Ruby was successfully decanulated and is OFF ECMO !
So 100% of her oxygen is coming through her own lungs now! You can see the bandage on her neck where the cannulae were attached to her jugular vein and carotid artery.
She is still on a ventilator and will stay on it for the time being. They started her oxygen at 100%, but they have gradually been weening her down and she's already at 60%. The air we all normally breathe is 21% oxygen. UPDATE: they just weened her to 50%.
Her vitals are ROCK SOLID and all her blood gas tests have come back very good. Since she's off of the ECMO, she's off of the heparin blood thinner. She's also off of the isoflurane anesthesia. So they've had to bump up her morphine and versed sedation and give her a couple "treats" of her favorite drug, fentanyl. But for the past couple hours she's been awake but calm and handling her newfound freedom very well.
We are very, very relieved. It's like we have a whole new baby. We'll always remember May 9th as Ruby's second "birthday". She is pretty amazed, herself:
Coming off ECMO is really just the first step of a long road. And it's really a step we thought we wouldn't have to take. So what next? Nothing is firm yet, since Ruby is still in charge and setting the agenda. But the doctors are talking about doing her CDH repair surgery on Monday or Tuesday. Until then, it's some rest, recovery, and learning how to breathe again. First, though, it's story time:
(EDIT: oops, I had comments turned off for this post, for some reason. They're enabled now. -- Chris)
oh this is great!!
oh this is great!! congratulations for this great job :)
Wonderful, wonderful news!!!
Wonderful, wonderful news!!! Good work Ruby!
Happy Mother's Day Holly!!!
Happy Mothers Day,
Happy Mothers Day, Holly!!
We're so happy to hear the good news! Thinking of you today and sending love to your family.
Natalie, Grant, and Henry
From Mom's
From Mom's Everywhere........
couldn't have made Mother's day any better than to see you and that little sweet baby (sans ECMO) locking eyes with the best Mom! .
ya that is what it is all about.
Go Team Ruby...... You are well on your way!!!!!!!!
Happy Mother's Day,
Happy Mother's Day, Holly!!!!!!!!!!
I am so happy that Ruby is doing so well.
Congratulations!
love,
kate
It was very nice to meet you
It was very nice to meet you both on Friday, I am SOOOO happy to that Ruby did so well today. I will continue to pray for her. Keep it up Ruby! Happy 1st Mother's Day Holly!!
Happy Mother's Day,
Happy Mother's Day, Holly!
Look at Ruby watching you so intently while you read! I keep checking back to see the post, such good news, I had to read it over and over again. The prayers will be continued for further progress. Big smiles here!
Mark & Roberta
HUGS AND LOVE....and tears
HUGS AND LOVE....and tears of joy. :)
Happy Mother's Day, Holly. :)
Tami
HAPPY DANCING in
HAPPY DANCING in TEXAS!!!
Yeah Ruby! keep getting strong girl!
Hi Guys, Wow! Great to hear
Hi Guys, Wow! Great to hear she's doing so well. She looks amazing in her pictures! :o) Way to go Ruby Hope! Saying lots of prayers that she's got it on her calendar for surgery on Monday or Tuesday. We're thinking of you guys and Ruby and sending all our prayers.
Wonderful News! Way to go
Wonderful News! Way to go Ruby! Keep it up!
Love and hugs,
Pam
Woo-hoooooo! Go Ruby!!
Woo-hoooooo! Go Ruby!! Congratulations and happy day!!!!
- Jenn, Bill and Carter
Great news! Oh, I am so
Great news! Oh, I am so happy to hear this. Happy second birthday, Ruby and happy mother's day, Holly.
Natalie
Yeah for Ruby!!!! The
Yeah for Ruby!!!! The pictures are gorgeous!!! Happy Mother's Day to you Holly!!
Karla
Braden's Mom
Yay yay yay yay
Yay yay yay yay yay!!!
:)
Go, Ruby!!!
Lots of love,
Missy, Larry and Anthony
We are so excited! This is
We are so excited! This is great news, and you will continue to be in our thoughts. Love you guys!
Hi Holly and Chris! Way to
Hi Holly and Chris!
Way to go Ruby!!! Happy Mother's Day Holly!!! May Ruby continue to do well off of ECMO and continue to have very good stats. She is looking good and I love her being awake and looking around. Praying for strength for Ruby.
Hugs to you 3!! Tracy - Ian's mom
Oh, that is just such great
Oh, that is just such great news! Happy 2nd "birthday" Ruby!! Love and hugs from IA.
Tears of JOY filled my eyes
Tears of JOY filled my eyes at the great news and beautiful pictures! She looks vibrant!
Julie
Way to go Ruby! A big hug to
Way to go Ruby! A big hug to you and to both of your parents.
Awesome! Way to go, Ruby!
Awesome! Way to go, Ruby! You're in our prayers!
Ed and Kate B.