Ava After Surgery Update
Getting ready for surgery…
After Surgery…
After Surgery with Ventilator Removed. Still a little groggy!
Hey guys,
Sorry it has taken a bit to squeeze in some time for this update, but Ava’s surgery today went very well. She is now back in the NICU nursery recovering. It has been a hard day, but a very good one too.
They started the surgery at about noon today and were finished by right around 1:20 this afternoon. The surgeon discussed the results with us immediately afterward. He said once they looked at everything from the inside they were able to verify that it was in fact a cyst, but that that it was positioned a little bit differently that they were expecting. They made a small incision right around Ava’s belly button and they accomplished the rest of the surgery from this incision. Doctor Acton (the surgeon) said everything went as smoothly as possible and that she should be able to breastfeed again after a couple of days. We have been told nothing else is stopping her from going home now aside from her recovery! She is currently hooked up to a ventilator and feeding through an IV again because of the anesthesia required for the surgery. She is also on a small amount of pain medication to help keep her comfortable. Without the pain medication she would be feeling pretty sore from the 2 to 3 inch incision on her stomach. She can still hear everything going on around her but she is very very sleepy still.
The biggest part about today is it now looks like our hardest days are behind us and we can focus on healing Ava’s body from now on and getting her healthy enough to finally come home. Barring further delays, her recovery time will probably be from 5-7 days at this point. Thank you for praying so hard for our little girl. We now have an end in sight! One of these days we will try to repay you for all of the kindness, generosity, and love we’ve been shown throughout the past 2 weeks (and really, 9 months). We owe everyone so much.
7PM UPDATE: They just took her off of the ventilator on account of how well she is doing breathing on her own. Apparently the ventilator couldn’t keep up with her. 
Awesome, awesome news! I am so happy you are through the worst of this ordeal and that it really has gone so smoothly. God has been very gracious. Poor little girl, though, hooked up to all those wires. Ava is going to love looking at these pictures when she’s about 5 years old and showing everyone what she had to go through. I can hear it now. Get some rest, you too, while she’s still groggy and not breastfeeding!
Tough to see my little Ava in that state, but praising God that she is now on the mend and the next time I see her she will be home!!!
Dear Mark & Missy,
I just read your account of Ava’s surgery today and thank the Lord that it went well for her and for you as parents. Ava’s pictures do bring tears – what a precious little girl. May the Lord bless Ava with a peaceful recovery and bless and strengthen you as Daddy & Mommy…with rest too.
“For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised…”
1 Chronicles 16:25 Blessings! Mary
It’s over. I’m sure many tears were shed today, and now tears of joy and relief. Thank the Lord for skilled physicians and medical care. You have all been on our hearts and prayer list today especially…so thankful all went as well at should!! She’s a little sweetheart – I’m sure you are so excited to get her home and free from all those cords!! Thank you for the updates!!
Fabulous news. Thanks for updating us!
Mark, Missy, and Ava! May the Lord strengthen you all today and give you His rest! I love you all and am thinking and praying for you today! I’m so thankful to the Lord for his healing work in Ava’s life! So thankful that the most difficult parts are over! The Lord is so proud of you! The scripture comes to mind, Psalm 31:15, “My times are in Your hands.” You have trusted in the Lord and done so well! See you soon!
She is so precious and you are amazing parents! So thankful that God is guiding the doctors and protecting her with His love. Still praying for you all. With love,