and the time felt like it stood still.  When finally my mobile rang, we all nearly jumped out of our seats.  It was the Anesthesiologist to inform us that the operation started off wonderful, they then had to stop the operation half way. 

Elizabeths Pulmonery Pressures in the heart were way too high and this would mean that if they had gone ahead with the op Elizabeth would not have coped and may have had brain damage in the process.  They are not quite sure if it was a mild cold that had caused this pressure or if in fact it was damage to the lungs.  We met the team in the CICU Unit for further discussion and to release some emotions at the same time.  Wow what a roller coaster ride Elizabeth is riding on. 

Mummy  for the first time her life cried infront of the doctors, she just couldnt hold back the tears as did Daddy and the rest of our family. As a parent is it hard coping with the fact that your child is going through so much pain but on the other hand we appreciate the fact that we have fantastic Doctors doing the best they can for our little Angel Elizabeth.  I must say that the Team was very informative and we felt a sence of relief. 

We then called Grandma Feather who was anxiously awaiting our news in Merlbourne and we tried to call Pop in China but we kept missing calls as our mobiles had to be switched off in CICU. Grandma Feather and Pop, this message comes from Elizabeth to let you both know that even though you cannot be here with her she can feel you here in her heart and she doesnt want you to worry she loves you both very very much :)  Elizabeth also wants to Thank Aunty Leonie, Uncle Brian and her cousins Michael, Perry, Ella and Romana for coming to visit her in Hospital Elizabeth loved the company and is going to miss you all when you move back to Melbourne at the end of the Year

The next step we are going to take is in 3 months time Elizabeth will have another Cardiac Catheter done at Westmead.  Exactly 2 weeks later depending on the results she will then either undergo the Glenn Procedure as planned or go to Plan B which is to remove the BT_Shunt that was inserted when when she was 2 days old and connect another High Pressured Shunt. 

We will meet with Dr Murphy in 6 weeks time to organize and talk more about Elizabeths upcoming operations.  I would like to personally thank Dr Murphy, Dr Grant, Dr Amir, Dr Rubenstein and all the team who had operated on our daughter.  A big thanks to all the CICU Team for doing such a great job on Elizabeths quick recovery.  Thanks to all the nurses and staff from C2 South

Our final thanks go out to Family and Friends for calling and texting us continuously as they were all concerned for Elizabeth.  Big Big thanks to the Mothers Group We formed and their children Baby Harry, Baby Daniel, Baby Shari, and to the smiley Britney who was Elizabeths room buddy.  Britney kept smiling and sang songs and played PEEK-A-BOO to Elizabeth as they both Clapped their Hands :) We want to let you all know that supporting eachother made the our stay in Hospital more exciting and considering all our children had different conditions we were all feeling the same emotions.  Thanks for the laughter

Elizabeth was discharged on the 28th November 2006 only 5 days after having such a major incision in her chest.  What a tough little girl our Cookie is, she has the will to fight and has such a high pain threshold.  Keep up the Fighting Spirit Sweetheart and remember that Daddy and Mummy love you so very much. 

Ps:  To view all the images taken of Elizabeth 2nd Operation click this link http://www.heldzingen.com/elizabeth/photos/